Damage to a static caravan can be upsetting and disruptive, particularly after a storm, fire, escape of water, theft or another unexpected event. Knowing what to do in the first few hours can help protect people, prevent further damage and give the insurer the information it needs to assess the claim.

This guide explains the typical claims process, the evidence you may be asked to provide and the mistakes that can cause avoidable delays. Every policy is different, so your policy schedule, wording and insurer’s instructions should always take priority.

Important
If anyone is in danger,  contact the emergency services first. Do not enter a damaged caravan if there  is a risk from fire, gas, electricity, flooding, structural instability or hazardous materials.  

Static caravan insurance claim: quick checklist

1.    Make the area safe and deal with any emergency.

2.    Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, where it is safe toe do so.

3.    Photograph and record the damage before moving or disposing of items.

4.    Report theft, vandalism or suspected criminal damage to the police and obtain a crime reference number.

5.    Tell the holiday park or site operator, particularly if utilities, neighbouring units or communal areas are affected.

6.    Contact the insurer or claims administrator as soon as reasonably possible.

7.    Keep damaged property unless the insurer agrees that it can be discarded.

8.    Retain receipts, estimates, correspondence and a written timeline of events.

9.    Do not authorise permanent repairs until the insurer has explained what it needs.

1. Make people and the caravan safe

Your first priority is safety. Move occupants and visitors away from immediate danger and call the emergency services where necessary. Depending on the incident, you may also need to contact the park operator, utility provider or an emergency contractor.

Do not take unnecessary risks to inspect the damage. A caravan that has been affected by fire, severe wind, flooding or impact may have hidden structural or electrical hazards.

2. Prevent further damage where possible

Most insurance policies expect the policyholder to take reasonable steps to limit further loss. This is sometimes described as mitigating the loss. The action you can safely take will depend on the incident.

·      Turn off the water supply aftera burst pipe or leak, if it is safe and practical.

·      Arrange temporary boarding or sheeting after damage to a door, window or roof.

·      Move undamaged contents away from water or exposed areas.

·      Ask the park operator to isolate electricity or gas where appropriate.

·      Keep receipts for emergency call-outs, materials and temporary work.

Temporary action should be limited to what is reasonably necessary to protect the caravan and its contents. Avoid carrying out permanent repairs, replacing major items or dismantling the caravan before speaking to the insurer, unless an immediate safety issue leaves no reasonable alternative.

Can emergency repairs invalidate a claim?

Reasonable emergency work will not normally be treated in the same way as an unauthorised permanent repair. However, the insurer may need to inspect the damage or approve costs before substantial work begins. Photograph the damage before and during temporary repairs, retain damaged parts where practical and keep detailed invoices.

Where possible, call the claims team before instructing a contractor. If you cannot wait because the caravan is unsafe or further damage is occurring, record why immediate action was necessary.

3. Record the damage clearly

Good evidence helps the insurer understand what happened, distinguish sudden damage from pre-existing deterioration and assess the cost of repair or replacement.

·      Take wide photographs showing the whole caravan and surrounding pitch.

·      Take close-up photographs ofeach damaged area.

·      Photograph entry points, broken locks or disturbed property after theft or attempted theft.

·      Record water levels, debris,fallen trees or nearby storm damage where relevant.

·      Take photographs of damaged contents before moving them.

·      Save relevant CCTV, doorbell-camera or park-security footage.

·      Write down the date and approximate time the damage was discovered.

·      Note recent weather conditions, site closures, power cuts or warnings.

·      Keep messages from the park operator, neighbours, guests or witnesses.

Do not alter images or delete the original files. Original photographs usually preserve useful information such as the date and time they were taken.

4. Report criminal incidents

Theft, attempted theft, vandalism and suspected arson should be reported to the police promptly. The insurer may ask for the crime reference number and details of the police report.

Avoid disturbing the scene more than necessary before the police or park security have advised you. If keys, access cards or security codes may have been compromised, arrange appropriate security changes and inform the insurer.

