If you have a caravan which is also your home, then chances are it will be a static caravan rather than a touring model and as such may need to be covered by residential caravan insurance.
The insurance cover that you need for a static caravan is obviously different to that needed for a touring model. Touring models are out and about on public highways more frequently and are more at risk from traffic accidents.
Residential models, on the other hand, may often contain more of value in the way of furnishings and fixtures and fittings. You may also be more likely to keep personal belongings in a residential caravan and this may make them more attractive to thieves.
Whether your caravan is residential or touring, it may make sense to take some basic precautions and follow some common sense guidelines.
Location
Many residential caravan insurance providers typically look favourably on caravan owners who locate their caravans on supervised and serviced sites with someone permanently on hand. Caravans must be securely anchored at each corner on stable and solid ground.
Damage from flooding can also pose a greater danger to static caravans so locating your caravan on a site where there is no history of flooding may make sense.
Although it may not happen very often, even static caravans move from time to time. You may find that your insurance is only valid at the site you specified when you took out your policy. So if you move, it may be advisable to check your policy and inform your insurance provider of any changes that could affect the validity of your insurance.
Winter
If you leave your static caravan empty over the winter months then it may make sense to turn off the water supply and drain the water and central heating systems. This could help to minimise the likelihood of water damage due to burst pipes etc and you may even find that it is a condition of your residential caravan insurance policy.
Thieves
Even on a supervised site, you may find that installing a recognised caravan security system not only protects your contents and fixtures and fittings but you may qualify you for a discount on your insurance premiums.
It may be worth noting that caravan contents cover is unlikely to ever include such items as money and jewellery.
Other people
Taking all the precautions you can to help protect your caravan and its contents is extremely important. For complete peace of mind however, your residential caravan insurance should also include public liability cover to provide protection against legal action by a third party who may have been injured or whose property may have been damaged in an accident in or around your caravan.
