Insurance Archives - Happy Place

How can I tailor caravan insurance cover to meet my needs and budget?

Posted on 2nd February 2018 by Happy Admin

Our touring caravan insurance policy offers extensive cover as standard for fire, theft, storm, flood and accidental damage. But with a number of flexible choices and optional additional benefits, you can tailor your caravan insurance to meet your needs and budget.

You can choose from these optional benefits to get a tailored insurance quote:

New for old option for caravans up to 15 years old, meaning you’d receive a brand new replacement caravan of the same make and model (or the nearest equivalent) if yours was stolen or damaged beyond economic repair. Or choose market value cover which would pay out the value of the caravan at the time of the loss. New for old cover generally costs more as you need to set your insured caravan value at the amount it would cost to buy a brand new replacement whereas market value cover means you pay a premium against what the caravan is worth today.
Optional cover for equipment which will provide insurance for your awning, gas and water bottles, security devices, motor mover, pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, TV etc. Be sure to add an insured sum to your policy which reflects the full value of these items if you want everything to be covered.
Optional personal possessions cover whilst at your caravan, which covers your clothing, toiletries etc. This is suitable if you’d like to cover your personal items whilst in or about the caravan, but does not cover high risk items (for example cash or jewellery). Of course you might already be covered to take these items on holiday under your home insurance policy.
Optional protection of your no claims discount will keep your premiums low, even if you go on to make a claim.
Low cost optional legal expenses cover: up to £100,000 to pursue injury, consumer and employment claims, and recover uninsured losses like your excess following a non fault claim.
Two levels of emergency accommodation or caravan hire options, where you may benefit from up to £100 a day for 30 days alternative accommodation, allowing you to continue your holiday following an accident that means you can’t use your caravan. Or choose no cover, giving you a further saving.

European cover options including the ability to remove cover completely in exchange for a premium saving or including. Or choose cover letting you take trips abroad for up to 180 days or up to 240 days.
Flexible excess from £100 to £1,000, providing discounts of up to 25%. The higher your excess, the lower your premium.

You can read more about our cover features in our policy booklet and policy summary which you can view on our documents page. As an existing customer, please refer to your schedule to see which cover options and limits apply to your policy. Note that feature and discount availability is subject to terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Minimum premiums also apply.

Get a tailored quote online today, or call the number at the top of the page to let our advisers explain the various cover options available.

How can I get cheaper caravan insurance?

Posted on 17th January 2018 by Happy Admin

Many companies claim to offer cheap caravan insurance, however it’s important to check exactly what’s covered, as low-priced caravan insurance is not always the best or suitable for your needs. You don’t want to be left with a hefty repair bill should the worst happen!

How to get your caravan insurance at a low premium

1. Pay only for the cover you need

Many caravan insurance providers will let you select from various cover options according to your needs. For example with Happy Place, European and emergency accommodation cover can be removed or extended in line with your needs.

2. Consider your caravan storage location and storage security

The postcode of your caravan storage location will influence your premium. That might not be something you can change, but security measures at your storage location could reduce your premium. Adding a chain and padlock to the gates at the end of your driveway, or a security hitchpost, could be favourable. Also, if using a dedicated caravan storage site, check to see if it has measures such as high fencing around the site’s boundary, as well as a lockable gate or barriers to stop any Tom, Dick or Harry driving onto or off the site. CCTV is also a great storage site theft deterrent.

3. Improve the security on your caravan

Think above and beyond wheelclamps and hitchlocks. Consider axle wheel locks, GPS tracking devices and alarms for extra insurance discounts. Many modern caravans have these fitted as standard.

4. Minimise on road and manoeuvring risks

Many 2008 onward caravans are supplied with automatic anti-snaking devices like AL-KO’s ATC. This device can also be fitted to older tourers. Alternatively, think about adding a reversing camera or sensors, to make reversing into your storage spot or onto your pitch that bit easier. Think about Tyron safety bands, which help you bring your caravan to a safe stop following a tyre blowout, or even think about TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems). Your insurer should lower you premium if your caravan has any of these fitted.

5. Increase your excess

As is common in car insurance, you can add a voluntary excess on top of the caravan policy’s standard excess. You have to take a calculated risk on this one; obviously a higher excess will generally reduce your premium, but if you were then to have a caravanning mishap, you’d have to pay a higher amount when claiming under the policy.

6. Build up your no claim discount

A pretty obvious one, but if you manage to avoid a claim (and perhaps some of the above ideas will help you do that), you’ll be able to start building a reasonable NCD to reduce your premium. Even if you’re new to caravanning, Happy Place could still give you an introductory NCD if you have experience of towing or driving larger vehicles (such as vans or trucks).

We provide up to a total of 50% discounts to careful caravan owners, and further discounts are available to club members or caravan owners who read a caravanning magazine.

To find your ideal insurance cover and see if we can give you a cheaper price, get a quote today: Click here or call the number at the top of the page.