With lenders severely restricting the amount of money that they lend, and many people having to tighten their belts, wallets and purses caravanning holidays, particularly in the UK have become a very popular way to enjoy a week’s or weekend break, without having to break the bank. As with any holiday, taking out travel insurance is always a good idea, and for caravanners an even better idea is to ensure that you take out caravan insurance so that you and your family’s prized possessions are fully protected on your holidays.

If you are going on a caravan holiday you will in all likelihood being taking a touring caravan which you hitch up to the back of your car or 4×4, rather than staying in a static caravan which is a much larger caravan permanently pitched in a serviced caravan park and not designed to be towed on the road. The risks to a touring caravan are different to a static caravan and it is important to know which kinds of risks are typical for touring caravans.

The most likely risk to a touring caravan is theft from the caravan or damage to the caravan. Both of these will be covered by a good caravan insurance company however it is important to check with your policy provider as to whether they will cover your caravan for damage while it is being towed on the road, as some providers may not cover this. When choosing your insurance it is always worthwhile comparing quotes from a handful of insurance agents or brokers. In addition to the cost of the insurance it is also worthwhile finding out exactly what your insurance policy will cover you for as not all caravan insurance policies are the same.

Finding an insurance company couldn’t be easier these days, with many providers having an internet presence a quick search will be enough to bring plenty of different companies for you to choose from. As of yet there are no caravan insurance direct comparison websites available so you may have to do some of the leg work yourself, but this should only take you a few minutes to some basic information and the contact details of some well established and experienced companies.

Because of the current financial squeeze, saving money whenever possible is something that many people look to do, and there are simple ways to reduce the amount of premium payable on a caravan insurance policy. Theft of and from caravans is the most common reason for claims, but apart from the simple measures that you can take to reduce this (e.g. keeping valuable items out of plain view and ensuring that your caravan is locked when leaving it).

You can save money by adding a security alarm should someone try to gain unauthorised access to your caravan, add a wheel-lock such as AL-KO, and/or fit a tracking device in the event that the perpetrators should manage to make off with your mobile holiday home. According to Thiefbeaters if you “install a Thiefbeaters identification system in your caravan and it’s a statistical fact that it is less likely to be targeted than those fitted with traditional security.” Employing one or more of these measures can save £££’s through discounting your policy.

Finally, as with any financial agreement or policy, being completely familiar with all of the details of any agreement will put you in a much better position to be able to decide how worthwhile and valuable a policy is. Policies vary in their coverage, with some having limited coverage and others providing comprehensive coverage. Familiarity with the caravan insurance policy coverage will give you peace of mind whilst on holiday, the satisfaction of knowing exactly what is covered, and what is not.