Top Tips When Looking For Static Caravan Holiday Home Insurance

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 won't 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 it's 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.

Heather Robinson of Leisuredays. Leisuredays insurance specialise in static caravan holiday home insurance in the UK. For more information about insuring your holiday home, visit http://www.leisuredays.co.uk. Leisuredays is a trading name of Caravan Guard Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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Although caravans and motorhomes can give a great sense of freedom to their owners, sometimes they can be a little cramped, especially if a number of people are staying in them. There are various solutions to this problem, but the most practical and effective is to use a caravan awning.

Caravan awnings are structures made of materials such as acrylic or PVC-coated polyester supported by a frame made of aluminium, carbon fibre or zinc-coated steel poles. Designed to be lightweight and portable, with practice they can be easily set up, giving extra living space on the outside of the caravan or motorhome. In the most basic models this can mean a simple roof giving shade and some protection from the elements, while more elaborate models can give an extra room with a door, windows and even a carpet.

Some higher-end models, designed to be more hard-wearing, will have additional features. Ropes and cables attached to the awning are fixed into pegs into the ground to provide extra stability, while heat-reflective roof sheets provide additional protection against harsh direct sunlight. Additionally, a storm-belt system can help protect the awning and users in the event of unusually high winds.

Before purchasing an awning, it is important to consider a number of factors that will have a direct bearing on your choice, as failing to do so can mean an awning that fits incorrectly or is unsuitable for the use intended. First the caravan the awning will be fitted to must be measured correctly: if it is not, the awning may not fit and either provide insufficient protection or be useless. Secondly, the environment in which the awning will be used and also the frequency of use must be considered. Will the awning be used occasionally in relatively clement weather, or will it be used often and be exposed to a range of temperatures and weather conditions? If the latter, it is clear a more resilient, well constructed and therefore expensive awning must be bought. Thirdly, the area where the awning will be pitched must be examined. Is the ground firm or soft? If the caravan to which the awning will be affixed is in a caravan park, is there enough space for a large awning to be erected, or will a smaller model have to be selected?

Lastly, when actually purchasing an awning, there are a few things for the buyer to watch out for. Does the awning dealer have a solid knowledge of his product, or does he rely on product brochures? Does he try to push for a big sale with many superfluous extras, or does he listen carefully to the buyer's requirements and tailor his advice accordingly? Does the dealer have a good reputation for after-sales service? Consideration of these points will help the buyer in selecting a reliable dealer and therefore decrease the chance of purchasing an unsuitable awning.

By: Mike Drabble

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