Posts Tagged ‘tips’

Save Money On Your Caravan Insurance: Tip 4

Saturday, May 12th, 2012
Cheaper Caravan Insurance

Cheaper Caravan Insurance

This is the latest in our posts to offer tips to help you find cheaper caravan insurance. Today we look at the excess of a policy.

Caravan insurance has what is called an excess attached to it. This means that if you were to claim against your policy for any reason you would receive how ever much you claimed for minus the amount of your excess. For instance if your excess is £200 and you make a claim for £500, if your claim is approved you would receive £300… i.e. 500 – 200 = 300.

What this means for the insurance company is that they will end up having to pay out a pound less for each pound more you have on your excess. So from their perspective, the higher your excess, the more profit they are going to make. They in turn will charge you lower premiums the higher you set your excess level.

This can be a useful way of saving money when buying a caravan insurance policy. But it should be considered that it is pointless having cheaper caravan insurance if when you make a claim you don’t have enough money to cover the excess, and as a result end up without a usable caravan.

So next time you are getting caravan insurance quotes, experiment with different excess levels to see the effect it has on the premiums. You could save yourself a decent amount of money.

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More Caravan Security Tips

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Caravan Insurance is something you definitely should get if you own a caravan. A caravan is a valuable asset, and you could find yourself very out of pocket if you don’t insure it adequately. Caravan insurance provides protection if your caravan is stolen or damaged, however there are a number of ways you can stop this occurring.

It’s a sobering thought that there are in the region of three thousand caravans stolen in the United Kingdom each year, and with the increasing popularity of staying in the UK for a holiday and the resulting increase in caravan ownership and holidays, this figure can only be expected to go higher. Caravan owners should make sure they have the best security they can to deter thieves. Following is a list of 10 of the most effective ways to protect your caravan, taken as a whole they add up to a formidable deterrent.

  1. Security posts are an effective deterrent for people who park their caravan on the front drive of their home. These help stop thieves from taking the caravan from the drive, because they are concreted into the ground. Some posts come equipped with a towball on top that you hitch-lock the caravan to, and others can be either detachable or foldable to allow the caravan to move in and out of your driveway.
  2. Hitch locks are a useful device in providing some degree of protection against the opportunist thief. You should make sure it is manufactured of heavy steel that will cover the tow socket fixing bolts, and also has a very strong lock. Bear in mind that on their own though, they don’t offer an adequate level of protection for when the caravan is in storage.
  3. Wheel clamps are another option. Wheel clamps come in a range of qualities, but a useful rule of thumb is that by and large the easier they are to put on, then the easier they are for a thief to take off. So you need to make sure that you invest in a good clamp and also ensure that it is correct for your caravan. It is worth noting that some wheel clamps that are available on the market will allow a clever thief to take off both the wheel and the clamp in one go, so don’t get one of these.
  4. Another useful security measure is to etch either your caravan’s chassis number or your postal code on all of the caravan windows, and also several covert places inside the van. Instead you could just use a fibre-tipped pen on plywood inside a cupboard and under the beds, as this is almost impossible to remove. Even more ingeniously, you can instead use an ultra violet pen.
  5. Another useful deterrent is wheel stands. However, don’t underestimate the tenacity of a determined caravan thief, as this on their own won’t be likely to prevent them. You should ensure they are locked in place, and you should also check that your insurers are happy with you doing this, as some policies require wheel clamps to be used. You should also check your handbook, as many caravan manufacturers recommend that axle stands are used for winter storage.
  6. You should also take plenty of photos of your caravan, in particular any particularly defining features it may have. These photos can help you identify your caravan in the event that it is pinched.
  7. You could use some large stick-on characters or paint a number or code specific to you on the roof of your caravan. For instance you can use any number that is known only to you, or perhaps a parto f the caravan’s serial number. This may be extremely useful in the event that the caravan is pinched as it makes it easily identifiable from helicopters and light airplanes that the police use nowadays.
  8. There are a number of companies around that provide a service that entails embedding a microchip into your caravan. These microchips can then be identified using a scanner. Most vans made from 1998 will have datatags installed as standard. All previous CRiS (‘Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme) registered vans can have retrospectively fitted datatags. Bear in mind that there is a bit of a flaw to these schemes though, in there exists no centralised network of scanners available to track down these stolen vans.
  9. Another choice is a tracking system scheme, which involves the installation of a transmitter which is hidden about the caravan. In the event of the caravan being pinched the transmitter will send out a signal to help the police to find the caravan. There have been a number of good results using this scheme. However there exist a couple of issues when it comes to caravans (rather than cars or motorcaravans), the first is that the transmitter needs battery power in order to send out a signal, and the second is that the transmitter is only activated once the caravan has been reported as stolen. These issues present a difficulty if your caravan is in long-term storage, and only visited infrequently.
  10. You should unquestionably make a note of the chassis number of your caravan, and if it is registered with CRiS, you should keep the registration documents in a safe location away from the caravan. Other important information should also be noted and stored in this secure location.

