The Go Compare caravan insurance is being reviewed to help explain just what this insurance broker has to offer in terms of protecting your second or holiday home. This insurance comparison site began operations in November 2006 by 6 individuals who were tired of options available to them in terms of finding low-cost insurance that fit their needs. They do not actually offer static caravan insurance, but provide a method to compare brokers that offer this specific type of cover. Some of these broker for example Towergate will not feature on comparative sites. For Towergate caravan insurance quotes you need to go direct to the Towergate website.

Go Compare caravan insurance will help you find Caravan Cover

Insurance can be found for all three types of caravans on the Go Compare website. This includes touring, static and park homes.

Go Compare Caravan Insurance

Protect your campervan today – Compare quotes from multiple brokers.

What types of insurance can be found on the Go Compare website?

There are two basic types of caravan insurance that includes ‘New for Old” and ‘Fair Market Value’.

New for Old Pros

• New for Old replaces your caravan if it is destroyed beyond repair by a fire, accident or is stolen. Your new caravan will be equivalent to your old one when it was new.
• Not only is the caravan covered by new for old but so are the caravan’s equipment and your possessions.

New for Old Cons

• This is the most expensive type of caravan insurance coverage.
• There is a maximum number of miles your caravan can have along with its age so this coverage is not available for all caravans.

Fair Market Value Pros

• Fair Market Value policies will cover your caravan if it is damaged beyond repair by accident, fire or is stolen. The payout is at the current market value of the caravan.
• This is the cheaper option for insurance and for some the only type of policy available especially for older caravans.

Fair Market Value Cons

• Your written off caravan will be replaced, but with a second hand or used caravan equal in value to your caravan when it was destroyed. 
• An equivalent caravan might be difficult to locate.
• If you purchased your caravan new and it is destroyed you still will only receive a second hand caravan as a replacement.

How do I lower my caravan insurance premium?

There are many things you can do to lower your premium of which most of them are related to security. This includes security alarms, wheel locks, window locks and any other device that will prevent thieves or crooks from damaging or stealing your caravan or belongings stored inside.

By joining a caravan club or organization, you will receive a price cut on your premium. From most insurance companies this is a discount of up to 10%.

Another way to keep premium costs to a minimum is to not add unnecessary options. The most common mistake is to take out towing insurance for a touring caravan. Almost all motor vehicle policies include towing a trailer or caravan with third party insurance as standard.

In Conclusion

Know what you need and understand it might not be all that you want until you know the facts that can be found at Go Compare caravan insurance website. The best way to get what you need is to become informed and compare many offers until you find the one that fits your needs.

Go Compare are one of many comparative websites. On your journey to finding a great deal on your campervan insurance, do not overlook the specialists brokers. For example Frank Pickles and camping and caravan club insurance who both provide touring and static caravan insurance.

Go Compare Caravan Insurance

Protect your campervan today – Compare quotes from multiple brokers.

The best small van to convert to a touring caravan is in part determined by your goals and how you will use the campervan. For the most part the Vauxhall Combo and Ford Transit Connect are the two best options that can be converted successfully to fit the greatest number of interior arrangements. Compare Static Caravan Insurance can also provide insurance quotes for self build campervans.

An important element of any self build campervan is making sure that you follow any instructions that the insurance company stipulate. If you fail to do so, you may be left with a campervan that no one will insure. We can help you compare the costs of touring caravan insurance, by providing quotes from multiple UK brokers.

What should be considered when choosing the right small van for your conversion project?

• Fuel mileage.
• Overall length and width of the van.
• Payload capacity of the van.
• Access to the cargo area, do you want side, rear entry or both?
• Know the main reason for the conversion , sleeping, traveling, leisure or commuting.

What are the options for the layout of the cargo area?

Because this being a small van no more than berthing for 2 should be considered. Next you need to decide if any cooking options and cold storage are to be incorporated into the conversion. This will be determined in part by the available space. 

Vauxhall Combo

• Load length of 1.8 m or 5.9 feet, width of 1.3 m or 4.2 feet and height of 1.2 m or 3.9 feet.

