The key things to check before you choose a policy for your holiday home.
Buying static caravan insurance
At NACO, we offer advice and guidance for everything that's holiday caravan related, and we offer our members a static caravan insurance policy that we're very proud of. A great number of our members choose to insure via alternative providers, and we're often asked to comment about things like price and policy coverage.
We've put together this guide to highlight some frequently asked questions and the key considerations to make when you're choosing an insurance policy.
Alongside policy coverage, make sure you're dealing with a reputable company. Look for claims experience too, as this shows how an insurer behaves when a claim is made. A really important factor of any policy.
Although there is no legal requirement to insure your holiday home, 99.9% of the time it is a requirement made by your caravan park, which they are entitled to do. Insuring your caravan is extremely important.
There are some key elements to static holiday caravan insurance which are crucial to understand, so that you can obtain a policy which not only meets your needs but also meets the stipulations of your park, all at a competitive price.
Bear in mind that cheaper doesn't always mean better. Although many of us purchase insurance based on price, the amount of coverage is often more limited. Identify what your insurance requirements are and choose a policy that provides the cover you need.
Back when NACO introduced a policy to our members, there were only a handful of companies across the UK offering caravan insurance. Today there are a great many more, and making your choice can feel overwhelming. The first thing to identify is what type of policy you require. There are two main types you are likely to come across:
These are the two main categories of insurance for static caravan holiday homes. You will need to identify which level of cover you require.
This relates to the costs of debris removal and disposal, reinstatement of the pitch, disconnection and reconnection of services, delivery and re-siting.
With some policies you will be asked to provide a figure for this. If you're unsure how much to include, refer to your park for their guidance, as it can range from £1,500 to £5,000. The cost will depend on various things, such as the extent of the damage, delivery requirements and whether a crane is needed.
However, it is important to note that some policies include an allowance for this provision as an extension to cover, at no additional cost. It's vitally important that you have included siting and debris removal to ensure you are adequately insured.
This is essentially what's covered and what's not. The levels of cover fluctuate from one policy to the next, although at a quick glance they can look much the same. Here are some of the typical variants we see at NACO:
Probably the most common claim for caravan insurers, and all will make clear stipulations about how and when your holiday home should be prepared for the winter period.
Policies will state what period they consider unoccupied. Different policies make certain exclusions when the unit is unoccupied; draining down and frost damage are just some of the things affected in this way.
Some policies insist that your unit is secured to the ground, with the idea that it will minimise the risk of movement or damage during storms.
Also check whether perils such as flood and accidental damage are included as standard, and look at vermin damage or cover for computers. These can be common exclusions but are common claims, so be sure to check. You shouldn't compromise on the cover you need.
Liability cover is really important, and it's generally included as standard. Public liability cover provides you with protection in the event that you are held responsible by a third party for loss, damage or injury at the park. For example, your neighbour slips on your decking and sustains an injury, then takes up a claim against you for their losses. The public liability cover (sometimes called legal liability) kicks in, and insurers would appoint solicitors to handle the matter on your behalf.
Given the no win, no fee culture that exists in the UK, it's especially important nowadays. Look for a minimum of £2,000,000 of cover.
This is a charge made by some parks to verify your insurance documentation and cover. It should be fully detailed within your pitch licence agreement. If it is not, NACO members can get in touch with us for specialist advice.
Remember, we're not a call centre, and the team have been part of the caravan industry for decades. Give us a call if you have any questions about static caravan or lodge insurance.
By insuring with NACO you also enjoy the benefits of NACO membership, with exclusive access to our team of specialist advisors who can help with every aspect of owning your static caravan.
Get an instant quotation. It only takes two minutes and you can pay online to get immediate cover.