The greater number of these ideas you implement, the more likely it is that your caravan won’t get pinched at all, and also, should it get stolen, that it will be returned to you.

But also, of course, make sure you have the right caravan insurance for your touring caravan.

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Caravan Security Tips

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

It is a sobering thought that there are around three thousand caravans stolen annually in the United Kingdom. This number is likely to rise given the increasing popularity of caravanning and the ‘staycation’ that the credit crunch has brought about. A caravan is a valuable asset and owners would be very wise to take as many security precautions as they reasonably can.

Of course even these don’t offer a foolproof guarantee that your caravan will not be stolen, so it is important to ensure that you have the right insurance policy to suit your needs, and here at www.caravan-insurance-online.co.uk we aim to provide you with the tools to find the right caravan insurance online.

Below is a list of a number of the best ways of both protecting your caravan from theft, and identifying it in the event of theft. I hope you find them of some use.

At the cheaper end of the scale, there are a number of low-cost measures you can implement:

  • Keep a record your caravan’s chassis number. Write it down somewhere and store it away somewhere in a safe place, along with any other relevant documents (for instance any ‘Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme’ (CRiS) registration documents).
  • Use either an ultra-violet pen or a permanent marker to mark a code unique to you inside the caravan. You could use either the chassis number or your postcode as this code. A particularly good place for this is any plywood that is hidden away (in a cupboard, or under the bed for instance), as it is nigh on impossible to remove pen from these surfaces.
  • Take some photographs of your caravan, as these can come in particularly handy in the event that you need to identify your caravan should it be stolen. Be sure especially to take photos of any defining features of the ‘van.
  • As police constabularies use helicopter and airplanes these days, a great way of helping to recover your caravan is to put a unique number on top of the caravan in large bold letters, enabling it to be spotted from high in the air. This can be achieved with a good old can of paint, or you could buy some large adhesive characters. Use either a part of your chassis number, or another number specific to you, again your post code is a suggestion.

Moving on to some more expensive options:

