We are starting the search for a Freedom caravan this month. Will be buying an old one as we can only afford about £2,000 and there seems to be some half decent ones around on eBaY Gumtree etc., So.. thought I would have a look at insurance based on one I have just seen dated 1989 (most seem to be mid 90's to be fair though). Caravan Guard declined to quote due to the fact that it was over 25 years old. So... my question is if I buy one now that is say 20 years old, what happens in five years when it becomes too old for insurance. Obviously we will be avoiding the 1989 one.
Thanks
Lynne
Theres no legal requirement to insure a caravan, you are covered for 3rd party risks while towing on your car insurance, just inform your insurer you have a towbar fitted but no increase in premium though.
An old caravan can usually be insured for about £70pa. It might be priceless to you but as far as insurer is concerned a caravan that old has only a few quid scrap value so if it was written off or burnt out your payout would be so negligible as to make it not worth insuring.
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Ok, so my other question was going to be how do we cover something we don't have until we pick it up, so you have answered that for me regarding the 3rd party on the car insurance. I have just been looking at Caravan Club Insurance and they will insure me on the same Van for about £70, so I am feeling a lot happier now. Still probably won't go for that van, but I don't feel as worried a minute ago. Thanks again.
Oooh David you are in North Norfolk! We would be heading down that way eventually after getting used to the whole towing lark. Yes, about £70 seems a good price to me and Im a lot happier. Are you a member of CC? I've looked and Im not sure its worth it just for the insurance discount?
Thanks,
Lynne
The car insurance only covers while attached to car & then only for 3rd party risk. If you mean you have already bought & paid for caravan that you are collecting at a later date & want it insured for fire/theft/damage then provided you have full details of caravan you can insure it right now.
Hi Lynne. Yes we are members mainly so we can use the CLs Which are a darm sight better than a lot of sites nowdays as we like a bit of peace and quiet when we go away.
We shall have a look at it then. We do tend to look for quiet or Adult Only sites when camping as thats what we look for too, and no ones childrens slamming their football against the car or the tent.
Thanks again.
Hi Opensauce
No, we haven't bought the caravan yet, nor have we found it. I was just wondering about the actual pick up and getting it home, so we should be ok with the car 3rd party I am assuming for that trip, and then we will get the proper van insurance sorted out once we get home.
Quote: Originally posted by subaru on 07/3/2016
Unfortunalely Caravan Guard will not provide you with a quote as their restriction on units over 25 years old is applied to new customes.
If you are already insured with them they will continue to offer cover after the caravan passes 25 years old depending on your claims history.
Thanks for that, yes that makes sense now. Also something less to worry about. Thanks again.
Yes, you are legal to tow caravan home. If you are buying privately I suggest you take wheelbrace(usually 19mm wheelnuts on caravan)& a tyre pump & pressure gauge. That way you are giving yourself best chance of a safe tow home. Tyres much more that 5yrs old should be changed but provided theres no visible perishing or splits they should get you home.
Quote: Originally posted by Opensauce on 07/3/2016
Yes, you are legal to tow caravan home. If you are buying privately I suggest you take wheelbrace(usually 19mm wheelnuts on caravan)& a tyre pump & pressure gauge. That way you are giving yourself best chance of a safe tow home. Tyres much more that 5yrs old should be changed but provided theres no visible perishing or splits they should get you home.
Just to complete this post, we did buy the little 1989 Freedom in the end, she was in such good nick and had been totally refurbished throughout (including the dreaded sticky lining). We managed to get insurance through Adrian Flux at fully comp for only £67.
Thanks again everyone for your comments.