Ford Transit Connect

Short wheel base

• Load length of 1.8 m or 5.9 feet, width of 1.5 m or 4.9 feet and height of 1.3 m or 4.2 feet.

Long wheel base

• Load length of 2.2 m or 7.2 feet, width of 1.5 m or 4.9 feet and height of 1.3 m or 4.2 feet.

With this information you can decide what can be incorporated into the back area. Remember berths which can be converted to couch, tables, counters, insulation, ventilation, sink, storage, lights, electrical sockets, fridge or ice box and speakers are generally in this area.

What type of fuel mileage doe these small vans offer?

Vauxhall Combo has 2 main drive train options. The 1.2 L petrol engine can get up to 51.4 mpg. The 1.5 L turbo diesel can get up to 67.3 mpg. Engine options and type of transmission make the numbers slightly vary.

Ford Transit Connect has 2 main drive train options. The 1.0 L EcoBoost petrol engine can get up to 50.4 mpg. The 1.5 L diesel engine can get up to 68.9 mpg. Engine options and type of transmission make the number slightly vary.

What options to the body can be used to make more room?

The only option for more room is to get a higher ceiling by installing a popup roof. There are many types available as aftermarket options. Because of the popularity of the Ford Transit Connect, there are more available manufacturers of pop up for that model. 

There are two variations. The back pop up where the front of it is hinged on the roof of the van along with the other up and the total pop up where both ends are extended up.  The tops are made of fiberglass and the side canvass.

With the extended roof you can make it additional berthing area or as extra head room so you can walk around the campervan.

In Conclusion

The best small van to convert to a campervan is determined by what you want, how you plan to use it and your budget. The Vauxhall Combo and  Ford Transit Connect are comparable in price for both new and used versions.

The Ford Transit Connect is wider and longer than the Vauxhall Combo, but not by much. If buying new pick the one you feel will be more dependable. If a used small van is your option, then pick the best deal.

After drawing out your plan for the back make the components out of Styrofoam or other light and cheap material to see if your plan feasible and comfortable for you before you begin.  

The average cost of static caravan insurance in 2021is roughly £150 for a touring caravan that is worth approximately £9,000 and will have an excess of £162. The average cost of a static caravan insurance in 2021 is at £300 that has a value close to £45,000 with an excess of £167. What should be noted is that the more the caravan is worth, the higher the premiums will be for both touring and static caravans. With COVID-19 we are  unlikely to see any increase in costs for caravan insurance in 2020 and possibly cheaper than 2019. The figures for Caravan insurance cost for 2020 are much in line with 2019 given the downturn in mobility.

How much is caravan insurance roughly ?

The cost of caravan insurance will depend on a number of factors. The most important is the cost of your caravan, the more expensive the higher the premium. Other factors like the agreed excess amount will also impact the cost. Choosing a high excess ( the amount that you are responsible for in any claim ) will help lower your insurance premium. You can also lower the cost by providing additional security features, for example wheel locks and providing secure parking. Discuss these with your broker to make sure any additional security feature is approved by the UK insurance industry. If you include contents, and you have lots of expensive gadgets like state-of-the-art caravan smart tv and sound system, expect to pay a higher premium.

What are the variables in Caravan insurance cost?

The above quotes are for basic coverage and do not include contents in the caravans. Contents will povide cover or all your gadgets, for example a 12v smart caravan TV. The more coverage you desire, the higher the premiums will be. Items that directly affect the cost of covering your caravan will include the following;

• The safety features you have in and on your caravan.
• The location your caravan will be parked, the higher the crime is in that area, the higher to cost of coverage.
• The age, model and manufacturer of your caravan
• The main purpose you own a caravan and how you use it.
• For touring caravan owners, the number of years of driving will be an important factor.
• Any claims that you have filed in the past in reference to your caravan insurance.
• The value of the contents in your caravan ( if included ).

Which type of caravan is considered lower in risk?

Due to the static caravan being stationary, they are considered low risk by an insurance company. That is the reason for the average cost of covering a static caravan is only double that of a touring caravan but the value of the static caravan is 5 times higher.

