Static Caravan Insurance

Static Caravan Insurance is a specialist policy designed to cover caravans that are permanently sited, typically in holiday parks or private land. It differs from touring caravan insurance, which covers caravans that are towed and moved regularly.

A static caravan is a type of mobile home designed to remain in one fixed location, typically on a holiday park or private land. Unlike touring caravans, which are towed and moved frequently, static caravans are permanently sited and connected to utilities like electricity, water and sewage. They offer fully equipped living spaces - including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and lounges - and are used for holiday accommodation, seasonal living or rental income.

Here’s a reminder of the main features and benefits:

• Structural cover: Protects your caravan against damage from fire, flood, storm, vandalism and other insured events.
• Contents insurance: Covers personal belongings inside the caravan, such as furniture, electronics and kitchenware. You may require additional cover for high-value items which could increase your premium.
• Theft and vandalism protection: Includes cover for break-ins, stolen contents and malicious damage.
• Accidental damage: Optional cover for unintentional damage to your caravan or its contents - like broken windows or spilled paint.
• Public Liability Cover: Protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged while visiting your caravan. Essential if you rent it out.
• Alternative accommodation: Some products include reimbursement for temporary housing if your caravan becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.
• Unoccupied periods: Many policies cover caravans left empty for a set number of days (typically 30 or 60). Extended cover may be available for longer periods.
• Legal expenses: Some insurers include legal cover for disputes with site owners or third parties.
• Debris removal and re-siting costs: Covers the cost of clearing damaged structures and reinstalling a replacement caravan.

Benefits of having Static Caravan Insurance

• Peace of mind knowing your investment is protected from insured events
• Financial security against costly repairs or replacements covered under a successful claim
• Compliance with holiday park requirements and add-on cover
• Flexibility to tailor your policy with optional extras
• Support from a broker and underwriter throughout the policy year

Most Static Caravan Insurance policies in the UK include cover for your contents, fixtures, fittings and personal belongings - but you may need to specify high-value items and check policy limits. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically covered and what to watch out for:

Contents and personal belongings

• Included by default in many policies, covering items like furniture, electronics, kitchenware and clothing.
• Cover limits vary - some insurers offer a fixed amount (e.g. £5,000), while others let you choose your own level of cover – higher limits may impact the amount you pay so always ensure you provide accurate values.
• Valuable items (e.g. jewellery, laptops) may need to be listed separately if they exceed a single-item limit (often £1,000–£2,000).

Fixtures and fittings

• Most policies include built-in equipment, such as:
  • Cookers, fridges, microwaves
  • Boilers, showers, water heaters
  • Decking, steps, balconies and skirting

External storage

• Some insurers also cover locked external stores and the contents inside (e.g. garden tools, stored garden furniture or bikes), often up to £1,000.

What to check in your policy

• Accidental damage may be optional - check if it’s included.
• Unoccupied periods: Cover may be restricted if your caravan is empty for more than 30–60 days (dependent on the insurer).
• Security requirements: You may need approved locks or alarms for theft cover to apply.

Anyone who owns a static caravan - whether for personal use or holiday letting - should strongly consider having Static Caravan Insurance. In many cases, it’s a requirement of the holiday park where the caravan is sited.

The key difference is that Static Caravan Insurance is designed for holiday homes used seasonally, while Park Home Insurance covers permanent residences built to higher standards for year-round living.

Unfortunately, our insurer panel only provides cover for static caravans situated on formal caravan sites.

Unfortunately, our insurer panel does not provide cover for static caravans used as primary residences.

Static Caravan Insurance is not mandated by law in the UK. You are free to own and use a static caravan without insurance - but doing so leaves you financially vulnerable to risks like fire, theft, storm damage and liability claims.

These two terms refer to different ways your static caravan contents (or other insured item) might be valued in the event of a claim:

Market value

• Definition: The amount your item is worth at the time of the claim, based on its age, condition and depreciation.
• Payout: You’ll receive the current second-hand value - not what you originally paid.
• Pros: Lower premiums.
• Cons: May not be enough to replace your item with a similar new one.
• Example: If your 5-year-old cooker is damaged beyond repair in a fire, you’ll be paid what it’s worth now, not what it cost new.

