Is Caravan Insurance a Legal Requirement?

Like many people that are new to the world of caravan ownership, you’re probably wondering if caravan insurance is a legal requirement. That’s why we’re here!

In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about caravan insurance and what’s required for both touring and static caravans. We’ll also look at the benefits of having the right cover in place, so you can make the most of your caravan without any worries.

What is caravan insurance?

Caravan insurance is there to protect your caravan from all sorts of mishaps, whether you’re out and about on an adventure in your touring caravan or relaxing in a static one.

While it’s not something the law demands, having caravan insurance can save you from a lot of headaches if something goes wrong. It can cover things like theft, damage from accidents and storms, and even fire damage.

There are different types of caravan insurance you can choose, depending on how you use your caravan:

Touring caravan insurance

This type of cover is for a . It can protect you while you’re on the road, at a campsite, or when your caravan is in storage. It’s also important to know that some campsites, caravan parks and storage facilities may require you to have public liability coverage so it’s worth checking whether the policy you choose includes it.

Static caravan insurance

This is for caravans that stay in one place, usually on a holiday park. Again, while it’s not legally required, many holiday parks will insist that you have at least a minimum level of liability insurance as a condition of your stay.

Towergate offers two main types of caravan insurance cover:

• Market value: This option offers cover based on what your caravan is worth at the time of a claim, taking into account its age and condition.
• New for old: If your caravan is less than 10 years old, our new for old cover can replace it with a brand-new one if it’s damaged beyond repair, giving you extra peace of mind.

Types of caravan insurance coverage

Not all caravan insurance policies are the same, and you can often choose different levels of cover to match your needs.

• Public liability provides cover if your caravan causes damage or injury to someone else, and it’s often required by caravan sites and storage facilities.
• Theft cover protects you if your contents or touring caravan are stolen.
• Accidental damage cover helps if your touring caravan gets damaged, whether you’re towing it to your holiday destination or it’s parked up. For static caravans, this covers you for accidental damage to the structure or the content inside the structure.

Legal requirements for caravan insurance

Let's take a closer look at what’s required for both touring and static caravans.

Touring caravans

Legally, you don’t need specific insurance for a touring caravan, but it’s definitely worth checking exactly what your car insurance covers. Most car insurance policies provide some level of third-party liability while towing, but purchasing caravan insurance as well can provide additional cover.

As we mentioned earlier, some caravan sites and storage units will require you to have a public liability insurance policy in place, so having that extra cover can be a smart move.

Static caravans

Unlike touring caravans, static caravans aren’t usually covered by car insurance. It may not be a legal requirement to insure your static caravan, but as we’ve said, many holiday parks will ask for proof of an active insurance policy before allowing you to purchase or site your caravan on their park.

This insurance usually needs to include public liability cover to protect against accidents that might happen on your plot.

Why you should think about getting your caravan insured

Owning a caravan is a fantastic way to explore and enjoy your freedom, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. While insurance isn’t a legal must-have, getting the right policy makes all the difference when it comes to protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind. Here’s why:

Protection against risks

Owning a caravan means facing a few potential risks, and insurance can help protect you from the unexpected. For example, the weather is notoriously unpredictable here in the UK, and storms can cause serious damage to caravans.

Accidents happen too, whether it’s a dent while parking at a campsite or a spill inside that ruins your carpet. There’s also the possibility of theft, which is unfortunately more common than some people think.

Caravan insurance can cover you for these kinds of situations, and that means you’re unlikely to have to pay for costly repairs or replacements.

Financial security

Dealing with unexpected damage or theft can be expensive. If your caravan gets hit by a storm or stolen, the total cost can quickly add up. Without insurance, you’d have to cover all those expenses yourself.

Caravan insurance can protect your wallet by covering these costs, so you’re not left paying out of pocket if things go wrong.

Peace of mind

Put simply, having insurance in place gives you one less thing to worry about. When you know you’re covered, you can make the most of every single minute of your caravan trips without stressing about what might happen.

Whether you’re taking your caravan across the country, it’s parked up at a site or you have a static caravan placed permanently on the same site, the right cover means you can relax and focus on enjoying your time away.

Ready to get covered?

Before you begin, it’s important to remember that things such as the type of caravan you have, its value, and caravan security features can all impact the cost of your insurance. Comparing quotes will help you find the best deal, so it’s a good idea to gather a few and review your coverage options carefully.

At Towergate, we offer flexible options that let you tailor your caravan cover to suit your lifestyle, whether it’s a static caravan, a touring caravan, This way, you can enjoy your trips with complete peace of mind.

Caravan insurance from Towergate

Get a specialist caravan insurance quote from us today, either online or by phoning us on 0330 808 9130.

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.