Caravan Insurance

It is not only cars which must be insured on Britain's roads: every type of motor vehicle is legally required to have at least third party insurance before it is driven. However, not all caravans need to be insured. Whether your caravan is classed as a motor vehicle by law, and must therefore be insured, depends on the exact type of caravan you own.

Broadly speaking there are three types of caravan. The first is the motor-caravan. This is often referred to as a 'motor home' or 'camper van'. It is effectively a caravan and car combined, because the caravan itself has a motor. As this is a 'mechanically propelled vehicle', this type of caravan must have at least third party insurance. The second type is a touring caravan. This is the type of caravan which you tow behind your car. The third type is a static caravan. This is a caravan which is stationary and typically situated permanently on a camp site.


Motor-caravan Insurance

Motor-caravan insurance is compulsory if you use your caravan on a public road. It is one of the most inexpensive forms of motor insurance in the UK, because the number of claims on camper van policies is exceptionally low. There are a number of reasons for this:

• the drivers tend to be experienced
• a camper van is generally used for holidays or breaks, and is therefore rarely on the road
• there is less risk of theft than with a car

Motor home insurance tends to offer the same levels of cover as car insurance: third party, third party fire and theft, or fully comprehensive cover. However, caravan owners rarely purchase a third party policy because they wish to insure the expensive contents and personal belongings within the motor home, such as a television and DVD player, as well as damage to the van itself. The following benefits may be included with a fully comprehensive camper van policy:

• Alternative accommodation cover if your camper van cannot be used (for example, £30 per day for up to 15 days)
• Personal Accident Benefit for you and your spouse or civil partner
• Courtesy car if your camper van cannot be used

For details of touring and static caravan insurance, see Touring / Static Caravan.