Archive for the ‘Caravan Insurance’ Category:
Why Choose a Caravanning Holiday?
Caravanning is becoming more and more popular with over 35,000* new caravans registered in the UK in 2007 and its no wonder with all the benefits of a caravanning holiday.If youre thinking about purchasing a touring caravan for the first time, but wonder whether caravanning is really for you, then read on to see why so many people take caravanning holidays every year in the UK.Caravanning provides the freedom to choose your destination at a moments notice, and, with your home from home attached; you can guarantee your accommodation is up to scratch! There are thousands of caravan and camping sites to choose from all over the UK, from quiet adult only sites to child friendly, family-oriented sites. Theres bound to be a wealth of sites to cater for your needs.For families on a budget, a caravan holiday provides a cheaper alternative to package deals abroad and for the retired, wanting a more relaxed way of life, avoiding the chaos of airports is a perfect excuse to hitch up that tourer!With growing concern over global warming and our carbon footprint, caravanning is also a greener way to travel compared to flying with up to 50% less CO2 emissions per person** from the average towcar and caravan combination. So not only can you protect your bank balance with a caravanning holiday, but you can also help to protect the environment at the same time.The British tourism industry can also benefit with many caravanning holidays being taken in the UK, bringing a much-needed income to local communities and helping to preserve our heritage. We can often forget about the great places to visit on our own doorstep, so why not take the opportunity to explore that Britain has to offer this summer?Before you set off, dont forget to make sure your caravan in loaded correctly, the tyres are in good condition and you have valid insurance for your caravan if you are going abroad.*European Caravan Federation 2007s** Based on a journey from East Midlands for Marseilles with a small towcar and caravan combination www.greencaravanning.co.ukCaravan Guard insurance providing touring caravan insurance services in the UK. For more information visit http://www.caravanguard.co.uk.
Static Caravan Maintenance
Maintaining your static caravan is essential to ensure it stays in top condition, and extends the life of the caravan. Below is a list of areas that will require periodic maintenance.
Exterior Maintenance.
Often the build up of dirt and mould on the exterior walls can encourage damp and deterioration. Use a jet wash or traditional bucket and water a wash the caravan and remove dirt and mould.
Roof & Guttering.
Moss build up on the roof or in the gutter can cause the gutters to become blocked and promote damp issues. Keep the gutters clear at all times to allow the water to run away freely. The Autumn can be a particularly prime time for build up in the gutters caused by falling leaves.
Gas / Electrical.
Determine who’s responsibly it is to maintain the gas and electricity. The owner and park operator may hold responsibility.
Anchoring.
Check on a regular basis to ensure the anchor chains are not rusting. Any concerns should be reported to the park operator. Try to keep the underneath of the caravan free from vegetation of clutter to allow air to flow freely.
Steps.
The steps leading to the caravan should be checked on a regular basis. They are often lightly built, so rust or general wear and tear may take they toll.
Windows and frames.
The windows and frames of the caravan can be prone to weathering as do traditional windows. The rubber seals should be checked for any defects and be fixed before any water enters the caravan causing internal damage.
Wheels.
If the caravan is blocked up, then there is no need to service the wheels on an annual basis, however keeping them as dry as possible and lubricated will extend their life. If the caravan is being relocated ensure the wheel and bearings are fully serviced and working.
it is important to protect your caravan with quality caravan insurance. Club Care Insurance offer affordable policies for all types of caravans and motorhomes.
Buying a used caravan
Recently there was a big surge in Caravanning, with more and more people buying new touring caravans and static caravans. A lot of the time they are only used for a single season before the owner decides caravanning is not for them or they move onwards and upwards to a bigger model. This means that someone looking to find a cheap second hand caravan can find loads of bargains. However, as you find with used cars, you need to follow a few simple rules to make sure the caravan you purchase is everything you are looking for.
If you are in the market for a bargain then the best way to buy is privately. There are many different places to buy privately, these include, but are not limited to: the internet, local newspapers, local shop adverts, Exchange and Mart, etc. But, buying anything privately means you have very little legal rights against the seller should anything go wrong.
Here are a few questions you should always ask the seller before buying your used caravan. Hopefully these questions will help you to avoid any problems with the purchase of your new caravan.