For prevention advice, read InsureMy’s Static Caravan Security Guide.

5. Notify the park or site operator

The park operator may need to isolate utilities, inspect the pitch, remove fallen trees, secure access or check whether other caravans are affected. The operator may also hold records or CCTV that support the claim.

Ask for written confirmation of any action taken and clarify whether the park requires approved contractors for repairs, removal, transport or re-siting. Park rules and site agreements are separate from insurance cover, so costs are not automatically insured merely because the park requires them.

6. Contact the insurer as soon as possible

Use the claims contact details shown in your policy documents. InsureMy is an insurance comparison service, while claims are generally handled by the insurer or its appointed claims administrator.

Policies often require claims to be reported promptly or within a stated period. Even where the full extent of the damage is not yet known, it is usually sensible to give initial notification and follow up with further evidence.

Information to have ready

·      Your name, contact details andpolicy number.

·      The caravan’s make, model, yearand site location.

·      The date the incident occurredor was discovered.

·      A clear description of what happened.

·      The parts of the caravan, decking, outbuildings or contents affected.

·      The steps taken to make the area safe and prevent further damage.

·      Police, fire service or park reference details, where applicable.

·      Photographs, video, witness information and CCTV availability.

·      Details of any emergency contractor already instructed.

·      Whether the caravan is uninhabitable or existing bookings are affected.

7. Follow the insurer’s instructions

After notification, the insurer may ask for additional photographs, proof of ownership, estimates or a formal claim form. For larger or more complex losses, it may appoint a loss adjuster, surveyor, engineer or specialist contractor.

Keep a note of each conversation, including the date, the person you spoke to and any action agreed. Confirm important instructions by email where possible.

What evidence might the insurer request?

Proof of ownership and value

The insurer may ask for purchase invoices, receipts, finance documents, valuation evidence, model details or photographs taken before the incident. For contents, receipts are useful but may not be the only acceptable evidence. Bank statements, manuals, packaging, warranty records and dated photographs can also help establish ownership.

Correct valuation is important before a loss occurs. See How Much Should I Insure My Static Caravan For? for guidance on the caravan, decking, contents, removal, transport andre-siting costs.

Repair estimates

The insurer may obtain its own estimate or ask you to provide quotations from suitable contractors. A quotation should clearly separate labour, materials, VAT and any work that relates to maintenance or improvement rather than insured damage.

Do not assume the insurer will reimburse the first quotation you obtain. It may challenge the scope, request alternatives or appoint its own repair network.

Maintenance and servicing records

Where the cause of damage may be disputed, maintenance records can be important. For example, an insurer assessing water ingress may consider whether the damage resulted from a sudden insured event or gradual deterioration.

·      Roof, sealant and exterior inspection records.

·      Boiler, gas and electrical servicing documents.

·      Drain-down or winterisation invoices.

·      Receipts for previous repairs.

·      Photographs showing the caravan’s condition before the incident.

·      Park inspection or maintenance correspondence.

For common policy restrictions, read Static Caravan Insurance Exclusions Explained.

A schedule of damaged contents

For a contents claim, prepare a list showing each item, its approximate purchase date, original cost, replacement cost and the nature of the damage. Separate items that can be cleaned or repaired from those that appear beyond economical repair.

Common types of static caravan claim

Storm and high-wind damage

Storm claims may involve roofing, cladding,windows, aerials, decking, skirting or impact from falling trees and debris.Take photographs of the wider area as well as the caravan, and retain any weather warnings or park communications.

Damage caused by a defined storm event maybe treated differently from deterioration, loose fixings or long-term wateringress. The insurer will consider the policy definition, weather evidence andthe condition of the caravan.

Escape of water and frozen pipes

Turn off the water supply where safe, move undamaged items and arrange professional help if necessary. Photograph the apparent source and the resulting damage before removal or drying work begins.

The insurer may check whether drain-down,heating, inspection or unoccupancy conditions applied. General maintenance advice does not override the requirements in the policy wording.

