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Quote: Originally posted by Nigel/Speedi on 24/11/2009Old Chap.....i did say in an earlier post that the caravan is only covered by your vehicle insurance when its hooked up to the towbar...otherwise some house insurance will cover breakins to caravans stored at home..both claims were with different companies

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Quote: Originally posted by Dragon44 on 23/11/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by Nigel/Speedi on 23/11/2009

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if you dont have seperate insurance for your caravan the only time it will be covered is when its coupled up to the car or possibly if you keep it on the drive at home. other than that your on your own

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That's right.  Unless your caravan is insured separately, the car insurance will only cover your van for third party liabilities.  Whatever happens to your van is at your expense.

In addition, the same applies if you only insure the van for third party cover.   Comprehensive on the van is your best protection, as well as on the towcar.

Bertie.
Car insurance doesn't cover damage to the caravan..

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Quote: Originally posted by oliver67 on 24/11/2009

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if it is not on your car say it comes off it is not insured so be ware!

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On the face of it, Arthur, I would agree with you.  But, unless I am mistaken, the actual wording on car insurance policies states that you are insured for third party cover whilst the caravan is attached to the car.  I have never seen it stated that, in the event of the caravan becoming detached, you are still covered.

On the basis of some of the reported wriggling by insurers, would you risk a different interpretation to what we believe to be the case?   I would go for at least third party cover on the van itself; extending this depending on the value of the van.

Bertie.

You will need to inform your insurers that you intend to tow as fitting a tow bar is classed as making a modification to your vehicle.
Some companies don't charge an increased premium for this, others do. If you don't tell them and later wish to claim, they may refuse to pay out.

I have a 40 year old van and have just checked insurance for it (less than £65 for the year with CC) which I think is worth paying for peace of mind.
I personally couldn't afford to pay thousands of pounds to a third party if my van damaged someone else's property.

I have been with my previous insure for over 20 years, and they never classed a towbar as a modification.  I have just changed to a new insurer.  When I mentioned that I tow a caravan, they also stated that it was not classed as a modification.  I would be surprised if any insurers do so, but I still agree that it is best to tell them just the same.

A modification is when a vehicle is changed from its standard form, usually to do with performance, such as low-profile tyres, lowered suspension, etc.  For some reason it seems that, if a vehicle has provision for the attachment of a towbar within its specification, this is accepted as standard trim.  But, as I say, play it safe and still declare it.

Bertie.