Caravan Insurance Guide: Static and Touring Cover Explained

What is caravan insurance?

Caravan insurance is specialist cover for touring caravans, which are towed by a car and moved between locations, and static caravans, which are sited permanently or semi-permanently on a holiday park. Because touring caravans aren't covered by a car insurance policy while unhitched, and static caravans aren't vehicles at all, both need their own dedicated insurance.

Touring caravan policies typically focus on cover while being towed, parked, or in storage, while static caravan policies are often structured more like home insurance, covering the caravan as a holiday property, sometimes including contents and accidental damage cover similar to a bricks-and-mortar home.

Who needs caravan insurance?

Anyone who owns a touring caravan used for holidays or weekend trips should have specific cover, since towing a caravan with inadequate insurance could leave both the caravan and any resulting liability uninsured. This applies whether the caravan is new, used, or a classic model.

Owners of static caravans on holiday parks also need appropriate insurance, and in many cases the park operator may require evidence of insurance as a condition of siting the caravan there. This can include owners who use their static caravan personally, as well as those who let it out to others, which typically requires cover for letting use to be added.

What does caravan insurance typically cover?

Cover varies between touring and static caravan policies, but both generally offer protection against damage, theft and liability, with additional options depending on how the caravan is used.

• Accidental damage and theft cover for the caravan
• Public liability cover for injury or damage to third parties
• Contents cover for belongings kept inside the caravan
• Storage cover for touring caravans kept off-site
• New-for-old replacement cover, available on some policies
• Letting cover for static caravans rented out to holidaymakers

What affects the cost of caravan insurance?

For touring caravans, the value, age and security features such as hitch locks, wheel clamps and trackers all affect pricing, as does where the caravan is stored when not in use. A caravan kept in a secure storage site may be viewed differently to one kept on a driveway, depending on the insurer.

For static caravans, the park location, whether the caravan is let out to generate income, and the age and condition of the caravan itself are key factors. Letting a static caravan to holidaymakers generally increases the level of liability and wear-and-tear risk involved, which insurers take into account when calculating price.

Tips for caravan owners arranging insurance

Check whether your holiday park has specific insurance requirements for static caravans, as some parks set minimum cover levels as a condition of your pitch agreement. For touring caravans, consider security devices such as hitch locks and trackers, which may be relevant to both theft prevention and insurer requirements.

• Confirm whether letting use is covered if you rent out a static caravan
• Check contents cover limits against the value of items kept inside
• Ask about new-for-old cover if your caravan is relatively new
• Review storage requirements for touring caravans when not in use
• Declare any modifications or added equipment, such as awnings or solar panels

How to get a quote

Whether you have a touring or static caravan, a specialist broker can help find cover suited to how you use it. Fill in a short form with details of your caravan, and a broker will be in touch with tailored quote options, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Is my touring caravan covered by my car insurance?

Generally no, car insurance does not cover a touring caravan while it's unhitched, and liability cover while towing often depends on your car policy's specific terms, so separate caravan insurance is usually needed.

Do static caravans need insurance by law?

There's no general legal requirement in the same way as motor insurance, but most holiday parks require owners to hold adequate insurance as a condition of siting their caravan there.

Does caravan insurance cover theft from storage?

Many touring caravan policies include cover for theft while in storage, though requirements around security devices and storage site standards often apply.

Can I insure a static caravan that I rent out to holidaymakers?

Yes, but you typically need to declare letting use so the policy reflects the additional liability and wear involved in renting the caravan to others.

What's new-for-old cover on a caravan policy?

It's an option on some policies that replaces a caravan with a new equivalent rather than paying out its depreciated value, usually available for caravans under a certain age.