What can caravan insurance cover?

There are basic insurance with numerous add-ons that will provide you with a larger security blanket, but also raise your premiums. What can be added includes is financial protection if your caravan is damaged in an accident. There is also protection that can be added if damage is caused by a fire, storm, flood and vandalism. If you have filled your caravan with the latest gadgets, for example a 12V smart carvan TV then you need to cover these under the content policy.

The most common add-on for touring caravans is motorhome breakdown cover, the cost of towing and storing the caravan if it is broken down or involved in an accident.

What type of caravan insurance is required by UK law?

At this time,  touring caravans are not required to have a separate insurance policy since they are generally covered by the tow vehicles insurance. If the touring caravan is motorised, the third party insurance is required by UK law. Be warned the cover under your normal car insurance policy will have limitations and taking out specific should be considered. 

Static caravans are not required to have insurance, but most caravan parks do require some type of protection for you to park your caravan on their property.

The reason for taking out caravan insurance is to protect your investment in case of an accident or damage. For most, the purchase of a caravan is a major investment. By having insurance, your investment is protected. With the average cost of caravan insurance in 2021 being reasonable, you will be protected once the policy is issued at a price you can afford. Caravan insurance cost is based on a number of factors like auto insurance, your driving history is a big factor, drive safely and lower your premiums.

Caravan insurance cost comparison

Even if you are only planning to leave your static caravan vacated for a week, it is still wise to ensure that these security procedures are put into place. But there is more to keeping a ‘no-claims’ than just tucking away the valuables. Taking care of the utilities is a must, especially in the winter months. Even if you are only going to leave your caravan empty for a few days, ensuring that damage caused by freezing conditions is minimised is a must. Drain any excess water from the systems such as lavatory, shower, and basins after turning off the water supply, and lag any pipes that may be susceptible to frost to prevent burst pipes. Make sure that the gas and electricity supplies are switched off and all electrical items are protected from damp conditions.

General Cleaning Preparation

To avoid minor claims for damage to soft furnishings and other items from damp and cold, ensure that there is adequate ventilation. Blocked air vents can cause damage to fridges, wardrobes, curtains and bedding and sofa areas. Make sure that all areas are spotless, and doors wedged open to aid circulation. And finally, if there are other people using your van, leave a checklist of things to do and not to do to avoid any unnecessary damage or accidents.

Electrics

Disconnect the battery or if you have an isolation switch, use that. We also as an added precaution  we recommend disconnecting all plugs and making sure all appliances are in the off position. Be prepared for a flat battery on return, or bring it home and give a charge before next ready to use.

Gas

Shut all gas valves and as an added precaution remove the regulators. Fit caps to any open pipework. Check with your policy if it is acceptable to store the gas cylinder indoors with the caravan. The best advice is not to store together. The best place for gas cylinders is outside in an open space away from heat or direct sunlight

Body Work

If you are an owner of a classic campervan you probably are well aware of the steps to take to keep the body work in pristine condition. You may decide to store the caravan inside during the winter months, which is the best option. Either way you will need to clean thoroughly  with a good quality caravan cleaner. After cleaning and when dry, apply a wax coating. Additional covering with a material that is breathable, this will give that added protection.

Toilet

The toilet should be drained and cleaned. Cleaning is best achieved by flushing water through the system. Next,    remove the water tank and give it a good cleaning. The blades that seal the toilet should be oiled.

Storage

If your static caravan steps are valuable, you may consider storing these inside the caravan during the winter months.

Disaster Cover

Finally, it is also ideal to ensure that your caravan insurance provides cover in the case of the occurrence of some certain disaster, such as cover from storm damage. This could also include other occurrences such as caused by lightning that can cause damage,  It is also important to consider damage from flooding or seasonal variation which can occur during winter months of the year. It is also wise to consider other unplanned events, such as excessive snow conditions, which can affect the insurance claims payments.

