Carry on caravanning… just remember to take out cover

With the bank holiday weekend fast approaching, many people will be busy making plans to get away for a short break.

As seen in the news over the past week caravanning is now officially back in fashion, led by home-grown celebrity caravanners, including supermodel Kate Moss, singer Robbie Williams and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

This celebrity-led trend is backed up by research, which shows that caravan holidays are now the most popular ‘paid for’ holiday choice in the UK. Caravanning is now not only cool, but also big business, with the industry currently worth £16 billion.

With this resurgence in popularity, and as many new caravanners look to try out caravanning for the first time, Co-operative Insurance (CIS) is warning holidaymakers to ensure they have cover in place, as new data released by CIS shows that the average cost of a caravan claim is £1,826. Theft is the most common claim, followed by damage caused by storms and impact.

Most Common Caravan Claims

1. Theft
2. Storm Damage
3. Impact
4. Vandalism
5. Accidental Damage to Contents

David Neave, Director of General Insurance for CIS, advises, “Many people take caravan breaks to escape the pressures of everyday life but it is important that holidaymakers are aware of the potential dangers and keep a watchful eye on their caravan and belongings to ensure that their trip remains stress free.”

To help people planning caravan trips this summer, Co-operative Insurance has compiled a list of top tips for caravan security.

1.Immobilise your caravan at all times – even when only stopping briefly.

2. Keep a log of all the serial numbers and a short description of all the valuable items in your caravan.

3. Make sure you fit an alarm.

4. Don’t leave doors or windows open – remember a burglar could be in and out of your caravan within 2 minutes.

5. Fit a good quality hitchlock, locking wheel nuts and wheel clamp.

Co-operative Insurance provides unlimited cover for loss or damage to a caravan throughout the UK, as well as 60 days cover in Europe, under the CIS Home Options policy. This covers the cost of alternative accommodation and also the liability of anyone else using the caravan with the owners permission, effectively giving full cover at no extra cost if the caravan is lent to family and friends, with the option to increase the level of cover to include loss or damage to personal items. There is also the option to include annual travel cover under the home policy.

In addition to providing caravan insurance CIS’s Home Options policy also provides the option to take out annual travel insurance which provides added flexibility enabling CIS customers to ‘hook up and go’ whenever they want to.

David Neave, continued, “Most people want the security of having all their assets and possessions covered, without the hassle of arranging multiple policies. By providing customers with greater freedom it enables them to use their caravans whenever they want to safe in the knowledge that they are properly insured.”