Are you able to confirm that the seller is who he or she say they are and live at the address they gave you? You can easily check this by phoning Directory Enquiries and requesting the sellers home number or knocking on a neighbours door to ask which number Mr So & So (the seller) lives at.
If all goes well and you have managed to safely buy your perfect caravan make sure that you have the correct caravan insurance cover for it. Normal car insurance does not generally cover a caravan. Insurance will cover you for accident, theft of the caravan itself and anything inside it.
Choosing the fuel to help tow your caravan or motor home
When choosing which type of engine you should choose for towing your touring caravan or trailer or when buying a motor home there are a number of factors that you need to take into account. Your choice of a vehicle will depend upon the use to which it is put. Someone requiring a vehicle for day to day use together with use at weekends and holidays with camping gear in the back may only be interested in performance or fuel efficiency or the best compromise of the two.
Someone considering towing a touring caravan will not only be looking for economy and performance but also for other factors like brake horsepower and torque. At present there are two main fuels petrol and diesel. But other fuels like gas are beginning to enter the market. In this Data Sheet we explore the differences between the two major fuels petrol and diesel and take a look at what other fuels will be available in the long term and whether they will be any good for vehicles used for towing.
What makes a good tow car and which is best petrol or diesel? These are questions that we are often asked. Besides making sure you have the right weight ratio between car and trailer and the correct gear ratios, there are other factors that should be taken into consideration. Brake horsepower (BHP) is the amount of power produced by the engine. Torque provides the pulling power. Different engines produce variable amounts of BHP and torque dependent upon speed and the type of fuel used. For towing you need a large amount of power and maximum torque early and over a wide range of the engines variable speed. Petrol and diesels give similar amounts of power and torque but at different times during the engines revolution band.
Petrol engines
■ Tend to produce more BHP than diesels.
■ Acceleration from a standing start is quicker.
■ Cleaner than older diesels.
■ Petrol and diesel is around the same price in the UK but petrol is dearer on the continent.
■ Petrol engines are generally lighter.
Diesel engines
■ Can be more expensive to buy.
■ Can be noisier than petrol.
■ Produce maximum torque at lower engine speeds.
■ Give more miles to the gallon than petrol.
■ Emissions from older engines may be dirtier than their petrol equivalents.
■ Older vehicles may require more frequent servicing.
■ Retain torque over a wider engine revolution range.
Other fuels
With the drive towards lower exhaust emissions, increases in fuel prices and government environmental policies, there is a growing interest in other types of fuels being used as alternatives or additions to petrol and diesel.
Gas engines
Gas engines have been around for a long time. Australia, Holland, Italy, Japan and North America have many thousands of cars powered by gas. Only recently are they becoming more popular in this country.
Gas is cheaper than both petrol and diesel, produces a lower power output but has a cleaner exhaust. A major drawback is that a gas tank is bulkier and heavier than a petrol or diesel tank and often uses boot space.
There are two main types of gas Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). There are not many CNG filling stations around but there are an increasing number available at petrol stations.
British Gas is hoping to introduce a domestic CNG vehicle filling system. Drivers will be able to fill up their tank overnight from their household gas supply. If you intend using gas as a fuel, always employ a recognised converter. Contact the LP Gas Association for your nearest one. Car manufacturers are already offering converted vehicles. Volvo has a CNG option, Ford has five alternative LPG vehicles and Vauxhall has a dual-fuelled range including Astras, Vectras, Omegas and the Zafira.
Future fuels
■ Biodiesels are derived from oil-rich crops such as rapeseed, sunflower, palm, olive and Soya beans. These can be used with little or no modification to a normal diesel engine. Cost of production is the main barrier.
■ Dimethyl ether is derived from natural gas or methane and can be used in diesel engines. It is used mainly in the Scandinavian countries due to its lower emissions.
■ Batteries offer an environmental friendly alternative power source but have restricted output. At present batteries are impractical for travelling large distances and require a number connected together with the consequential weight disadvantage.
■ Hybrid vehicles, which combine petrol or diesel engines with an electric motor, are under development. They will play a vital role in cutting emissions.
■ Cars are being developed that utilise fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity.
