Caravan insurance

A clear guide to caravan insurance in the UK

Caravan insurance protects your touring or static caravan against risks like theft, storm damage, accidental damage, and liability to others. It is separate from your car insurance and is designed to put things right when the unexpected happens on the road, on-site, or in storage. While it is not a legal requirement in the UK, many site owners, finance providers, and storage facilities expect you to have appropriate cover. For most owners, the value at risk and the cost of repairs make a standalone policy a sensible safeguard.

In 2025, average annual premiums in Great Britain are around £152 for static caravans and £147 for touring caravans. Prices vary with the caravan’s value, where it is stored, the level of cover you choose, and your claims history. The UK market is competitive this year, with signs of softening prices due to increased insurer competition. That environment can favour buyers who compare multiple quotes and select cover that genuinely fits their needs.

Younger Britons are joining the scene too. Millennials now account for roughly 23% of touring caravan policyholders, and policies have grown sharply since 2019. Insurers are responding with flexible cover options, digital-first claims, and value-focused pricing. That said, the right policy still depends on your caravan type, how and where you use it, and your appetite for risk.

This guide explains what is typically covered, where the common exclusions sit, how claims work, and how you can manage costs safely. We will keep it practical and transparent, so you can make an informed decision without surprises later.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and where the gaps are.

What is covered in practice

A typical policy covers loss or damage to your caravan from events such as theft, attempted theft, fire, storm, flood, and accidental damage. Touring policies usually include cover while towing and when sited, whereas static policies focus on protection while the unit is at a fixed pitch. Many policies include new-for-old or market value settlement options and a level of public liability cover if someone is injured or property is damaged because of your caravan.

There are limits and exclusions to be aware of. Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, vermin, and damp are commonly excluded. Unforced entry thefts, unsecured windows, or lost keys may invalidate a theft claim. Contents cover often excludes high-value items unless specified. Some policies require hitch locks, wheel clamps, or trackers to be fitted when parked or stored. If these security conditions are not met, insurers can decline a claim.

Claims are usually straightforward. You contact your insurer, provide your policy number, a description of what happened, and any evidence such as photos, police crime reference numbers, and repair estimates. An assessor may be appointed for larger losses. Settlement will follow your policy basis - new-for-old or market value - and excess is deducted. For example, if your touring caravan is damaged by a reversing vehicle on site, your accidental damage section may respond, subject to your excess and policy limits. If the caravan is stolen from a non-secure driveway without the required wheel clamp, the claim could be rejected.

Clear documentation, proof of ownership, and evidence of security devices help claims run smoothly.

Who benefits most

Caravan insurance is valuable for owners of touring and static caravans who would struggle to self-fund repairs or a total loss. It is particularly helpful if you tour frequently, store the caravan away from home, or keep valuable equipment on board. Owners who use CaSSOA-registered storage or have enhanced security can often access lower premiums, making protection cost effective.

If your caravan is older, low value, and rarely used, you might decide to self-insure minor risks and carry only third-party liability where available. If you already have comprehensive home or specialist cover that explicitly includes your caravan and its contents at replacement value, you may have overlapping protection - although this is uncommon. Always check actual wording and limits rather than assuming duplicate cover.

The key is matching your risk exposure to a sensible level of protection, not overbuying add-ons you won’t use.

Choosing a level that fits

1. Basic cover

   • Core protection for theft, fire, and weather damage on a market value basis.
   • Lower premiums, higher excess, and tighter single-item and total limits.
   • May require approved security devices to be in place while stored or unattended.

2. Standard cover

   • Adds accidental damage, towing risks for tourers, and improved contents limits.
   • Choice of market value or new-for-old settlement on eligible caravans.
   • Often includes public liability and some cover for awnings and fixtures.

3. Premium cover

   • Higher limits, enhanced personal effects cover, and reduced excess options.
   • Optional protected no-claims and increased European use periods.
   • Better support services, like rapid repair networks and emergency accommodation.

4. Common optional add-ons

   • European use - extend cover for trips across the Channel with stated limits.
   • UK breakdown and recovery - roadside help for caravan and towing vehicle.
   • Legal expenses - assistance with uninsured losses and disputes following incidents.
   • Contents upgrades - higher limits for tech, sports equipment, and e-bikes.
   • Key cover and misfuelling - small-cost extras for specific mishaps.
   • Increased awning cover - higher limits and storm protection conditions.

