OWN AND LET

STATIC CARAVAN INSURANCE

Home insurance does not cover a static caravan on a holiday park. You need a specialist policy. This page explains what owner policies usually cover, the conditions that catch people out, and what to do if you let your caravan. It is general information, not advice. Always read your own policy wording.

WHAT AN OWNER POLICY USUALLY COVERS

Cover differs between insurers, but most static caravan policies offer some or all of these:

• The caravan itself, against fire, theft, storm and flood.
• Contents and personal belongings kept in the caravan.
• Fixtures outside, such as decking, verandas, steps and sheds. Check these are named on your schedule.
• Public liability, if a visitor is hurt or their property is damaged.
• Accidental damage, sometimes as standard and sometimes as an extra.
• Theft of the caravan or its contents, often with cover for lost or stolen locks and keys.
• Re-siting costs, such as clearing debris and reconnecting services.

NEW FOR OLD OR MARKET VALUE

With new for old cover, if the caravan is damaged beyond economic repair the insurer replaces it with a new caravan of the same or an equivalent model. Insurers such as Leisuredays and Caravan Guard offer this for caravans up to 15 years old. A whole-park scheme may set a different limit.

With market value cover, you get what the caravan was worth just before the loss. For an older caravan, that may be far less than you paid.

For new for old, you must insure for the cost of a new equivalent, not what the caravan is worth now. Check the figure each year at renewal.

STORM, FLOOD AND FROST

Storm and flood are usually covered. A park in a higher flood risk area may pay more or face extra conditions.

Frost damage, such as burst pipes, is often covered only if you have followed the winter rules. One insurer says the water must be turned off at the mains and the system fully drained down. Another sets winter precautions from 1 November to 15 March whenever the caravan is empty. Some exclude boilers or water systems over a certain age.

UNOCCUPANCY AND WINTERISING

Most policies define when a caravan counts as unoccupied. In one insurer's wording it is more than 72 hours in a row. After that, stricter conditions can apply.

Typical conditions include draining down the water system, isolating the gas, and keeping the caravan locked. Some insurers also require the caravan to be anchored at all corners of the chassis. If you do not follow these, a claim may be refused. Your park may offer a drain-down service.

WHAT THE PARK MAY ASK FOR

Insurance is not a legal requirement, but most holiday parks make it a condition of your licence. Parks commonly ask for at least public liability cover, often with a minimum amount. Some parks run a whole-park scheme with one insurer. Check your licence agreement and ask the park what it needs to see.

IF YOU LET YOUR CARAVAN

Tell your insurer before you let it, even to friends. Standard cover may not apply while the caravan is let or lent. You will usually need hire or letting cover, which can include damage by guests and lost rental income.

Make sure your public liability covers paying guests. Check first that your park allows letting at all. Some only allow friends and family, or only let through the park's own scheme.

GAS SAFETY AND ALARMS

Insurers and parks expect gas appliances to be checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you let the caravan, the law requires a yearly gas safety check, and you should display the certificate inside.

Fit a working carbon monoxide alarm and a smoke alarm, and test them often. Letting guides from insurers also advise a fire extinguisher, a fire blanket and a fire safety notice. A missing check or alarm can affect a claim.

WHAT AFFECTS THE PRICE

• New for old or market value cover.
• The value of the caravan, its contents and any decking or extras.
• The park location, including flood risk.
• Whether you let the caravan.
• The excess you choose. A higher voluntary excess can lower the premium.
• Security, and your claims history.

SHORT CHECKLIST

• Read what your park requires, including any minimum liability cover.
• Choose new for old or market value, and set the right sum insured.
• Make sure decking and other extras are listed.
• Tell your insurer if you let the caravan, and add hire cover.
• Book a yearly gas check with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Fit and test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
• Learn your policy's unoccupancy and winter rules, and drain down in time.
• Keep receipts, photos and certificates somewhere safe.

Static Stays does not sell insurance. If we ever introduce you to an insurer or broker, we will tell you if we may earn a commission.

Sources: caravanguard.co.uk leisuredays.co.uk leisuredays.co.uk leisuredays.co.uk everywhen.co.uk everywhen.co.uk thencc.org.uk. Checked October 2026. Information, not financial advice.