08/03/2022

Static and touring caravans: What you need to know

Caravan

There are a number of benefits to owning a static or touring caravans, especially with so many locations to choose from around the UK. But what do you need to know when it comes to different types of caravans and finding the right insurance cover?

In recent years, caravanning holidays have had a huge surge in popularity. This is unsurprising, given the impact that Covid has had on international travel. And of course, the UK has a great deal to offer in the way of beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and foodie or adventure destinations.

According to FTN News, Covid isn’t the only reason that people are looking for a holiday closer to home. Caravanning holidays have been on a steady rise for several years, with more people choosing to explore the beauty of the UK instead of jumping on a plane overseas. A YouGov poll showed that nearly 25% of British holidaymakers plan on staying in the UK for future holidays: a change that seems set to stay.

For those searching for the next UK-based holiday, caravanning is a great choice with a host of amazing options to choose from, whether you prefer a static caravan in one permanent location or a touring caravan with the freedom to travel anywhere. But what if you’re thinking of buying one rather than renting? We take a look at the difference between a touring and static caravan, and what you might need to consider.

Touring and static caravans. Image from Caravan Helper

What are the different uses of static caravans?

Long before a caravan was a bulky thing on wheels that you towed for miles over unforgiving hills to seaside destinations, it was a company of travellers taking a journey together. The modern concept of a static caravan would seem very odd to those travellers now, but these space-efficient portable homes have become a staple of the British countryside, and very convenient they are too.

There are two main uses of static caravans: leisure homes and park homes. Static caravans used for leisure are usually kept on registered holiday sites, and a popular choice among holidaymakers in the UK who want their own private holiday home but without major outlay.

As mentioned in the Travel Hack, one of the best advantages of owning a static caravan is the opportunity for lots of ‘mini holidays’ and weekends away after a long week of work. On top of that, it gives owners the chance to explore a new area of the UK, especially as the time spent there isn’t limited to the timeframe of a standard 2-week getaway.

Park homes are similar to static caravans in terms of being fitted in only one location, but with residents who live there permanently. These are great options for those who have decided to move away from the hustle and busy of everyday life and simply wish to live in their chosen location full time.

 

What are the benefits of touring caravans?

Touring caravans differ from both static caravans as, although they can still be permanently sited, they can also be towed, meaning they can be placed in different locations. These are a great choice for holidaymakers who want to keep their options open location-wise, although it’s essential to have a suitable vehicle if you want to move the caravan elsewhere! Many a head gasket has been blown towing a Hobby across the Pyrenees…

 

What kind of insurance cover is available for static and touring caravans?

When it comes to insuring your caravan – whether static or touring – you’ll be glad to know there are dedicated options available. As with any assets like your home or car, it’s important that you’ve got the right cover in place for your caravan in case of flood, break-in or other damage.

We offer cover for:

  • Leisure Home Insurance: This insurance is designed to insure static caravans that are based on registered holiday sites. We can offer new-for-old cover for risks up to 20 years old, and market value for up to 30 years old.
  • Park Home Insurance: This type of cover is designed for owners who live in static caravans/mobile homes permanently, where the caravan is ideally based on a 12-month residential site. However, if the site is not a full 12-months, then this could be something we can accommodate on our Leisure Home scheme as mentioned above. Park homes up to the age of 30 will be provided with blanket cover on a new-for-old basis of up to £500k for the structures and £75 for contents. You can of course take out additional contents cover.
  • Touring Caravan Insurance: A product for touring caravans that are either towed or permanently sited, EU towing and storage is available and new-for-old cover offered for vans up to 10 years old, with market value cover up to 30 years old.

So, whether you’ve got a touring caravan or a static caravan for your leisure or permanent residence, Norton could help you make sure it’s protected, so you can focus on the important stuff: enjoying it.

 

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    To speak with an advisor about your caravan insurance needs, please contact your personal client manager or, if you’re not already a customer, give our team a call on 0121 248 9440.