  • Having a microchip embedded into your caravan is one option. The microchip is then identified by using a scanner, proving the caravan is yours. Since 1998, most caravans have been fitted with a datatag, and for caravans older than that that are CRiS it is possible to have one retrospectively fitted. There is no centralised network of scanners for these tags though, which is something of a weak point of the system.
  • I mentioned earlier about writing a unique code inside your caravan using felt-tip pen. Even more effective that that is to have the code etched onto all the windows of the caravan. It is a good idea to also have the same etched in a few hidden away places inside the caravan too.
  • Tracking systems are another good way of protecting your caravan. A transmitter is secreted about the caravan, and if the caravan is stolen the system is activated, and it sends out a signal which can then be tracked enabling the caravan to be located. There is a drawback with these when used with caravans in that they only activate one the vehicle is reported stolen. But if the caravan is in storage, it may only be visited infrequently, and the chances are that the caravan will be long gone by that time.
  • If you keep your caravan on your drive at home, a good idea is to install a security post. These will help to stop anyone taking the caravan from your drive. They are cemented into the ground, and the caravan is hitch-locked to a towball on top of the post. They are either foldable or detachable to allow the caravan to be removed from the drive, and provide a good deterrent to thieves.
  • Hitch locks are a widely used and very useful device for providing protection against the opportunist thief. Ensure that it is manufactured from heavy steel to cover the tow socket fixing bolts, and also that it has a strong lock. This alone though does not provide sufficient protection for a caravan whilst it is in storage.
  • Wheel clamps are another popular form of security. But as with most things, there are good ones and there are bad ones. Common sense states that if they are easy to put on, then they are probably going to easy to remove. So you want to make certain that you have a good clamp, one that correctly fits your caravan. Something to note is that there are some on the market that allow a clever thief to remove the clamp along with the wheel, so be careful to avoid these.
  • Another option is wheel stands, these enable you to remove the wheels of the caravan thus rendering it (theoretically) immovable. You should check your insurance policy first though as some require that wheel clamps are fitted. You may also find that the caravan manufacturer recommends these for winter storage, check the handbook for this information.

Of course, the more of these you implement the greater the security you are providing for your caravan, but there is no excuse for not implementing at least the cheaper forms of security. And of course there is no substitute for a good insurance policy, so even if all of these measures fail you can rest assured that you will not end up out of pocket.

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Caravan Towing Tips

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

Towing a caravan presents added risks to driving, and should only ever be undertaken responsibly.  The following tips will help reduce these risks:

  • You should allow yourself extra time and space for everything you do. Whether it be braking earlier than normal, or turning wider to prevent catching a curb or cutting a corner.
  • Bear in mind that speed limits are often lower when you are towing. You shouldn’t exceed 60mph on dual carriageways, and 50mph on single carriageways.
  • You must not tow in the outside lane of a motorway that has 3 or more lanes, unless explicitly instructed to do so.
  • Ensure you have a clear view to the rear of your caravan. You will probably need to use extension mirrors.
  • Never carry passengers or animals in the caravan when towing.
  • Your number plate must conform to British Standards, it must show your registration number, and must be illuminated during the hours of darkness.
  • Check you rear light panel before every time you drive off.
  • If traffic is building up behind you, make sure you pull over at a suitable place to allow it to pass.
  • Make sure you park sensibly and don’t cause an obstruction. And don’t park in parking meter bays.
  • Don’t ever dispose of your caravan’s waste water on the public highway.

A lot of these tips are plain common sense, but by following them you will make your experience and those around you safer and more pleasurable. You will also of course be doing yourself a favour in terms of your caravan insurance, by reducing the risk of needing to claim.

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Insurance For Static Caravans: Top Tips

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

With the increasing popularity of static caravan ownership in these economically challenged times, the issue of insurance for static caravans becomes ever more relevant.

From pre-owned starting around £2,000 (a site called Park Holidays UK were earlier in the year offering them for free!), new caravans starting around £20,000 and top-of-the range costing up to £85,000, there is a price to suit a broad range of pockets.

Similarly there are a range of insurance policies available for the range of budgets.

The main things to bear in mind when insuring a static caravan are :

  • The geographical risks specific to the park (in particular you should be know what the flooding and storm risks are)
  • Theft. make sure you don’t leave valuables there when unoccupied: ensure you have adequate cover for items: check you know what isn’t covered, and if necessary insure them separately
  • Accidental damage.
  • Loss of rental income. What will happen if the caravan becomes unusable during the peak summer months?
  • Liability. If someone should get hurt as a result of something that is deemed your responsibility, you may have to pay some hefty compensation.

These are a few brief pointers to the considerations the static caravan owner needs to make when insuring their caravan, you will find more in depth coverage elsewhere on the site.