These type of engines will not be available for several years and will need a new fuelling network.
These tips were brought to you by Club Care Caravan Insurance
Top Tips when Looking for Caravan Insurance
- New for Old Cover
With newer caravans, you may have the option to insure your caravan under a new for old policy, meaning, should your caravan be damaged beyond economical repair or stolen, you will receive a brand new replacement caravan. The alternative is a straightforward market value policy. In both cases it is important to get the value of the insured caravan correct and include any equipment in the sums insured. Equipment can include awnings, security devices, gas bottles etc.
- European Cover
Make sure your policy includes European use if you plan to travel on the continent with your touring caravan. This may be included as standard, or you may have to pay an additional charge. Also check the duration of the cover as you may be limited to a certain number of days per trip.
- Emergency Accommodation Expenses
This can save your holiday should the worst happen to your caravan whilst you are away or if you have a holiday booked. The cover will pay towards alternative accommodation for a certain length of time, but the level of cover can vary from insurer to insurer, so its always a good idea to check before you travel.
- Personal Effects
Household items taken on holiday, such as clothing, are classed as personal effects. It is possible to insure these under your caravan insurance policy; however, it is more than likely that these items will be insured under your home contents insurance, so check with your existing policy before paying out for cover you dont need. High risk items such as jewellery or expensive electrical equipment, such as cameras and laptops, certainly need to be covered under a household policy.
- Storm Damage
Storms can cost thousands of pounds worth of damage to your caravan and equipment, but not all insurance policies cover storm damage to awnings. With the unpredictable weather in the UK, you never know when a storm could hit your van and its awning, so choose a policy that has this included for complete peace of mind.
- caravan insurance Discounts
This is probably one of the most important factors for a lot of people when shopping around for caravan insurance the price you will pay. You can get discounts for being mature, claim free caravanners, or even being a member of a caravanning club. There are often discounts to be had on security devices such as alarms and tracking devices as well as safety devices such as the new AL-KO ATC stability device. Some insurers even offer discounts for readers of caravan magazines and website forums!
Whatever you require from your touring caravan insurance policy, remember to shop around and ask the right questions before taking out cover.
Visit http://www.caravanguard.co.uk
Top tips when looking for static caravan holiday home insurance  Part 1
The main things that should be covered under a caravan holiday home insurance policy are storm damage and flood damage, which are becoming all too common in the UK. Cover should also include fire damage and the theft of belongings from the holiday home.
Look for a policy that will cover you for any malicious damaged caused to your property, as well as debris removal and resiting costs. The level of this cover can vary from insurer to insurer, but should be enough to cover the cost of removing a damaged holiday home (for example, after fire), and resiting and reconnecting a new holiday home in its place.
If your holiday home becomes uninhabitable whilst on holiday or when you had a holiday planned, your insurance should provide you with loss of use cover, which should help you to make alternative arrangements so your holiday plans wont be ruined.
What you pay for your static caravan insurance can vary depending on the sum insured i.e. the amount at which you value the holiday home and its fixtures and fittings.
It can also depend on the level of cover you choose. For example, many insurers will offer cover on either a new for old basis, whereby the sum insured will reflect the cost to replace the holiday home and equipment with an equivalent brand new holiday home, or a market value basis, whereby the sum insured will reflect the cost to replace the holiday home with one of a similar age. A new for old policy will often be more expensive than a market value policy as the sum insured is greater, however, you must bear in mind that you will not receive a brand new replacement holiday home if you have opted for a market value policy. New for old cover is often available for holiday homes up to 10 years so can be a great benefit if and when the worst happens.
Look out for part 2 of Top Tips When Looking for Static Caravan Holiday Home Insurance, where we look in detail at cover benefits and conditions that may apply to your policy.
Caravan Insurance and Winter Protection
Remove all clothes, bed linen and soft furnishings that could be affected by damp and clean caravan thoroughly inside and out.
Remove all food from the fridge and cupboards and leave doors slightly ajar to prevent musty odours. Spray WD40 on any piano hinges.
Securely close all windows and roof lights and use a maintenance spray to avoid sticking seals. Check fixed vents are not obstructed and consider using a dehumidifier to prevent damp occurring. Close all blinds and curtains for security.
