Frequently Asked Questions

When choosing caravan insurance for older models of caravans, caravan owners need to choose an insurance provider carefully, whether looking for ‘new for old’ or ‘market value’ cover.

Whether you have just bought a second hand static or touring caravan or if you have owned the same caravan for a long time then compare Coast’s caravan insurance – not all policies offer the same levels of cover.

We even offer ‘new for old’ insurance on:

• Static caravans up to 20 years old
• Touring caravans up to 10 years old

Plus ‘market value’ insurance cover for:

• Static caravans up to 20 years old
• Touring caravans up to 15 years old

Our caravan insurance policies include a great range of benefits and discounts, including:

Touring caravan insurance:

• Up to 180 days European cover
• Accidental damage
• No Claims Bonus
• Discounts for Security Alarm and Club Membership

Check out the benefits of our touring caravan insurance.

Static caravan insurance:

• Legal expenses cover
• No additional winter excess

Check out the benefits of our static caravan insurance.

Why not get a Caravan Insurance Quote Online or call us now freephone 01892 784059 and compare our caravan insurance quotes.

Please note: All cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions.

End of Season Checklist for your Caravan

When the season comes to a close, preparing your caravan for the winter months ahead is essential – taking the right precautions at this time helps to keep your caravan in good nick until spring.

Here’s a list of practical tips to help you safeguard your caravan when the colder weather sets in.

• Remove any valuable items and ensure the locks on all doors and windows are secure. If they can’t be removed, make sure electrical items such as DVD players and TVs are hidden from view.
• Make sure your caravan is watertight, because even a small crack or gap could cause a lot of damage if left for a significant period of time.
• If you have indoor storage for your touring caravan, make sure the area is secure and free of dust and debris.
• To help keep the caravan’s interior mildew free, remove and store all linen and blankets and as much of the loose furnishing as you can. Open all cupboard and locker doors, ensure all windows and roof lights are shut, and check that fixed ventilation points are completely unobstructed.
• Shut off the gas supply: Take into consideration the type of gas you may use, remembering that butane will freeze in temperatures below 4 oC.
• Drain the water in the caravan – this includes the toilet system, water system and water heater – and remove your touring caravan’s battery.
• If possible, leave the handbrake off so it can’t seize up and grease the mechanism and the caravan’s corner stays. Other key maintenance points include the jockey wheel if it hasn’t been greased.
• Book your annual service just before the winter to make sure your caravan is properly equipped to deal with the winter.
• Whether your touring caravan is stored under cover or on your driveway a winter cover is a great way to protect the caravan from the winter elements.
• Check your insurance policy – not all policies are the same so make sure you know what is covered and what isn’t.  And importantly, make sure your policy hasn’t lapsed!

Having the right insurance policy gives you confidence in case anything happens, and it is worth checking what your excess is, as many policies have a special winter excess that applies.

As specialists in insuring caravans, our Coast policies cover as standard a lot of the problems above, including theft of possessions left in caravans during winter months, storm, damage, accidental damage and, for static caravans, legal expenses, and unlike many of our competitors we don’t charge an additional winter excess.

For more information on our caravan insurance or to get a quick quote, please contact us on 01892 784059 or quote online now.

Options for Touring Caravan Storage

Out of season, or at any time that you’re not using your touring caravan, you need to have some sort of storage, and there are a number of options to choose from. We look at the most popular caravan storage choices below.

At home:

The main advantage of storing your touring caravan at home is that you can keep an eye on it when it is not in use. You also have the added advantage of being able to take additional security measures such as installing specialist lighting, hitch posts or locked gates. A disadvantage is that it is obvious to outsiders that you are away on holiday since your caravan will be gone from your driveway.

Open air caravan storage site:

This is an effective way of keeping your touring caravan out of the way when you are not using it. Price is the main advantage of this type of storage. Our research suggests that outdoor storage can range from £12 to £20 per month, some with an initial deposit of around £20. The more expensive caravan storage sites often include facilities to wash and service your caravan whilst it is in storage, which helps keep it in good condition. The disadvantage of open air storage is that your caravan is out in the elements, and should there be any damage caused from theft or storm it may be some time before it is noticed if the site is not patrolled. You can purchase a good all-weather cover for your caravan to help protect it when it is stored outside. A minimum of third party insurance cover is usually expected when using a storage site.