Remember always to shop around and compare not only prices, but also coverage when looking for static caravan insurance. Owning a static caravan for your own pleasure and for rental can be rewarding both personally and financially, especially if you have the security and peace of mind of a good caravan insurance policy.

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Caravan Insurance and Security Guidance From Safeguard

Monday, February 27th, 2012

Caravan InsuranceOnline Caravan Insurers Safeguard are advising drivers to remain on their guard despite a notorious gang of caravan thieves being taken off of the streets. Reckoned to be responsible for nearly half of the UK’s caravan thefts, the gang was recently convicted for their crimes.

Owners should be cautious not only of the organised gangs however, but aware of the threat the opportunistic caravan thief presents.

Safeguard manager Rita Sadler spoke of how pleased the company are that this gang have been stopped but warned that caravan owners “still need to be wary of the risks and take appropriate measures to ensure the security of their property.

“Organised crime rings often target larger, luxury models on a ‘stolen to order’ basis. We find that the vehicles are at their most vulnerable when left unattended and unsecured, for example in driveways whilst owners are loading their caravans and also at motorway service stations.”

Sadler also spoke of the increasing sophistication used by caravan thieves, warning that “Locks and alarms are no longer a security guarantee.” Caravanners themselves need to start using more sophisticated forms of protection, like “specially designed tracking devices and mechanical devices such as wheel clamps can greatly reduce the risk of theft. As well as deterring thieves, security conscious caravan owners are likely to receive discounts on their insurance premiums.”

Safeguard themselves make the following recommendations to help protect your caravan:

  • make sure you install an approved alarm and tracking device
  • if you put your caravan in storage, ensure it is at a secure site approved by the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (CaSSOA)
  • if you keep it on your driveway, ensure you have a locking gate or drive post
  • Make sure no valuables are left where they can be seen in your caravan
  • preferably ensure your caravan has audible security
  • bear in mind that wheel clamps are the absolute minimum requirement for insurance, and should be fitted at all times when the caravan is unattended.
  • Lock down the rear corner steadies of touring caravans with a good quality hitchlock. This will help prevent the front of the unit from being lifted onto a vehicle and taken away

It of course goes without saying that you need a good caravan insurance policy. No amount of security can fully protect you from a determined thief, and in the event that your caravan should get stolen, you should be able to rest assured that you have suitable cover to ensure you won’t be left out of pocket.

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Saving Money On Your Caravan Insurance: Tip 3

Saturday, February 25th, 2012

Caravan insurance needn’t cost the earth. In the third of our money saving insurance tips we talk about the importance of shopping around. Like when you are shopping for anything, if you just buy the first thing you see that you like in a shop you are guaranteed to walk 50 yards down the road to another shop and see either the same thing but cheaper. Or instead you find something you would rather have had, but you’re stuck because you were too hasty.

Human nature means many of us are prone to do this, when with a little patience and thought we could find exactly what we need at a price we can afford. There are many caravan insurers plying their trade on the internet, so there are plenty of ‘shops’ for you to look in (and you don’t even have to get wet!). And like high street shops there are cheap shops and there are expensive shops, so even if you find something that suits you down to the ground, it doesn’t mean you won’t get it cheaper elsewhere.

A key to this is being clear precisely what it is that you need. Questions like… how much cover do you need for belongings?… if I’m intending to rent the caravan out, how much public liability should I have? These are the kind of things that you should be looking to answer before putting your virtual pen to paper on your new static or touring caravan insurance policy (I’m assuming you’re using the internet, because if you’re not then you’re highly likely costing yourself money).

So you may find when you shop around that a policy has cover that you maybe don’t need, and you could save yourself money by getting a different policy that doesn’t have that cover on it. A little common sense and a bit of thought goes a long way here.

Okay it may take you a bit of time to have a look at what the different insurers are offering, but this is time well spent as you will not only be getting cheaper caravan insurance, but you will also have the peace of mind that you have the coverage you need.

Shop around, shop around, shop around. Good advice in all areas of life, and especially so when  it comes to getting your caravan insurance policy.

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