New for old

• Definition: If your item is damaged beyond repair or stolen, the insurer replaces it with a brand-new equivalent model.
• Payout: Full replacement cost of a new item of the same make and model.
• Pros: You get a brand-new replacement.
• Cons: Higher premiums and stricter eligibility (e.g. age limits, original ownership).
• Example: If your 5-year-old cooker is damaged beyond repair in a fire, you’ll receive a brand-new version - assuming it meets the policy criteria.

Standard policies are typically designed for personal use only. If you rent out your caravan - even occasionally - you may not be covered for damage caused by guests, loss of income or liability claims.

If you choose a policy that supports letting, it may include:

• Public liability cover for guest injuries or property damage
• Accidental damage caused by renters
• Loss of rental income if your caravan becomes uninhabitable
• Malicious damage or theft by guests

Always tell your broker if you plan to let out your caravan - failure to disclose this could invalidate your policy. Also be aware that some policies only cover short-term holiday lets, not long-term rentals, so check your policy wording carefully.

If your static caravan is unoccupied for a period of time, your insurance may still cover it - but there are often specific conditions and limitations you need to be aware of.

Most Static Caravan Insurance policies allow for limited unoccupied periods, typically ranging from 30 to 60 consecutive days. During this time, your caravan is still insured, but:

• Some cover may be reduced or excluded, such as theft or escape of water.
• You may be required to take precautionary measures, like turning off water, securing windows and doors or maintaining heating.

Common conditions for unoccupied cover

• Security requirements: Approved locks, alarms or CCTV may be required.
• Winter precautions: Drain down water systems or keep heating on low to prevent freezing.
• Regular checks: Some insurers ask that the caravan be inspected periodically.

Extended unoccupancy

If your caravan will be empty for more than the standard limit, you may need:

• Specialist cover for long-term unoccupancy
• To notify your insurer in advance
• To pay a higher premium or accept reduced cover

What to do

• Check your policy wording for unoccupancy limits and conditions.
• Inform your insurer if your caravan will be empty for an extended period.
• Take preventive steps to reduce risk and maintain cover.

You should be able to find Static Caravan Insurance even if your site has previously flooded, but you may need specialist cover and premiums or conditions could vary depending on the flood risk.

Flood history doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting insurance - many insurers assess flood risk based on location, past incidents and preventative measures. You should always be transparent about your site’s flood history when applying.

Conditions to watch for

Some insurers may:

• Exclude flood cover entirely
• Charge higher premiums
• Require additional safety measures, such as:
  • Flotation devices (e.g. Floodsaver or cantilever systems)
  • Elevated siting or drainage improvements
  • Regular inspections or maintenance

Valuable items on your static caravan contents cover typically include high-cost personal belongings such as jewellery, watches, laptops, cameras and other electronics. These items may need to be listed separately if they exceed your policy’s single-item limit.

What counts as a valuable item

• Jewellery and watches
• Laptops, tablets and mobile phones
• Cameras and photographic equipment
• High-end electronics (e.g. TVs, sound systems)
• Designer clothing or accessories
• Collectibles or antiques (if stored in the caravan)

These items are often subject to single-item limits, meaning if one item exceeds a certain value (commonly £1,000–£2,000), it must be declared individually to be covered.

Policy considerations

• Declared value: You’ll need to estimate the total value of your contents and specify any high-value items.
• Usage clause: Items must be used solely within the caravan to be covered (e.g. a TV used only in the caravan is eligible).
• Locked storage: Items kept in locked sheds or outbuildings may be covered, but limits often apply (e.g. up to £1,000).
• Exclusions: Some policies exclude cover for valuables during unoccupied periods or require additional security measures.

You are not legally required to use the insurer recommended by your static caravan site owner - you have the right to choose your own insurance provider. However, your site owner may stipulate minimum cover requirements as part of your contract.

To make a claim on your Static Caravan Insurance, you’ll typically need to provide proof of ownership, evidence of damage or loss and supporting documentation such as receipts, photos and police reports (if applicable).

Evidence of damage or loss

• Photographs or videos showing the damage, theft or incident scene.
• Date-stamped images are especially helpful to verify timing.
• Written description of what happened, including time, location and circumstances.

Proof of ownership and value

• Receipts or invoices for items claimed (especially valuables).
• Bank statements showing purchase transactions (if receipts are unavailable).
• Valuation certificates for high-value items like jewellery or antiques.
• Serial numbers for electronics or appliances.