Fit the chimney cowl with a cowl cover to prevent ingress of rain, sleet or snow.
Storing your caravan for the winter doesnt mean that you wont need caravan insurance. Club Care Insurance provides excellent deals on Caravan Insurance, Motor Home Insurance and Camping Insurance.
Their website is easy really easy to use and their staff are incredibly friendly.
Be sure to check them out here Club Care
Wheels & Chassis
Jack up the caravan using bottle or screw jacks to just remove the wheels from the ground (do not use the corner steadies). Support the axle using stands so the wheels are just off the ground. If preferred, the wheels can be removed and the vehicle supported using stands that bolt directly on to the wheel hubs, such as Winterwheels. They can also be fitted with an immobilising plate to minimise theft.
Lower the corner steadies to just touch the ground but not take any weight. For added security, consider locking the steadies.
If the wheels are left on, correctly inflate the tyres, chock the wheels and cover the tyres to prevent degradation. Rotate periodically to lubricate the wheel bearings and consider fitting wheel clamps for security.
Release the handbrake; check the hitch is fully extended to ensure there is no load on the braking system, grease the coupling and cover for protection. Consider a hitch lock to prevent theft
If the site is in an area exposed to high winds, consider anchoring the chassis securely to the ground.
Water Systems
To prevent frozen water damage over the winter months, the whole system must be drained down following the manufacturers recommendations. Drain all water carriers completely and leave the plugs off to avoid unwanted smells
Carver Cascade System
1/. Warm the heater to assist in draining
2/. Unscrew the drain plug located on the outside of the flue cowl and leave removed.
3/. If fitted, activate cold water drain plug which is normally found under the caravan near to the water inlet socket.
4/. Open all hot and cold water taps to allow water to drain to outside. Leave control on dual taps in central position and leave open. Should the vehicle require towing after draining, by leaving all taps and drain valves open, the vehicle movement will assist in removing all water from the system.
5/. Remove tap spouts and shower heads by unscrewing and shake dry
6/. Remove submersible pump and water filters (if fitted) and shake dry. Should non return valves be fitted anywhere in the system, pipe work must be disconnected at those valves to ensure complete drainage.
Truma Ultrastore System
1/. Isolate the water pump from the power supply.
2/. When water is cool, open the safety/drain valve and leave open.
3/. Open all hot and cold water taps to allow water to drain to outside. Leave control on dual taps in central position and leave open. Should the vehicle require towing after draining, by leaving all taps and drain valves open, the vehicle movement will assist in removing all water from the system.
4/. If a submersible pump or a water filter is fitted, ensure that they are fully drained. Should non return valves be fitted anywhere in the system, pipe work must be disconnected at the valves to ensure complete drainage.
Should the caravan be stored for a long period, the caravan should be fully serviced before use.
Cassette Toilettes
Add some lubricant to toilet slide and leave open to prevent it sticking. Empty and rinse out the toilet and drain the fresh water flush part of the toilet system. The top tank should be drained via the drain point which is normally inside the external door
Electrical
Disconnect the battery and put it in a garage or shed where it can be recharged every couple of months. Alternatively, invest in a smart charger which will monitor the state of the battery and top up as necessary. Spray WD40 on all of the electrical connections.
Gas
Remove all gas cylinders if practical and store in an adequately ventilated location. If left in situ, ensure that all cylinders are fully turned off and the gas compartment is locked. Butane gas starts to freeze at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius whereas Propane does not.
Awnings
Ensure awnings are clean and dry before storage otherwise they will suffer from mildew or possibly rot.
For added protection there is the choice of applying a liquid protection or purchasing a tailor-made cover.
With a liquid protection such as Fenwicks Overwintering Fluid, the van is washed thoroughly and the liquid applied and left to dry. This will then protect against algae, mould, fungus, airborne pollutants, acid rain and bird lime. It will not crack in frosty conditions, wash off with rain or snow, or melt in warm sunshine. Once the vehicle is brought out of storage the liquid is simply washed off with the appropriate cleaner.
If the choice is a cover, it is imperative that it is constructed in a soft breathable fabric and is purposely made for the job. It is specifically designed to protect the paintwork and windows and its breathable properties will prevent damp occurring within the vehicle.