Tip: Add-ons improve protection but raise premiums. In 2025, extras like EU cover, breakdown, and legal protection can lift an annual premium from around £150 to £300 or more. Choose only what you will actually use.

What it costs and why it varies

Market note: Static caravans are generally cheaper to insure relative to their value than tourers because they are less exposed to theft and road accidents. A well-sited static caravan valued around £35,000 can sometimes cost under £100 to insure, although this is not guaranteed.

Are you eligible

Most UK residents who own or are the registered keeper of a caravan can apply. Insurers typically ask for the make, model, year, value, storage address, security devices, and details of modifications. Touring policies may require the towing vehicle’s details and your towing experience. If finance is in place, you may need the lender’s information. Proof of purchase, photographs, and receipts for security devices are commonly requested.

Applications can be declined if the caravan is used as a permanent residence, has significant undisclosed modifications, is kept at a non-secure or high-risk location without required security, or has a history of multiple recent claims or thefts. Flood-prone or storm-exposed sites can lead to special terms or higher premiums. Being transparent at quote stage prevents issues later and helps avoid rejected claims.

From quote to claim in simple steps

1. Gather details - value, storage location, security devices, towing and usage plans.
2. Get several quotes online - adjust cover levels and excess to compare fairly.
3. Review exclusions carefully - check security conditions and any site-specific terms.
4. Choose settlement basis - new-for-old or market value based on caravan age.
5. Add only needed extras - EU use, breakdown, and legal if you will use them.
6. Buy the policy - store documents, proof of ownership, and device receipts safely.
7. Maintain security - use locks and trackers as required to keep cover valid.
8. If something happens - contact your insurer, provide evidence, and follow guidance.

Advantages and drawbacks at a glance

Key checks before you commit

Read the policy schedule and wording with care. Confirm your settlement basis, total sums insured, and single-item limits for contents. Check the compulsory and voluntary excess amounts and how they apply to each section, including awnings and glass. Review security requirements in detail - for example, specific wheel clamps, hitch locks, or tracker activation - and when they must be in use. Note any exclusions around unattended periods, water ingress, and storm damage to awnings. Look at territorial limits and the maximum trip length if you take the caravan abroad. Finally, consider renewal pricing, no-claims protection rules, and what documentation you will need to support a claim.

Alternatives and related options

1. Motorhome insurance - for self-propelled vehicles with different risks and legal requirements.
2. Travel insurance with gadget cover - if you mainly need personal items protection while away.
3. Home insurance personal possessions extension - limited solution for small, low-value camping gear offsite.
4. Breakdown cover for towing - useful if mechanical assistance is your primary concern.
5. Touring club membership benefits - some include limited assistance or discounts alongside education and support.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is caravan insurance a legal requirement in the UK? A: No. It is not legally required, but many sites and finance providers expect appropriate cover. It protects against high-cost risks that are not covered by car or home insurance.

Q: What affects my premium the most? A: Caravan value, storage security, location risk, your claims history, and chosen cover level. Enhanced locks, alarms, trackers, and CaSSOA storage can reduce the cost meaningfully.

Q: Do I need separate cover for towing? A: Yes, touring caravan insurance is separate from car insurance. Your car policy covers third-party road liability, while caravan insurance covers damage to the caravan itself and related risks.

Q: Are contents covered? A: Usually up to a set limit, with higher-value items sometimes excluded unless specified. Check limits for tech, bikes, and sports equipment, and consider a contents upgrade if needed.

Q: Can I use my caravan in Europe with UK cover? A: Many policies offer optional EU cover for specified trip lengths. Adding this increases the premium, so only include it if you plan to travel abroad.

Q: Will joining a caravan club lower my premium? A: Often yes. Recognised UK clubs can unlock discounts and provide support, education, and tailored cover options that suit how you use your caravan.

Q: Are static caravans cheaper to insure than touring caravans? A: Generally yes relative to their value. Statics face fewer theft and road risks, which can translate into lower premiums for a comparable sum insured.

What to do next

Take a few minutes to compare quotes from several UK insurers. Check the wording, limits, and security conditions side by side, then select the level of protection that fits your caravan and budget. Keep documents, receipts, and photographs organised so any future claim is quick and straightforward. You stay in control at every step.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, cover limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the full policy wording and schedule carefully and ask the insurer to confirm any points you are unsure about before buying.