Undercover caravan storage site:

Again, this is a very effective way of keeping your caravan out of the way when you are not using it. Undercover storage is arguably a more secure solution than some open air caravan storage sites – and more often than not you will pay a premium for this compared to other storage options. An added advantage is that storage owners will often actually bring your caravan out of storage for you when you need it, which is good for those of us that do not like manoeuvring in tight spaces. A typical price to expect to pay for this type of storage is around £30 a month.

Annual or seasonal storage on a campsite:

This is a particularly good option if you have a favourite campsite. One disadvantage of this is that it may be less secure than on storage sites. However, an advantage of this type of storage is that there are usually other holidaymakers on the campsites, which deters theft. Some insurers also offer large discounts for touring caravans that are not towed on the road.

Where you choose to store your caravan can affect your insurance, so it is wise to discuss these options with your insurer prior to making a decision.

Check if your Caravan is in a Flood Risk Area

In recent years the number of claims for flooding and storm damage has increased. The Environment Agency has worked with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to produce more information about the risk of flooding.

If you are a static caravan owner and worried about the risk of flooding, then the Environment Agency Flood Map can be a useful way of determining if you are in an area of flood risk and to view the latest flood warnings.

Although the Coast static caravan insurance policy covers flood risk, the cover may be restricted or not available at all for some locations where the risk of flooding is high.

Many static caravan parks are sited near inland water or in coastal areas and these may bring higher risk. This is certainly something to consider if you are thinking of buying a static caravan.

Check the Environment Agency website

Basic Vehicle Safety Check

When touring with your caravan or motorhome in the UK or abroad, safety is paramount. A basic safety check for vehicles:

• Check tyre pressures and treads (including spares). The AA website has some useful information about tyre life and this recommends you do not drive on tyres with 2mm or less of tread.
• Fit rear view mirrors to both sides of your vehicle
• If you are travelling abroad, adjust headlights for driving on the right side of the road. This is to avoid dazzling oncoming vehicles. This can be achieved simply on older vehicles by using adhesive masks on the headlight glass, but is not so easy on newer vehicles with types of halogen, high density discharge (HID) or xenon headlights. Check with a dealer for your make of vehicle to see what you must do before your intended departure date.
• Make sure you know the laws (e.g. traffic regulations, speed limits, compulsory equipment etc.) and road signs of the country of travel.
• Ensure that you wear seatbelts, where fitted, at all times.

A Quick Reference Checklist

If you are travelling abroad with your caravan or motorhome you will need proof of insurance cover and other legal documents. Here is a quick list of what you need:

• Your current certificate of motor insurance.
• Your vehicle registration document (V5) or registration certificate (V5C). If these are not available, a letter of authorisation from the vehicle owner should be obtained.
• A copy of the European Accident Statement or “Constat Amiable”. This needs to be completed immediately after an accident to provide insurers with an accurate account.
• Your full UK driving licence (not provisional). In Italy or Spain, an International Driving Permit (IPD) must accompany a UK driving licence which does not incorporate a photograph.
• Vehicle Excise Duty tax disc. This must be valid throughout the whole of your journey and on your return. You can apply for a new tax disc up to 42 days before the expiry date so check ahead and order a new tax disc if yours is due to expire while you are away.
• Passport and Visa. UK passport holders visiting Western European countries for three months or less do not normally require visas. If you are in doubt, please check directly with the relevant embassy or consulate.
• EHIC card (formerly E111) forms for urgent medical treatment. You can get these from the Post Office or online at the Direct.gov website.
• Compulsory equipment required by law in the country of travel such as a warning triangle, first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and spare headlight bulbs. For more information about what equipment is required in specific countries, motoring organisations such as the AA have details on their websites.
• Green Card. If required.
• Personal Travel Insurance. To cover medical expenses, personal accident, baggage, money and personal liability.

Security Measures Can Help Reduce Your Touring Caravan Insurance Premiums

Under the Coast Touring Caravan Policy, a touring caravan left unattended for 2 hours or more will not be covered for theft or attempted theft unless:

• SINGLE AXLE CARAVANS– a wheel clamp and hitch lock are fitted;
• TWIN AXLE CARAVANS– either 2 wheel clamps and a hitch lock are fitted or one wheel clamp and hitch lock are fitted and a burglar alarm is in operation.