Practical winter preparation is covered in our Guide to Draining Down a Static Caravan.

Fire or smoke damage

Call the emergency services and do notre-enter until the site is declared safe. The insurer may require fire-service information and specialist assessment of structural, electrical, gas and smoke damage.

Do not dispose of damaged appliances or components until the insurer, fire investigator or relevant authority confirms that they are no longer required as evidence.

Theft, attempted theft and malicious damage

Report the incident to the police and parkoperator. Photograph forced entry, damaged locks and disturbed areas. Prepare alist of stolen or damaged property and gather evidence of ownership.

The insurer may examine whether security conditions were met, including locks, alarms, keys and evidence of forced orviolent entry where the policy requires it.

Flood damage

Do not enter floodwater or reconnect utilities without professional advice. Record the highest visible water line, affected rooms and damage to the pitch or neighbouring units.

Contaminated water may require specialistc leaning and disposal. Follow the insurer’s instructions before removing flooring, wall panels or contents, except where urgent action is necessary for safety.

Accidental damage

Accidental-damage cover is not included in every policy and may be subject to specific exclusions. Provide a straightforward account of what happened, who was present and whether the caravan was privately occupied, lent to friends or let to paying guests.

Owners who accept paying guests should ensure the declared use is accurate. Read A Guide to Renting Out Your Static Caravan.

How will the insurer assess the claim?

Repairable damage

Where repair is practical and economical, the insurer may authorise work, offer a cash settlement or pay an approved contractor. The approach depends on the policy terms, the extent of damage and the insurer’s claims process.

The policy will not normally pay for unrelated maintenance, betterment or improvements. If you choose higher-spec materials or additional work, you may have to pay the difference.

When a static caravan may be treated as a total loss

A caravan may be considered a total loss when it is destroyed, cannot safely be repaired or the reasonable repair cost is uneconomic compared with the insured settlement basis. The insurer may also consider dismantling, debris removal, transport and re-siting costs where the policy includes them.

New-for-old and market-value settlements

The settlement will depend on the covers elected and the policy conditions. New-for-old cover generally aims to replace the insured caravan with a new equivalent, subject to eligibility, adequate sums insured and policy terms. Market-value cover generally reflects the caravan’s value immediately before the loss, subject to the sum insured.

See New for Old vs Market Value for Older Static Caravans for a fuller comparison.

The policy excess

The excess is the amount deducted from an insured claim. Different excesses may apply to different causes of damage, such as storm, flood, escape of water or accidental damage. Check the policy schedule rather than assuming one excess applies to every section.

Underinsurance

If the declared value is too low, the settlement may be limited or reduced, depending on the policy wording. This can become particularly important when the insured value does not include decking, permanent additions, removal, disposal, transport or re-siting costs.

Contents settlements

Contents may be settled on a replacement, indemnity or other stated basis. Limits may apply to individual items, valuables, money, items left outside, property belonging to guests and contentsused in connection with letting.

Alternative accommodation and loss of use

Some policies include alternative acommodation, loss of use or loss of rent following insured damage. Cover maybe limited by amount, duration and eligibility conditions. Do not book expensive alternative arrangements on the assumption that every cost will be reimbursed; ask the insurer what is authorised.

Common mistakes that can delay or affect a claim

Waiting too long to report the incident. Notify the insurer promptly, even if you are still gathering estimates or do not yet know the full cost.

Throwing damaged property away. Keep items until the insurer agrees they are no longer needed, unless disposal is essential for health or safety. Photograph everything first.

Starting permanent repairs without approval. Emergency protection may be necessary, but substantial repairs can remove evidence or create disputes about cost.

Providing an incomplete account. Explain the circumstances clearly and consistently. Tell the insurer about occupancy, guests, letting, site closure and any relevant previous damage.

Failing to preserve CCTV or messages. Security footage can be overwritten quickly. Download and save it as soon as possible.

Claiming for wear and tear as sudden damage. Insurance is generally intended for insured events, not routine deterioration or maintenance.