Police or third-party reports (if applicable)

• Crime reference number if the claim involves theft, vandalism or malicious damage.
• Police report or confirmation of the incident.
• Third-party details if another person was involved (e.g. liability claims).

Repair or replacement estimates

• Quotes from contractors or suppliers for repairs or replacements.
• Invoices for emergency work already carried out (e.g. plumbing, boarding up).

Insurance policy details

• Your policy number
• Details of your cover (e.g. excess, limits, exclusions)
• Confirmation of occupancy status (some claims may be affected if the home was unoccupied)

Tips for a smoother claim process

• Report the claim promptly - most insurers require notification within 24 - 48 hours.
• Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.
• Follow your insurer’s process - some offer online claim forms or dedicated claims teams.
• Before an incident occurs, create a detailed inventory of fixtures, fittings and contents, with photos and receipts. This will also help you to more accurately estimate the scope and value of your contents. Remember to back any documentation up and save to the cloud or offsite in case of physical loss such as a fire.

Several key factors influence the cost of Static Caravan Insurance in the UK. Here's a breakdown of what insurers typically consider when calculating your premium:

Caravan details

• Value and age: Newer or higher-value caravans cost more to insure, especially with new-for-old cover.
• Size and model: Larger caravans or luxury models may attract higher premiums.

Location

• Flood risk: Sites with a history of flooding or near water bodies may increase your premium.
• Crime rates: Areas with higher theft or vandalism rates can affect costs.
• Holiday park requirements: Some parks require specific cover levels, which may raise the price.

Security features

• Locks, alarms and CCTV: Enhanced security may help to reduce your premium.
• Gated access or on-site wardens: May qualify you for discounts depending on insurer.

Level of cover

• Extras and add-ons: Adding extras like accidental damage, legal expenses or loss of rental income increases the cost.
• Contents and valuables: Higher limits or declared high-value items will raise your premium.

Unoccupied periods

• Extended vacancy: If your caravan is left empty for long periods, insurers may charge more or limit cover.

Rental use

• Letting out your caravan: Requires specialist cover, which is more expensive due to added risks.

Claims history

• Previous claims: A history of claims can increase your premium.
• No-claims discounts: May apply if you’ve had a clean record.

Policy excess

• Higher excess: Choosing a larger excess can lower your premium, but increases your out-of-pocket cost in a claim.

Here’s a guide to help you cut costs without compromising on protection:

Use a broker

• A broker will help you to compare cover and price from their panel of insurers.
• Brokers may have access to broker-only prices that customers would be unable to access from the insurer directly.

Improve security

• Install approved locks, alarms or CCTV to deter theft and potentially qualify for discounts.
• Choose a site with gated access or on-site wardens - some insurers may reward this with lower premiums.

Adjust your cover

• Review your policy and remove unnecessary extras like legal expenses or high-value contents if not needed.
• Opt for market value cover instead of new-for-old if replacement with a brand new item isn’t essential to you.

Increase your excess

• Choosing a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay toward a claim) can reduce your premium. However, this should only be considered if you have a good, clean claims history and if the excess amount you choose is still affordable to you if you need to claim.

Limit unoccupied periods

• If your caravan is regularly used, you may qualify for lower rates than those left empty for long stretches.
• Follow insurer guidelines for winter precautions to avoid claims and maintain no claims discounts.

Maintain a clean claims history

• Avoid small claims if possible to preserve your no-claims discount.
• Some insurers offer loyalty rewards or reduced premiums for long-term customers with no claims.

Be honest about usage

• If you don’t rent out your caravan, make sure your policy reflects personal use only, as rental cover costs more.
• If you do let it out, choose a policy that includes rental-specific protection to avoid invalid claims.

We understand that managing cash flow is important, which is why we offer flexible ways to pay for your Static Caravan Insurance policy. If you'd prefer not to pay the full amount in full, you can opt for a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due 28 days after your policy begins - giving you time to spread the cost.

Alternatively, if monthly budgeting works better for your business, our third-party premium finance provider can offer convenient direct debit payments, allowing you to split the cost into manageable instalments (interest rates apply, please speak with our team for details).

The easiest way to get started is by calling our friendly insurance advisors. They’ll walk you through the details we need to provide a quote and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Call us on 01227 774 050. Prefer to start by email? No problem - just drop us a message at quotes@quotemetoday.co.uk and we’ll get back to you promptly.