Caravan Insurance for First-Time Buyers

Getting the right insurance in place is the best way to start your caravanning adventure with confidence. Caravan insurance for first-time buyers helps protect your caravan against theft, damage and unexpected setbacks, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

This guide to static and touring caravan insurance is designed specifically for first-time caravan buyers. We’ll explain the different types of cover available, what to look out for in a policy and how to avoid common pitfalls. From understanding the cost to comparing the options you’ll find, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.

Do you need caravan insurance?

Caravan insurance in the UK isn’t a legal requirement, but for most owners it’s a smart and sensible choice.

If you’re towing a touring caravan, your car insurance will normally cover accidental third-party damage while being towed on a public road, but it won’t protect the caravan itself. For static caravans, insurance is just as important. These are often left unattended for long periods, making them more vulnerable to fire, flooding, theft and storm damage, especially on exposed sites.

It’s also worth knowing that home insurance doesn’t typically extend to including damage to caravans, even if they’re parked on your property. Having dedicated caravan cover means you’re protected against the most common risks, from accidental damage and weather events to vandalism and theft.

Understanding your policy options

Unlike car insurance, where terms like third-party, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive are standard, caravan insurance – particularly for touring caravans – is usually described in terms of what’s covered rather than using these labels.

Most providers offer modular or tailored policies, allowing you to choose from a range of protections such as:

• Accidental damage
• Theft and fire
• Weather-related damage
• Public liability
• New for old or market value settlement

While some insurers may still use motor-style terminology, it’s more common to see caravan insurance presented as a ‘packaged’ style policy, with optional extras, especially for touring caravans. Static caravan policies tend to focus on site-based risks and are structured differently.

Understanding the specific features and exclusions of each policy is key to choosing the right level of protection for your caravan and your budget.

What affects your caravan insurance premium?

Knowing the factors that influence the price you’ll pay for caravan insurance can help you make informed choices and potentially lower your premium:

Your caravan

The type and model of caravan you own affects the level and cost of cover. Touring caravans, which are towed behind your car, can be more exposed to road-related risks. Static caravans, often located in parks or holiday sites, will face different hazards like flooding or storm damage.

Age and value matter too. Newer, more expensive caravans tend to cost more to insure. Modifications like added luxury features or security should always be declared, as they can affect both your premium and your cover.

 

You and your driving experience

Your own driving history plays a role in your premium, especially if you’re towing. Insurers might look at your age, any previous claims and your experience towing caravans.

If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you previously faced restrictions on towing heavier caravans. However, since late 2021, most UK drivers are automatically allowed to tow trailers and caravans up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) without needing an additional test.

That said, it’s still important to check your specific licence entitlements on the , especially if you're planning to tow larger or heavier models.

Where and how it’s stored

Caravans kept in secure locations, like , usually benefit from lower premiums. Additional security like wheel clamps, trackers and alarms can also help reduce your costs by lowering the risk of theft or vandalism.

New for old vs market value cover

How your insurer values your caravan after a claim can make a big difference. This is our breakdown of the two main settlement types, new for old and market value:

New for old

If your caravan is beyond repair, it will be replaced with a brand-new equivalent model. You must insure it for its full new replacement cost and provide the original purchase receipt.

Market value

If your caravan is beyond repair, you’ll receive a payout based on its current market value, factoring in age, wear and tear, and condition (i.e. depreciated value).

If you’re buying your first caravan, think about its age and how much you’d want to spend replacing it. New for old gives extra peace of mind, but usually costs more. Market value cover can be more affordable, especially for second-hand models. Importantly, you must check the basis of cover when you arrange your caravan insurance, as the type and cover available can vary depending on the type of policy and insurer giving cover.

Optional caravan insurance extras worth considering

When buying caravan insurance, it’s worth thinking about what’s inside and around your caravan. A lot of policies offer optional extras that can boost your cover and save you hassle later on, for instance:

• Contents cover — This protects personal belongings like electronics, kitchenware and furnishings. This is especially useful if your caravan is kitted out or left unattended.
• Awnings, equipment and accessories — This covers external gear like awnings, satellite dishes or solar panels, which aren’t always included as standard in policies.
• Public liability insurance — This protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged while near or inside your caravan.
• Breakdown cover — This helps if your towing vehicle breaks down, especially useful for long trips or unfamiliar routes. This is an optional additional cover alongside your car insurance and it’s important to check the cover provided, as well as areas included, if towing outside of the UK.

Common caravan insurance exclusions and how to avoid mistakes

Insurance policies often include exclusions that can catch first-time buyers off guard. These can include:

• Undeclared modifications — Not listing changes can void your cover.
• Wear and tear — Age-related damage is usually not insured.
• Older caravans — Some policies exclude caravans above a certain age.
• Security requirements — Not meeting certain conditions, like using approved wheel locks, can affect claims.

Always read your policy wording carefully and ask if anything’s unclear. A few minutes upfront can prevent problems later.

First-time caravan insurance buyer checklist

Before you buy your first caravan insurance policy, make sure you’ve ticked off the essentials:

• Check your driving licence covers towing
• Decide what type of cover you need
• Gather key details including make, model, value and modifications
• Consider optional extras like contents or breakdown cover
• Plan secure storage and fit recommended security devices
• Compare quotes and policy features, not just price
• Set a reminder to review your policy annually

A little preparation goes a long way. With the right cover in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy your caravan without the fear of costly risk.

Do I need caravan insurance to tow on UK roads?

Caravan insurance is not a legal requirement. But car insurance only covers accidental third-party damage while towing, not your caravan itself.

What is covered in basic caravan insurance?

Standard caravan insurance cover will vary between different providers and is typically structured around specific risks. The most basic level of cover caravan insurers will generally provide is protection against loss or damage to your caravan, contents, awning, and equipment caused by events such as fire, theft, storm, flood, vandalism, and accidental damage (provided the appropriate security measures are in place).

Can I use my car insurance for my caravan?

Car insurance might cover third party liability while towing, but it won’t protect the caravan itself. Separate cover is recommended.

Does insurance cover belongings inside the caravan?

Check with your insurance provider as you are likely to need to add contents cover to insure personal items like electronics and furnishings.

Is static caravan insurance different?

Static caravan cover is fundamentally different from touring caravan insurance. Because static caravans are permanently sited – often in holiday parks – they face unique risks such as fire, flood, storm damage, and theft, especially when left unattended for long periods.

This type of insurance requires a dedicated policy tailored to the specific conditions and vulnerabilities of static caravans. It typically includes site-related cover, liability protection, and options for contents and fixtures.

If you're looking for static caravan insurance, click here to find out more and make sure you’re getting the right protection for your setup.

Caravan insurance from Towergate

Buying your first caravan is a big step and the right insurance helps you enjoy it without the worry. At Towergate, we specialise in helping first-time buyers find insurance that fits their needs without fuss.

Ready to start your first adventure? Get in touch today and travel with peace of mind from day one.

Get a caravan insurance quote

Get a quote today, either online or by phoning us on 0330 808 9130.

About the author

Gary Turner is a respected leader in the insurance industry with over ten years’ experience across a number of different sectors. After starting in the commercial vehicle sector, Gary’s main areas now are niche personal lines insurance, including caravan, trailer and equine insurance.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.