Ignoring policy conditions. Security, unoccupancy, inspection and winterisation requirements can be material to a claim.

Using unsuitable contractors. Check whether the park or insurer requires approved contractors, particularly for gas, electrical, structural or transport work.

Not keeping a record of costs. Retain invoices and receipts for emergency work, temporary accommodation and other claimed expenses.

What should you do if a claim is declined or disputed?

Ask the insurer for a written explanationthat identifies the relevant policy term, exclusion or condition. Review the decision against the policy wording, schedule, claim evidence and any expert report.

1.  Request clarification of any factual point you believe is incorrect.

2.  Provide additional documents, photographs, maintenance records or estimates that address the reason given.

3. Use the insurer’s formal complaints process if you remain dissatisfied.

4.  Keep copies of all correspondence and note the dates of each stage.

5.  After the insurer has issued its final response, check whether the complaint is eligible for referral to the Financial Ombudsman Service and the applicable time limit.

This guide does not determine whether aparticular claim should be accepted. Outcomes depend on the facts, evidence andpolicy terms.

How to prepare before you ever need to claim

·      Keep the policy schedule,wording and claims contact details somewhere accessible away from the caravan.

·      Photograph the exterior, interior, decking, additions and valuable contents at least once a year.

·      Store receipts, valuations, serial numbers and servicing documents digitally.

·      Review the insured value after buying a new caravan, adding decking or making significant improvements.

·      Tell the insurer when the caravan’s use changes, including holiday letting or permanent occupation.

·      Check security, unoccupancy and winter drain-down conditions before the park closes.

·      Ask the park operator what happens after major damage, including contractor access, removal and re-siting.

To review available cover, visit our Static Caravan Insurance page or compare caravan insurance quotes.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly should I report a static caravan insurance claim?

Report the incident as soon as reasonably possible and follow any deadline in the policy wording. Early notification allows the insurer to advise on emergency action, evidence and repairs.

Should I contact InsureMy or the insurer?

Claims are generally handled by the insurer or its appointed claims administrator. Use the claims details in your policy documents. InsureMy can help with general policy or comparison queries, but the insurer decides and manages the claim.

Can I clean up before the insurer inspects the caravan?

You can take reasonable action to make thearea safe and prevent further damage. Photograph and video the damage first,keep damaged items where practical and obtain approval before major removal orpermanent repair work.

Do I need receipts for every damaged item?

Receipts are useful but may not be the onlyevidence accepted. Photographs, bank statements, manuals, warranties, serialnumbers and other records may help establish ownership and value.

Will static caravan insurance cover storm damage?

Many policies cover specified storm damage,but definitions, excesses, exclusions and maintenance considerations vary. The insurer may consider weather evidence and whether the damage resulted from a sudden insured event or gradual deterioration.

Will a frozen-pipe claim be covered?

It depends on the policy and whether relevant drain-down, heating, inspection or unoccupancy conditions were met.Follow the actual policy wording rather than relying only on general winteradvice.

Does insurance pay for decking and sheds?

Only where the policy includes them and the sums insured are adequate. Decking, verandas, skirting, sheds and other additions may need to be declared separately or included within a stated limit.

What happens if the caravan is written off?

The insurer will assess the loss under thepolicy’s settlement basis, which may be new-for-old or market value. The treatment of removal, disposal, transport and re-siting costs depends on thepolicy.

Can I claim for lost rental income?

Some policies designed for letting may include loss-of-rent cover after insured damage. Standard private-use cover may not. Check the limits, indemnity period and booking evidence required.

Will making a claim increase my premium?

A claim can affect future premiums, excesses, terms or eligibility, but the effect varies between insurers and depends on the claim history and risk details.

Compare static caravan insurance

The right static caravan policy should reflect the caravan’s value, location, security, occupancy and how it is used.Compare the settlement basis, limits, excesses, exclusions and claims conditions rather than choosing on price alone.

Compare static caravan insurance quotes. Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply.

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