When it is time to get away and have peace and quiet, then the static caravan parks for adults only is the best place to be. While most of us love children, there are times an escape is necessary so one can rejuvenate. This is why there are so many caravan parks where the members and guest must be over the age of 18. If you need a quote for static caravan insurance we can provide you with multiple quotes. All caravans will come fully equipped with the latest entertainment gadgets including a caravan TV that are normally hooked up to a portable caravan satellite dish give you a wide choice of viewing options.

Bridport Bingham Grange Club Site

If you are looking for a 5 star accommodation then the Bridport Bingham Grange Club Site is an ideal place to relax in peace and comfort. This park is on the Jurassic Coast with Bridport and West Bay just 3 miles away.

Besides the breathtaking view of the coastline there are many other reasons to relax here including;

Bridge Farm House Caravan Site

For those looking for a rural setting the Bridge Farm House Caravan Site is a small and exclusive location in West Sussex. This is an adult’s only park open year round, but dogs are not permitted for maximum comfort of the tenets. Available facilities onsite include;

Camper park Facilities 

Facilities nearby include a Golf course with Pubs, Restaurants and shops to enjoy.

Sandy Gulls Caravan Park

The Touring Park section of the Sandy Gulls Caravan Park is a cliff top site with a stunning view of the ocean located on the perimeter of Mundesley, Norfok. The onsite facilities include;

Camper park Facilities 

Facilities and attractions nearby include a Golf course with a Driving range plus there are Pubs, Restaurants, Shops, a Train station and a Nature reserve and bird sanctuary to explore.

Chainbridge Touring Caravan Site

For those anglers amongst you the Chainbridge Touring Caravan Site is the place to find tranquility. The adult only park is just 50 meters from the Tweed River and just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland. Seasonally the fish available in the river include both trout and salmon. Onsite facilities include;

Camper park Facilities 

Facilities and attractions nearby include Pubs, , Restaurants, Shops, Supermarkets along with Scottish border towns, Cliffs, Monastic ruins, Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Farne Islands, Bamburgh Castle and Hadrian’s Wall that can be explored.

These are a few of the better adult only caravan parks scattered across England. You can have a rural or coastal setting with activities you want most without the hassles and noise of children interrupting the tranquility of your stay.  

Static Caravan Insurance

Insurance for your holiday static caravan is not a legal requirement. However, fact is that most holiday parks will ask that you to have a basic level of cover. That being in the form of caravan liability insurance. Just because it is not a legal requirement, this doesn’t mean that there are good reasons not to insure your caravan.

What is Holiday Caravan insurance?

If you are the owner a caravan that is permanently sited with plumbing and a permanent electrical link up, guess what? You are able to and should insure it, the same as if it were your main residence. Simply put; your Holiday Caravan insurance will protect the caravan itself against severe and unpredictable weather conditions and accidental damage. It will reimburse you for stolen or damaged contents, and also cover other items that are on your pitch.

Consider carefully what you need covered

The sums insured part of your holiday caravan insurance policy will be split between the value of the caravan itself and the items that are contained in or attached to the caravan. Permanent fittings and fixtures will be included in the value of the caravan itself. Other items that may included are push bikes, kitchenware and other caravan contents such as mobile phones and laptops. Cover is also available for outdoor items such as decking and outdoor furniture provided that it is stored or contained within the confines of your pitch.

Know the value of your Caravan 

The value of your caravan can affect the ‘new for old’ or replacement value. Be sure to know the market value of your caravan and the ‘buy-new’ value if at all possible. If you yourself have bought a brand new caravan, knowing these values should be easy. If you have a second hand caravan or an older model however, it’s best to ask an agent or site manager.

What does Holiday Caravan insurance cover?

One area that you should regularly check are your gutters. Simply remove any leaves or debris to ensure that water can easily pass away. This is a genuinely common cause of dampness in caravans. By doing this quick and simple maintenance task your caravan will perform as is expected for many years.

Holiday Caravan insurance cover is designed so that it protects you against the following:

Storm cover

Your holiday caravan can be insured for damage that is caused by a storm or when the weather gets rough. Cover is also available for items that are on your pitch such as veranda, decking, and outside furniture.

