How does caravan insurance work? (we explain)

In this short guide, we will explain: How does caravan insurance work? We will discuss the most important aspects when it comes to caravan insurance: what the law has to say about it, and how to get the best deal. 

How does caravan insurance work?

Caravan insurance works just like car insurance, it provides peace of mind while you are on the road. As essential, as with cars, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers any potential damage that you can do to third parties and civil liability insurance.

Here’s how it works:

• If your caravan weighs 750 kg or less – it is covered by the insurance of the towing vehicle (your car).  
• If your caravan weighs more than 750 kg, you need to insure your caravan separately. 

In addition to this insurance, which is essential, it is also advisable to have insurance that covers the damages that we can do while driving (the most delicate are usually the manoeuvres and they do not usually include it), and those that include theft or fire, for example.

The most common types of caravan insurances are:

• Liability insurance for a caravan.
• Own damage insurance.
• Travel assistance insurance.

As we have already discussed, caravans with less than 750 Kg of MAM (Maximum Authorized Mass) are considered as complements of the towing vehicle, which means that it is not necessary to take out any special insurance, since the vehicle’s own insurance covers damage to third parties caused by its accessories. 

In any case, it is convenient to notify the insurer of the towing vehicle that a caravan is being towed in order to expressly include it in the car’s policy and avoid possible problems in the event of an accident. However, if the caravan exceeds 750 kg of MAM, then it is necessary to take out your own civil liability insurance.

This insurance guarantees that, in the event that you suffer a traffic accident, you will be responsible for compensation for possible damages caused to third parties.

Own damage insurance for caravans

Beyond what is required by law, if greater security is required, it is recommended to take out third-party insurance with the expansion of damage due to fire, natural phenomena and theft, or to have full-risk insurance, which covers all the damages that we can. suffer. 

Usually the “all risks” usually cover the damages that are carried out while driving, but not manoeuvring, something that must be taken into account.

If the caravan is installed permanently in a campsite, although the campsites themselves must have their own insurance, they only cover certain claims, and the quantity limits are usually low, so it is advisable to have insurance that protects the caravan against damage against falling branches, blows from other vehicles, fire, theft …

Travel assistance insurance for caravans

When travelling frequently, it is highly recommended to have travel assistance insurance, which basically covers towing the caravan to the nearest garage or repatriation of the vehicle. They also usually include the costs of moving occupants, medical assistance, if required, medical transfer, accommodation … These options usually vary depending on the policies, which can be basic or extended according to the needs of each insured.

As caravans are not common in insurance companies, it is advisable to hire a specific product, and you may not be able to do it in the same company as your car. 

This, which in principle, is not a problem, you must bear in mind that in the event of a car breakdown, since you will have to contact both insurances: that of the damaged car and that of the caravan that is left without someone towing it, so which are two procedures, two different cranes, two-vehicle storage places and two separate transfers in case of repatriation. 

This process, which should not be problematic, however, can complicate the procedures and, especially, the coordination of both vehicles, especially if you are abroad.

What factors influence the price of caravan or motorhome insurance?

There are many factors that influence insurance companies when preparing a budget to hire caravan or motorhome insurance; the utility we give it, its weight, its characteristics are among the most determining, but they are not the only ones. The most prominent ones that are usually taken into account by all companies are:

• Caravan or motorhome weight. Less than 750 kilos: in this case, they are considered trailers. They do not need special insurance, since the insurance of the vehicle to which they are attached will be sufficient. This covers roadside assistance in the event that the vehicle cannot circulate due to a breakdown or accident. 

In these cases, it is essential that the vehicle insurance is informed that it has a towing hitch ball and that you will be towing a caravan weighing less than 750 kilos. In this way, both will be insured. However, there is also the possibility that the caravan itself is covered by damage or full risk insurance.

More than 750 kilos: in this case, these are vehicles that must be registered and must have their own traffic insurance. The possibilities are several, we highlight the following:

• Civil Liability: includes the mandatory, voluntary and legal defence.

• Roadside assistance: it has coverage for theft, fire, damage due to overturning, impact …

• Multi-risk insurance: own damages stopped and in motion.

In all these cases, the price will vary and will depend, especially on the value of the caravan.

• Static caravans: They are those that are kept in the same place for a long period of time. For the company, it is a vehicle that does not move and, consequently, home insurance is applied, but with some important differences, since it is not a house made of brick, cement …

The bottom line

It is very important that you take into account the characteristics of your caravan or motorhome, in addition to the coverage of each company. Before making the final decision, read very well what are the coverages you are hiring, that they are suitable for your caravan, what you need and, above all, that everything is detailed in the contract.

If you have any questions, comments or tips on the content, please let us know!

FAQ on How does caravan insurance work?

What insurance does a caravan need?

For a caravan, as essential as with cars, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers damage that you can do to third parties and civil liability insurance, but in the case of caravans weighing less than 750 Kg, it is included with the insurance. of the towing vehicle.

Do I need to tell my insurance if I tow a caravan?

Whether you will have to tell your insurance that you are towing a caravan, will depend on its weight. When its permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds 750 kg, the trailer or caravan must be insured independently of the vehicle towing it. Otherwise, it will be covered by the third party liability insurance of the towing vehicle at no additional cost. 

What trailers have to be insured?

Trailers or semi-trailers that have a maximum authorized mass must be provided with mandatory civil liability insurance. According to current law, trailers and semi-trailers that exceed 750 maximum authorized mass of weight must be insured.

How to insure a trailer?

Trailers of less than 750 kg or light trailers do not need to have their own insurance but can be covered by car insurance, whose civil liability coverage may be sufficient to cover damages to third parties.

References

• Touring Caravan Insurance Explained | Buyer’s Guide | Towergate
• A quick guide to caravan insurance | AA Insurance – The AA
• Common RV Insurance Mistakes | The Good Sam Insurance Agency