Fitting an alarm or an approved caravan tracking device to your touring caravan will also qualify you for a discount of 5% on your premium. Please note that additional security measures may be required for some caravans.

Please read Coast’s touring caravan insurance policy or call us now freephone 01892 784059 for details or a quote.

Online Resources For Touring Caravan Buyers

There are so many specifications, options, bells and whistles on touring caravans nowadays that choosing a vehicle can be an overwhelming task. To help direct your research amidst the wealth of information on the internet, we at Coast have compiled a list of some of our favourite resources.

• The Caravan Buyers Guide: This website provides a step by step guide to the purchasing process. Key information on what to ask and what checks to carry out can be found here:
  • The Initial Phone Call
  • Checking the Exterior
  • Checking the Interior
  • The Purchase
• GoCaravanning.com: This website provides further guidance on checks, as well as on key things to look for when buying from a dealer versus a private seller.
  • Checking a Caravan’s History
  • Buying from a Dealer
  • Buying Privately
  • Finance
• Free Caravan Price Guide: This website is particularly useful for those looking to purchasing a touring caravan privately, as it provides a free price guide to help you compare.
• Caravan Buyers Guide Forum. There are many good online forums that let you share your buying and selling experiences with other touring caravan owners – this forum is one of the more popular ones.

There are also lots of tips and feedback on eBay.

Buy Touring Caravan Insurance Online

Most car insurance policies will include third party cover for towing a trailer only. If you have invested a lot of money buying your caravan, new or secondhand, it makes sense to protect that investment.

Coast’s specialist touring caravan insurance offers peace of mind to caravan owners as it insures for a wide range of risks including costs of repairing damage caused in an accident, and replacement for theft or fire damage.

In addition, our policy includes up to 180 days European cover, £2 million public liability cover, recovery and delivery expenses and the cost of returning your touring caravan to your home if no member of your party is able to drive following illness or accident to the insured.

New for old touring caravan insurance is available for caravans up to 10 years old (provided the sums insured are sufficient) even if they have been bought second hand.

Coast insures most popular makes of touring caravans, including those by Adria, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Luna, Sterling and Swift. We offer a discount for membership of any caravan club too.

Insure your touring caravan with Coast: get a touring caravan insurance quote online now, or call our friendly team on 01892 784059 or request a callback.

We accept:

• All major credit and debit cards (except Diners and American Express) – no charges apply.
• Payment by Direct Debit using a credit agreement, with an initial payment by debit / credit card, then 9 monthly instalments. Full payment details are available when you obtain a quotation.
• Payment by cheque. Please note that we will be unable to start your cover until we have received your cheque.

If you should encounter any problems paying online, please ring Freephone 0800 614 849.

Naturally we hope you won’t have any accidents or misfortune, but if you do and you wish to make a claim, please call the appropriate Claims team on the number below.

Static caravan, touring caravan, folding caravan,trailer tent, park home, holiday lodge or static holiday home claims

01892 786099
Monday to Friday, 9.00am–5.30pm

Park home or holiday lodge claims

0845 7125220
24 hours access via Zuricare Assistance

Motorhome claims – in the UK

0845 366 0058
Claim or accident (first notification)

0845 366 0059
Claim or accident (existing claim)

0800 068 5710
Replacing / Repairing Glass

Motorhome claims – in Europe

00 800 4000 6000
Claim or accident

Important Legal Considerations for Motor Home Owners

You have purchased a motorhome, purchased your motorhome insurance and chosen your first destination – the next thing to check is that you are in compliance with the relevant UK legal requirements.

UK Motor Home Size Restrictions

If you are considering importing a motorhome from abroad, there are certain size regulations that you need to consider to ensure the vehicle is legal on UK roads.  A motorhome registered in the UK cannot be more than 12 metres long and 2.55 metres wide unless it has an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate; a vehicle with an IVA certificate can have a width of up to 2.6 metres. There is no height limit, but if the motorhome is over 3 metres tall it must have a notice detailing its height visible to the driver.

When measuring your vehicle for compliance purposes there are a couple of considerations.  The length of the vehicle does not include driving mirrors or rearward projecting buffers made of rubber or other resilient material.  The width of the vehicle doesn’t include driving mirrors, lamps, reflectors or distortion in tyres due to loading.

