Hi,
I am in the process of buying a caravan form Germany, "non-UK specs", so no British sockets, no flame retardant upholstery, etc.
Can anybody recommend a good insurance company who will be willing to insure my caravan?
Thank you
I wouldn't have thought it would make any difference to an insurer. Their job is to indemnify you and provided your sum insured is adequate to cover the extra cost of importation there shouldn't be a problem.
Try the Caravan Club for the insurance.
Incidentally, if the vehicle is being sold in the EU I would have thought it would have had flame retardant upholstery.
Daves1
Some companies will insure German caravans, some won't but there are plenty of German built caravans in the UK so it can't be that hard. It makes no difference that you are importing it yourself, just get insurer to insure for UK & Europe use then you will be covered if you are collecting it from Germany yourself.
Quote: Originally posted by DaveS1 on 23/9/2014I wouldn't have thought it would make any difference to an insurer. Their job is to indemnify you and provided your sum insured is adequate to cover the extra cost of importation there shouldn't be a problem.
Try the Caravan Club for the insurance.
Incidentally, if the vehicle is being sold in the EU I would have thought it would have had flame retardant upholstery.
Daves1
Well, back in 2002 when we were considering privately importing a German spec, and UK legal, Hymer the CC insurers were adamant that they would not insure it. But would insure a UK dealer imported one, even thought that would not meet the then NCC requirements.
Rest of Europe are not worried about flame retardant upholstery.
Caravan Club already said they WON'T insure me: why? If it's stolen, does it matter if it's got flame retadant cushions???!!!
All modern European built caravans have flame retardant cushions but those cushions have to be UK approved so only caravans officially imported, ie by UK importer will have UK approval marks.
Most German caravans though are imported secondhand by owners. I think it can be difficult if you want to trade in subsequently at UK dealer but tbf I think its a grey area as you will see older German 'vans on sale at UK dealers.
In the UK there is no legal requirement to insure a caravan as you are insured for 3rd party risks while towing on your car insurance so I guess owners of older caravans may not bother with insurance.
How are you going about getting quotes? Do you have to admit you have just imported it, does the insurer actually ask if caravan has been purchased from UK importer or if you have brought it in yourself?
Hi, I rang the Caravan Club and I asked if they would insure an import: excess of honesty on my behalf?
I requested an online quote from another couple of places and I am nearly sure they both asked something to the effect if it was an import.
I just find the whole thing silly: can I not choose NOT to be insured for fire, if they are all so hot and bothered?
Thanks for all the replies
There is probably more to their decision than the fire issue?
Never did find out why the CC and others were so adamant but with the values I was talking about, and possible personal injury claims then for us not insuring was out of the question.
It would be IMO counter productive to lie about the van's true status as come any "hurting" level of claim they are sure to check the VIN number, rendering your policy valueless on grounds of your deciept. All those I spoke to the "import" question was about the first point asked of me.
EU standards should be good enough for Britain.. but insurers can be silly.. some more than others.. assuming there are logical reasons for their decisions isnt always wise.. often there isnt.. he he
Any more names after caravanwise (bit pricey at over £300!)? I think Adrian Flux should insure, haven't got a quote from them yet (although submitted all info yesterday evening...).
Thanks
not being a private import is the key.. the insurers assume a dealer will take care of all the technicalities they dont assume this with a private import..
I have had several EU built caravans and never been asked did it have flame retarded material. The first question usually asked is which side is the door.when told british offside insurance has been refused.
All the vans have had the same type water heater same make 3 way fridge,thetford toilets etc but 13 amp british sockets. I got insurance with Adrian Flux and Simple insurance, But not asked about sockets,
NFU but they lost my custom when refused 10% discount for gold storage as NFU said they had never heard of the site. Turned out the site was totally insured for everything with NFU even the dogs vet bills.
The owner wrote them a right snotty letter. I received a letter of apology but informed them I had got better terms else were (Adrian Flux)