Holidaymakers warned: Staycations could cost you an extra £2,500

Caravan insurance comparison experts at CompareNI.com are warning holidaymakers to check three key things before towing the caravan this holiday season – to help keep them safe on the roads and protected from fines and penalties.

Caravan owners are being urged to check their licence, vehicle weight and insurance before hitting the road.

There isn’t a special caravan driving licence however changes by the DVA means not everyone is eligible to pull all loads without sitting additional driving tests – so it’s important to know and check the weight of the caravan.

Most drivers pass with a category B licence and should be eligible to drive a car, a small van, a motor tricycle and tow another vehicle such as a caravan up to a certain weight.

However, drivers need to note the change in what they can pull, as of December 2021, drivers who passed their car driving test from 1 January 1997 are only allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) – less than half the weight (8,250kg) that older drivers can pull, who passed their test before January 1997.*

Caravanners also need to check the car’s handbook to find out its gross train weight (GTW). This is the total allowable weight of the car plus the trailer plus the load.

Checking the weight or ‘nose weight’ of a caravan is a vital part of any caravanners preparations and can be done using a simple and inexpensive noseweight gauge to ensure the caravan is not overloaded.

Overloading the caravan can be very dangerous and cause damage to the tyres and tow bar.  Inadequate tyres can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and up to three penalty points per tyre.

It’s not a legal requirement to have caravan insurance to cover damages but it is recommended.

 Ian Wilson, Managing Director  at CompareNI.com said: “With a soaring number of holidaymakers continuing to staycation in Northern Ireland  and an ever-increasing rate of caravan thefts due to shortages in the market.  It’s important caravanners and their families are protected and do these three simple checks before heading off this summer – check the drivers driving licence, check the vehicle weight and check the insurance policy.

“Many car insurance policies will provide drivers with basic third-party liability cover for towing a touring caravan, however, with 4,000 caravans stolen each year across the UK, specific insurance to cover the costs of theft is the best way to ensure they aren’t left out of pocket.**

“Car insurance will also not cover a caravan while it is parked or if it sustains damage. This is why we encourage holidaymakers to take out dedicated caravan insurance – it also protects those who are victims of theft of personal belongings or fire damage.

“Vehicle owners also need to update insurance providers with full and accurate details, failure to do so may render the policy invalid and the holidaymakers unprotected.  Caravans are not just a vehicle to many families, they are an escape, a break and a place where memories are made, with the summer in full swing, caravanners need to make sure they are protected.”

Here are CompareNI.com ’s top tips to keep caravans safe and help save money:

1. STORAGE

If you can park it privately, make it as close to the house as possible and easily visible from your windows – even park your car behind it to pen it in.  If parking at a communal caravan park, make sure to remove all valuables or keep them out of sight for anyone who may be able to peer in through the windows, also choose a reputable park with good access control.  You can even ask your insurer for their preferred storage sites for keeping your caravan – this might help reduce the cost of the premium.

2. SECURITY

Visible security measures are ideal to deter opportunist thieves, wheel locks/clamps, padlocks, hitch locks, window locks, cameras, alarms with warning stickers – anything you can do to delay thieves or put them off, is well worth doing. It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for any reductions on your insurance premium, sometimes these additional measures can reduce the cost.

3. COVER UP & KEEP TRACK

Use a cover to disguise its value and attractiveness from potential thefts.  Install a tracker and security mark the caravan with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Chip – to help increase the chances of its safe return should it be stolen.

4. BREAKDOWNS

It is also important for motorists to review their breakdown cover, as some policies will only cover car breakdowns. This could put unprepared motorists in a difficult position, having to leave their caravan behind and vulnerable in the case of a car emergency.

5. ABROAD

If the caravan will be taken abroad, the owner might need to check that the insurance provides European Union coverage.  Note that caravan insurers typically place an annual limit on the number of trips and days the caravan could be used abroad, and exceeding these limits may invalidate the policy.

6. LIKE FOR LIKE

It’s worth checking the insurance policy details to make sure you have ‘new-for-old’ versus market value, to help ensure you get back what you paid for it or a new or latest equivalent should you need it replaced, rather than the current market resale value. 

 CompareNI.com can help people in Northern Ireland  find savings on all sorts of specialist holiday insurance such as caravan, campervan and motorhome insurance.

References:

* https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-rules-for-towing-a-trailer-or-caravan-with-a-car-from-autumn-2021

**https://www.theaa.com/car-insurance/advice/caravan-insurance#:~:text=Do%20I%20need%20caravan%20insurance,caravan%20is%20on%20your%20driveway