Motor Homes and Your Driving Licence

All motorhome drivers also need to ensure that their driving licence is appropriate to the vehicle.  Restrictions for each licence category are as follows:

A category B licence enables you to drive a motorhome with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg, no more than eight passenger seats, with or without a trailer – weighing no more than 750 kg. For the definition of MAM, or if the vehicle/trailer you intend to use exceeds these limits, you are advised to consult the Government website:www.direct.gov.uk.

A Quick Reference Checklist

If you are travelling abroad with your caravan or motorhome you will need proof of insurance cover and other legal documents. Here is a quick list of what you need:

• Your current certificate of motor insurance.
• Your vehicle registration document (V5) or registration certificate (V5C). If these are not available, a letter of authorisation from the vehicle owner should be obtained.
• A copy of the European Accident Statement or “Constat Amiable”. This needs to be completed immediately after an accident to provide insurers with an accurate account.
• Your full UK driving licence (not provisional). In Italy or Spain, an International Driving Permit (IPD) must accompany a UK driving licence which does not incorporate a photograph.
• Vehicle Excise Duty tax disc. This must be valid throughout the whole of your journey and on your return. You can apply for a new tax disc up to 42 days before the expiry date so check ahead and order a new tax disc if yours is due to expire while you are away.
• Passport and Visa. UK passport holders visiting Western European countries for three months or less do not normally require visas. If you are in doubt, please check directly with the relevant embassy or consulate.
• EHIC card (formerly E111) forms for urgent medical treatment. You can get these from the Post Office or online at the Direct.gov website.
• Compulsory equipment required by law in the country of travel such as a warning triangle, first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and spare headlight bulbs. For more information about what equipment is required in specific countries, motoring organisations such as the AA have details on their websites.
• Green Card. If required.
• Personal Travel Insurance. To cover medical expenses, personal accident, baggage, money and personal liability.

Countries where motorhome insurance cover is provided

The European insurance cover provided for a Motorhome insurance policy extends* to the list of countries below as long as your visit is for not more than 90 days:

• Austria
• France
• Luxembourg
• Slovenia
• Belgium
• Germany
• Lithuania
• Slovakia
• Croatia
• Greece
• Malta
• Spain
• Cyprus
• Iceland
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Ireland
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Estonia
• Italy
• Portugal
• Lichtenstein
• Finland
• Latvia

*However you should advise Coast prior to departure if you are travelling to any country other than those mentioned above or if your visit is going to exceed 90 days.

If cover is granted, there will be a charge and you will need to obtain a green card before departure. In all cases, claims will be subject to both voluntary and compulsory excesses where applicable.

Find out more about Coast Motorhome Insurance or call us now on 01892 784059 for a motorhome insurance quote.

Check if your Park Home is in a Flood Risk Area

In recent years the number of claims for flooding and storm damage have increased. The Environment Agency has worked with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to produce more information about the risk of flooding. If you are a park home, log cabin or holiday lodge owner and worried about the risk of flooding, then the Environment Agency Website can be a useful way of determining if you are in an area of flood risk and to view the latest flood warnings.

Although the Coast park home insurance policy covers flood risk, the cover may be restricted or not available at all for some locations where the risk of flooding is high. Many home parks are sited near inland water or on the coast and these may bring higher risk. This is certainly something to consider if you are thinking of buying a park home.

Park Home Insurance for Over 50′s

Coast offers specialist park home insurance with discounts available for retired customers over 50 years of age.

Compare our park home insurance cover and premiums: as well as a discount for retired over 50’s Coast offers:

• low standard excess sums,
• new for old cover,
• £1000 freezer contents cover,
• £5 million public liability cover
• legal expenses cover included and,
• for residential park home owners, no claims discounts of up to 20%.

With new for old insurance cover on park homes up to 20 years old, our park home insurance offers a great range of benefits.

You also have the reassurance of 24 hour Zuricare Assistance – this gives you immediate access to a large network of professional tradesman that can help if you suffer an insured domestic emergency.

Why not insure your park home with Coast? Compare our premiums and get an online park home insurance quote now or call our friendly team for information or a quote on freephone 01892 784059 .