Static Caravan Insurance - FAQs

Q1.       If I have to make a claim, what amount will normally be deducted from my claim (the excess)?
  One of the benefits of this policy is that there are no excesses usually. There may, however, be occasions where it is necessary to apply special terms - for example, apply a compulsory flood excess on certain sites with a history of, or a continuing threat of, flooding. In these circumstances, we will of course advise the special terms that will apply.
Q2.       Can I insure a static caravan sited abroad?
  This policy is only available for static holiday caravans sited in the UK. We can insure static holiday caravans overseas through Towergate Holiday Homes insurance on 01708 777601.
Q3.       Is there any age limit in respect of the caravan to be insured?
  The caravan must be less than 15 years of age if it is to be insured on a new for old basis. Caravans up to 20 years of age can however be insured on a market value basis.
Q4.       Does the policy provide cover in respect of flood loss or damage?
  The policy provides cover in respect of flood damage. However in view of the substantial losses which have been experienced in recent years, there are a number of sites which are subject to flooding which may be subject to restrictions. For example the policy may exclude flood damage altogether or a policy excess may apply. If the caravan is sited on a site which is liable to flood please check with us first.
Q5.       How much should I insure my caravan for?
  The policy offers a choice of either new for old or market value cover. Should you require new for old cover the caravan must be insured for the cost of its brand new equivalent to include an allowance for site clearance, re-siting and delivery fees together with the value of any additions such as verandas, sheds and storage containers. You should also include an allowance for contents and equipment.

If insuring on a market value basis then the caravan and its contents should be insured for their current market value together with an allowance for site clearance.
Q6.       In the unlikely event of a total loss, how would my claim be settled?
  If your caravan is insured on a market value basis we would pay the market value of the caravan and its contents at the time of the loss plus an allowance for site clearance. This would be by way of a cash settlement.

If the caravan is insured on a new for old basis we would look to arrange replacement of the caravan with its brand new equivalent via the site to include the cost of site clearance, re-siting and delivery fees. In addition, we would also need to replace as new the contents. Clearly it is essential that the sums insured are adequate because in the event of a total loss the repair settlement cannot exceed the sum insured. Please note that claims in respect of household linen and clothing will be settled on a market value basis and not new for old.

If you decide not to replace the caravan our settlement will be by cash payment on a market value basis.
Q7.       My caravan is to be used as my main residence, is this acceptable?
  Yes, we can insure caravans which are used as the main residence although it should be borne in mind that the policy is primarily designed for holiday caravans and the cover is therefore not as extensive as that which would normally be provided by a household policy. For example, it would exclude cover in respect of valuable items such as jewellery, sports equipment and cameras.

If your caravan is less than five years old, your main residence and the site benefits from at least a 10-month licence, it may qualify for our Residential Park Home Insurance. Please contact us on 01242 528844 for details. This product is more competitive and the cover more appropriate for a main residence.
Q8.       Does the policy allow for the caravan to be hired out?
  We fully understand that caravan owners often hire their caravan out either privately or through the site to offset the costs associated with caravan ownership.

The policy fully allows for this situation and indeed includes a very generous loss of use benefits to cover the loss of rent should you be unable to honour a booking. The benefit is linked to the time of the year and is based upon a percentage of the sum insured. e.g. up to 3% of the sum insured per week in July and August reducing to 1% of the sum insured per week between October and April. The maximum amount payable in any one year is 20% of the total sum insured. In addition the policy can be extended to include Malicious Damage by hirers at an additional premium of £25.
Q9.       Does the policy provide cover in respect of frost damage?
  Unlike many other policies the policy provides cover in respect of frost damage all the year round. We nevertheless still recommend that during the closed season or when the caravan is left unoccupied for more than 30 days that the water system is fully drained. This because in the event of frost damage whilst we cover the damage to the plumbing installations we would not cover damage caused by the subsequent escape of water unless the caravan was occupied at the time.
Q10.       Are there any particular exclusions that I need to be made aware of?
  The policy does exclude theft of high value items such as televisions, personal computers, audio and video equipment when the caravan is not in use i.e. during the closed season or when a caravan is unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days. We strongly recommend that high value and easily portable equipment is removed at such times.

As described in response to the previous question please be aware of the exclusion in respect of damage caused by the escape of water following frost.

There are a number of other exclusions too in relation to loss or damage caused by insects, vermin, fungus or damp, damage caused by the ingress of water through seams and seals, depreciation, chemical or electrical breakdown, wear and tear and damage caused deliberately by you or your family.
Q11.       The site requires a public liability indemnity limit of £2M. Does the policy include this?
  The policy automatically includes a public liability indemnity limit of £2M and if necessary this can be increased to £5M subject to an additional premium of £15.
Q12.       My caravan is protected by a site installed alarm system. Does this attract any discount?
  We do offer a discount if the caravan is protected by an electronic alarm system which is monitored by the site 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Such systems would include Ramtech, Startech and Goldcrest.
Q13.       Does the policy include accidental damage?
  The policy provides cover in respect of accidental damage to underground pipes and cables, panels, televisions, video and audio equipment and computers; the breakage of glass in doors, windows, fan lights, sanitary fittings e.g. shower trays, sinks and toilets; fixed glass in furniture and ceramic hobs. It would not for example cover the accidental spillage of bleach or paint on a carpet.
Q14.       What do I do in the event of a claim?
  When you receive your new policy you will also receive a claim advice form. In the event of a claim simply return this to us together with supporting estimates or in the event of an emergency contact us by telephone. Most claims are dealt with within the office but in the event of a larger claim we would normally appoint a Loss Adjuster. We do pride ourselves in offering an extremely efficient, fair and friendly claims service.
Q15.       Does the policy cover my outdoor shed and its contents?
  Yes the policy does provide cover in respect of outbuildings and their contents but contents would not extend to include valuable items such as sports equipment and pedal cycles. Such items should be insured under the “all risks” extension of a household policy.
Q16.       How can I pay?
  You can pay in full by cheque, in full by debit/credit card or by 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit. If you pay by direct debit, no credit charge applies but we do charge a small administration fee of £1.50 per month.