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We all hope our caravan holidays go off without a hitch, but sometimes the unexpected happens. Whether you’ve discovered weather damage to your static holiday home, had a road accident with your tourer, or been the victim of theft, the prospect of making an insurance claim can feel overwhelming.
The good news? It really doesn’t have to be. Caravan insurance claims follow a logical, step-by-step path. In this guide, we explain how to make a claim and get back to your adventures as quickly as possible.
Step 1: Assess the situation and stay safe
Take a deep breath. Right now, safety is the only thing that matters. If you’ve been in a road accident, make sure everyone is okay and call 999 if there are injuries or immediate dangers. Remember to swap details with any other drivers involved. If your static caravan has been battered by severe weather or flooding, don’t go inside until you know for certain that the structure is safe.
Step 2: Collect your information and evidence
Once everyone is safe, put your detective hat on. The more details you can gather at the scene, the smoother your claim will be.
For road accidents: Jot down the other driver’s details, vehicle registration, and insurance provider. Snap plenty of photos of the damage, the road layout, and the conditions. Don’t forget to grab the contact details of any witnesses.
For crime: If your caravan has been vandalised or stolen, try not to disturb the scene. Call the police, get a crime reference number, and make a list of everything that is damaged or missing.
Step 3: Contact your insurance team
Get in touch with your insurer as soon as it’s safe to do so. Many specialist providers have 24/7 helplines, and it’s best to call within the first 24 to 48 hours. Make sure you have your policy number to hand. The claims handler will give you a claim reference number – keep this safe. They will then guide you on what to do next, such as arranging emergency recovery if your tourer isn’t roadworthy, or arranging on-site support at your static caravan to re-secure the property in the event of a break-in.
Step 4: Fill out the paperwork
Next, you’ll need to complete a claim form. Take your time with this. Write down a clear, factual account of what happened, but remember not to admit liability or guess at the causes. This is also the time to attach all those photos you took, along with police reference numbers and a list of any damaged contents or equipment.
Step 5: The assessment and repair phase
If your caravan has taken a heavy knock, your insurer might send an engineer out to inspect it. They will determine whether it can be repaired or if it will be classed as a total loss. If it can be fixed, your insurer will usually point you toward one of its approved, trusted repair facilities to ensure the work is done to a high standard.
Step 6: Reviewing your settlement
Once the repairs are completed, or a payout figure is offered, take a moment to review it carefully. If it’s been repaired, give the caravan a thorough once-over. Check the heating, water, and electrics to ensure everything is just as it was before the incident. If it’s a total loss, check that the settlement reflects the true market value of your caravan. You always have the right to question a decision if it doesn’t feel fair.
Step 7: Keep meticulous records
A top tip for any insurance claim: keep a paper trail. Write down the names of the claims handlers you speak to, alongside the dates and times. Keep a folder of all emails, letters, and receipts for any emergency expenses you’ve had to cover. It makes tracking the progress of your claim so much easier.
Final thoughts
Dealing with caravan damage can be stressful. That’s why choosing a specialist caravan insurer is so important. You want a team that deals with these specific types of claims every day and understands exactly what you are going through.
Looking for Caravan Insurance?
Police Mutual are pleased to introduce Compass Insurance who are a specialist provider of holiday caravan and residential park home insurance, with over 45 years’ experience, so they can help you find the right cover for you.
Compass Insurance is part of the Bspoke Insurance Group Ltd, which also includes Police Mutual.