Caravan contents cover

All the fixtures and fittings in your Holiday Caravan are typically covered as part of the caravan itself. Cover can also be had for items such as 12 v smart TV, cooking appliances, plus other non-permanent furniture such as ornaments and lamps. If you were able to tip your caravan upside down and shake it, the things that may fall out will need to be included in your sums insured.

Re-siting costs

Should the worst happen and your caravan becomes beyond repair, this insurance can cover the cost of removing debris, hooking-up a new caravan (electric and water) and any fees that may be charged by the site.

New for old replacements available

If you have included new for old cover on your policy, you will receive a replacement that is of the same value should your caravan be damaged beyond repair.

When you think VW you immediately think German, but it was a dutchman who first sketched the icon campervan version. If you have one of the early editions of a classic they can be quite valuable so make sure you have take a good level of VW campervan insurance.

If you were to ask any VW campervan owner about the history of their vehicle, they will most likely point to the Type 2 Kombi vans. There have indeed been many variations on the theme since that time from the many different manufacturers from around the world. Here’s a little about the history and the developments of the Volkswagen Campervan that has inspired a whole generation of vehicles. When you need to take out static caravan insurance be sure to compare quotes with our easy multiple quote system.

The Beginning 1947

It all began when a Dutch businessman Ben Pon started importing Volkswagen Beetles into the Netherlands in early 1947.

After having visited a VW factory in Wolfsburg, he sketched out his idea for a very different brand new automobile. The engineers at VW would use this as their inspiration for what would become the VW campervan.

1947 Bus Class

On November 11th, 1949, at a press conference, the T1 Volkswagen was excitedly revealed to the world. The prototype had been built by engineers using Mr. Pon’s sketch.

This was VW’s first ever attempt at a ‘bus class’ motor vehicle, and it was recognised as a major success story. This exact T1 is located today at the Volkswagen Auto Museum.

1950s The Campervan is Born

VW built two different models – the Kombi and the commercial Transporter, and they went into production in early 1950. VW committed to build a total of ten automobiles each day.

Several different nicknames came about for the Type 2, which included Splitty due to fact that the front windscreen was split into two windows.

1951

In 1951, VW released a new Type 2 T1 model. It was called the ‘Samba’. This new bus has 21 windows which were located all the way around the vehicle, with an option of having two additional ones in the roof.

1954

The Transporter went on sale in the UK, for the price of £668. (This is roughly the equivalent of about £17,286 in today’s money.)

The Initial sales figures were a bit underwhelming, with a mere 786 units being sold in that year. Things however quickly began to pick up as the model gained popularity.

1955

The VW brand was without a doubt thriving. The interest in the T1 Bulli model was steadily increasing year after year, and the car maker was struggling to keep up with the demand.

In early 1955 the first fully fitted camper of the Westfalia production line, The Export, was placed into production.

1960s

Introducing the T2

1962

The one millionth Transporter was built at the VW factory in Hannover after just sixteen years of production. Just six more years and VW reached the two million landmark.

1968

The dawn of a new era at Volkswagen began in 1968. VW had stopped production of the T1 model just a year earlier, and now the car maker began rolling out the T2.

Even though it looked quite similar to the T1, the T2 was entirely different. It boasted a new engine, new suspension, and VW added a stabilising bar.

The one biggest difference is that the split windscreen had been changed to a single window panel. And so the Splitty was indeed no more.

1970s

Type 2, T2, Take 2.

1973

In 1973 a new version of the T2 was introduced . This was referred to as the ‘late-bay’, whereas previous models had been labelled as ‘early-bay’.

The ‘late-bay’ sported a slightly different look, which included a square style bumper. It also boasted advanced safety features (such as improved braking) and had the larger engine option.

1979

Just a short decade after the introduction of the T2, VW began its production on a new model. In May 1979 the T3 was released.

The T3 Westfalia camper version was heavily marketed by VW. It featured a pop-up roof, a sink, and a stove.

1981

This year for the first time, VW began fitting their campervans with a diesel engine. This was the same engine that was previously introduced into the VW Golf.