Hopefully the tips and caravan accessories mentioned in this article will assist you in protecting your caravan over the winter months and you will return to find it in tip top condition on the return of spring.
This article was prepared for you by John Morrish of East Coast Leisure, Basildon, Essex, UK.
For motor home hire, caravan & motor home sales, servicing & repairs; caravan accessories & motor home accessories both online and onsite – you can find us at www.east-coast-leisure.co.uk
“Touring’s such a pleasure when you trust in East Coast Leisure”
Caravan, Motor home insurance and caravan insurance Give us a call for a cheap caravan insurance quote. touring caravan insurance and camping insurance for the UK with Club Care Insurance
Do I need touring caravan insurance?
Insuring your touring caravan under a specific policy is not a legal requirement in the UK, as most car insurance policies will cover you to tow a trailer on your policy on a third party basis. However, this cover will not extend to repairing any damage caused to your caravan in an accident. Nor will it replace your caravan should it be stolen or damaged by fire. If youve invested your savings in the caravan of your dreams, its a good idea to take out specialist cover should the worst happen.A specialist touring caravan insurance policy provides peace of mind for caravan owners. You should expect benefits such as all risks cover all year round for touring and storage, public liability cover, European cover and emergency accommodation expenses. A lot of policies will also give the option to insure your caravan on a new for old basis where by you will receive a brand new replacement for your caravan should it be stolen or damaged beyond economic repair.There are many insurance companies offering caravan insurance, but their policy benefits vary. It is therefore, important to contact several companies and check with each individual insurer what is included in the cover before taking out a policy. Often, if the premium seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Top Tips For Securing Your Caravan  Part 2
Approved Security Devices
When shopping for security devices, you may be more likely to make a saving on your caravan insurance if you opt for those that have been put through rigorous testing for their effectiveness and durability.
You will be able to identify quality mechanical products, as they will be marked as Sold Secure approved. Electronic devices, such as alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices, are often Thatcham approved.
Storage
If youre lucky enough to have space at home for your caravan, this can often be the safest place to store it when its not in use. Remember to invest in additional security such as a locking gate, drive post or even a heavy-duty chain to help prevent the caravan from being stolen.
If you opt for a caravan storage site, look for one through the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (CaSSOA) as they regulate storage site standards and can give you a better idea of the security and service you will be getting for your money.
Documents
Its often tempting to leave the caravan registration documents in a safe place, such as inside the caravan itself. However, this is not advisable, as any thief would then have the owners documents making it easier to sell the caravan to unsuspecting buyers.
Records
If your caravan is stolen, it may look like any other caravan to the police. Therefore, you can make identification easier by keeping a photographic record of the caravan from all angles and all its distinctive features or personal touches.
Valuables
This is probably the most common sense top tip remove all valuables from the caravan when not in use, especially if leaving your caravan in storage. Any valuables left in the caravan could tempt the would-be thief to break in to steel your property, damaging your caravan in the process.
Visit our caravan insurance website for more information.
Caravan Safety Tips
Caravans are safe. Statistics prove it. Caravan accidents are extremely rare and the number of accidents has gone down every year for the last ten years at least. Caravans provide enjoyment for thousands of families on millions of holidays and breaks every year. Campers and caravanners provide jobs and bring money to holiday destinations. Yet every year caravans come under attack from those who think they should be banned from the roads totally and those who believe that caravanners cannot be trusted to maintain their units properly. It is no accident that caravans are so safe. Whether you camp in a caravan, trailer tent, or tent, if you tow any sort of trailer you must ensure that your combination is correctly matched.
Before you think about taking to the road you should ensure that your car and trailer combination are correctly matched and equipped. In order to continue safely, regular servicing is important. Some checks need carrying out every trip and a caravan certainly needs a main service once a year. Some simple checks you can do yourself but we believe unless you are sure you know what you are doing, most jobs are best left to a professional engineer. Below, we take you through some of the important things you should consider.
TOW BAR
A well fitted and maintained tow bar is vital for safety. It is the only connection between car and motor home. Make sure that bolts are tightened to the recommended torque figure and that there is no cracking or rusting around the mounting points.