1983

VW began its production on a new version of the Samba Bus, which was known as the Caravelle.

It boasted a freshly designed new look, upgraded features and it was built on the concept of ‘comfortable passenger transport’. It had the ability to be converted into a very cosy living space.

1988

In late 1988 the Westfalia’s campervan modifications underwent a serious overhaul coming up with a completely new look. This new, more modern vehicle came to be known as the California Volkswagen Motorhome.

1991

The 90s brought about a brand new generation of Transporter, simply known as the T4. While this was mainly used as a commercial vehicle, there was a Caravelle version that was available.

1997

Thirty-five years after VW produced the one millionth Transporter, they rolled out number eight million.

2000

In the year 2000, VW’s Hannover factory saw record production. They built a total number of 178,000 automobiles. Just about 139,000 of these were Caravelle, Transporter, and Multivan models.

2003

After the official unveiling by VW in 2002, the T5 model went into full production a year later. Both the Caravelle and Transporter model were made available.

Additionally, a new version of the California Motorhome was released – this time it was built in-house by VW. It was without a doubt, the perfect modern day campervan. It was fully-equipped with not only beds, but a table that folded up, seats, and a sink. A more affordable option, which was called the ‘California Beach’ was made and it included just a bed. Whilst your cherished campervan may only come with the basics it is easy to add entertainment items such as a 12 volt smart  caravan TV and many other extras  

All things need maintenance and in the case of static caravans the more you give, the more you will be rewarded with a caravan that will last a lifetime and more. With a modern or  classic caravan, we have compiled a few tips on preventative actions that will keep your static if first class condition.

A static caravan is definitely a great investment when it comes to you and your family’s future holidays. There are amazing times to be had in your new holiday home, however, you should do your part to look at after your static caravan. This way it stays in tip top condition year after year. Here are a few hints and tips on maintaining your caravan.

Gas and Electric Maintenance

Your caravan will more than likely be fitted with a gas boiler, which in most cases will be connected to the unit’s central heating system.

Maintenance of your boiler should be done annually by a competent and fully registered engineer. Make sure that you bring any concerns about your caravan to your engineer as soon as possible. This can help to keep the overall costs down in the future years. As for the electric system, get this checked annually for safety also.

Static Steps/External Awnings.

External items can be expensive, to prolong life keep your static caravan steps and awnings safely stored in a dry place inside the caravan.

Exterior Maintenance

Dirt is bound to accumulate on your caravan during the course of the year. Making sure that you clean the exterior of your caravan will keep it looking fantastic and will also help ensure it stays waterproof. Use a jet wash or just a cloth and detergent when you clean the outside of your caravan. Windows clean easily with just normal window cleaning solution. Choose a caravan cleaner and polish that is recommended in our review of caravan cleaning products.

Static Caravan Insurance

Make sure that you have adequate static caravan insurance. This is one area that many caravan owners fail to get the proper level of cover.  Check your insurance policy wording carefully to ensure that you are correctly covered for any accidents or other insurance related claims that you may need to make.

Guttering

One area that you should regularly check are your gutters. Simply remove any leaves or debris to ensure that water can easily pass away. This is a genuinely common cause of dampness in caravans. By doing this quick and simple maintenance task, your caravan will perform as is expected for many years.

Anchor your static caravan

You may think that your caravan weighs a good bit and its weight makes it strong, but high winds in autumn and the winter weather has been known to cause them to actually flip over. Anchor the caravan and be sure to check this on a regular basis. Anchor chains are available from any good caravan accessory retailer.

Window Latches and Doors

A brand-new caravan (or one that has a few years on it) can be fitted with both double glazed windows and PVC doors. New or old, see to it that all windows and doors will close and lock securely. A static caravan often warps as it gets older, so check that all seals are tight, and the security features are in proper working order.

Always be on the look-out for rust

The chassis of your caravan is no-doubt constructed from a very hardy metal. However, you should always check for rust in other areas of your caravan as it gets older. This would especially be true when it comes to any fittings that are attached to the caravan.