TYRES
The only contact your car and caravan or motor home has with the road is through the tyres. Look after them and you will improve the safety and behaviour of your unit. Never mix cross ply with radials on the same axle. Check the pressures and condition of tyres every trip. You will find correct pressures detailed in your handbook. Before setting out check that the caravan wheel nuts are tight. Ensure wheel trims are replaced securely.
BRAKES
Brakes are life and death components. Maintenance is best left to properly trained engineers. Its worth keeping an eye on your brake mechanism and cables, if you have any doubts have them checked. Always connect the breakaway cable or secondary coupling to a separate mounting point and not the tow ball. The purpose of this cable is not as you may think to keep the car and caravan
together in the event of a tow bar failure. The cable pulls on the caravan brakes, snaps and allows the car to run free of the stopped caravan.
ELECTRICS
The road lights on your trailer are operated from the tow car through the 12N socket and plug. Check indicators and lights are working in unison with the car each time you set off. A dashboard display or warning bleeper must be fitted inside the tow vehicle to show that the trailer traffic indicators are working.
SUSPENSION
Check the condition of both car and trailer suspension. Its important for safety as well as comfort. When your motor home is attached to your vehicle it should tow level or slightly nose down but never nose up. If you find that the far rear sags you may need some form of suspension aid. Get specialist advice on the type required for your car from your car dealer.
MIRRORS
When towing you must have an adequate view of the road behind and along both sides of your caravan. Generally this will mean you will need additional towing mirrors. In either case, make sure your mirrors are adjusted appropriately.
COUPLING
Before starting off ensure that the jockey wheel and all steadies are raised and secured. Make sure that the coupling head on the trailer has engaged properly on to the tow ball. Now you have ensured your outfit is properly maintained and equipped ready for the road, here is some advice on matching your car to your Caravan.
TRAILER WEIGHT
Most information sources recommend that the loaded weight of your caravan should not exceed 85 per cent of the kerbweight of your car. Experienced towers sometimes go a little higher but they should never exceed the kerbweight given in the car handbook.
NOSEWEIGHT
This is the weight that you put on the tow ball of your vehicle and is typically between 50 and 100kgs. For stability the noseweight should be as heavy as possible, which is generally around seven per cent of the actual laden weight of the caravan. Adjust the loading around the axle to ensure that the caravans noseweight does not exceed the caravans coupling or the cars noseweight limit.
PAYLOAD
Payload is the weight of the items that you are allowed to carry in your caravan for personal use. You will find the figure in the handbook. Check the loading of your caravan periodically on a public weighbridge to make sure you arent exceeding the total weight allowed. Manufacturers call this the gross weight or the maximum technically permissible mass. Your car and caravan, when weighed together must not exceed the towing vehicles trainweight.
VEHICLE LENGTH
Towing a caravan or motor home is no more difficult than driving solo providing that you are aware of the length of your unit. There is no reason why your trailer should not dutifully follow your car but you will need to allow more time and space to stop safely, overtake and corner under control.
SPEED
Watch your speed. With a load on the back, acceleration will be slower. You will need more time and space for overtaking. Your combination is longer and wider than your car alone so you will need to take this into consideration before pulling out. Stopping distances will be longer so allow more space between the car in front as your speed increases.
HILL STARTS
Hill starts need more throttle than normal to get going and you will need delicate clutch control to avoid stalling.
BRAKING
When towing it will take you an average of 20 per cent more distance to stop. Antilock braking systems may improve on this a little. Always avoid violent braking.
INSTABILITY
Snaking is the most common form of instability and is often due to bad loading or excessive speed or incorrect tyre pressures. However, even with well matched units snaking can occur when air from passing lorries or coaches affects your unit. Vertical instability is called pitching and can occur if you hit a pothole.
In either case dont apply your brakes hard. Slow down gradually by easing off the accelerator. A stabiliser may help to avoid instability but must not be a replacement for good car and caravan matching or weight distribution.
Insurance
Theft continues to plague our caravan industry so it is important to get good Caravan Insurance. Several insurers will not provide theft cover on caravans unless certain security measures or other conditions are met Club Care will provide cover with merely a higher excess which is known at the outset of the policy. It is no wonder more people are looking to Club Care for their caravan insurance