Caravan insurance NSW

Why do I need special insurance for my caravan?

Provided your Trailer or Caravan is in a roadworthy condition, it is generally covered by CTP insurance so long as it is being towed by a registered vehicle. However, this doesn't cover you for things like loss, accidental damage, or any of the valuables inside your caravan. Considering that the average caravan costs around $50,000, it's an investment worth protecting.

Getting caravan insurance will give you the peace of mind you need to travel comfortably in your home away from home, whether you regularly hit the open road or you're more of a weekend wanderer.

Caravan insurance can cover you for things like loss, accidental damage and natural disasters, as well as for accidents involving someone else's property. You can choose your level of cover based on whether you have an on-site caravan or you're about to clock some serious cross-country mileage in a touring caravan or camper trailer.

How does caravan insurance work in NSW?

Caravan insurance can be helpfully split into two categories. Depending on what you plan on doing, you may want to choose between the following options:

• Touring caravan insurance. This is not dissimilar to car insurance in so far as it covers you for incidents occurring while you are on the road. It takes into account factors such as your age, claims history, experience and model when calculating the cost of insurance. You'll usually be able to choose between a comprehensive policy, third party only or something in between.
• On-site caravan insurance. This functions a lot like home and contents insurance and is suitable for you if your caravan is stationary or parked at a caravan site. You can get cover for the items inside your caravan from white goods to sentimental valuables and food spoilage. How much you pay will often be determined by how much you choose to insure your caravan's contents for.

What does caravan insurance include in NSW?

Caravans come in all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that your insurance policy should too. Some insurers offer tiered levels of protection, while others structure their policies according to what you'll be using your caravan for. If you're looking for caravan insurance in NSW, here are some examples of some of the most common things you should expect to have covered:

What inclusions should I consider in NSW?

Although most caravan insurance policies in NSW cover common occurrences like theft, accidental damage and natural disasters, you'll also need to think about whether you need cover that's specific to the type of caravan or trailer you own. Look for the following inclusions in your policy:

• Towing and storage. Does your policy cover towing costs if you have an accident or you break down? NSW is massive and often you need to travel long distances which could make towing costs very expensive.
• New for new. With the rise of luxury holiday parks and caravans, as well as pop-up glamping tents throughout NSW, more and more of us have new and expensive caravans. If this is the case, it's worth safeguarding yourself with a new for new policy in case something goes wrong.
• Emergency accommodation. It's common to travel to rural areas of NSW, but say you break down, if your caravan can't safely be lived in, does your policy cover any accommodation costs incurred?
• General contents. Consider the white goods, furniture and valuables inside your caravan and ask yourself if your content cover is enough. Theft and fires are among the most common ways caravans are damaged in NSW, so could be worth protecting.
• Modifications and accessories. If you've modified your caravan or trailer, it's crucial to check whether this is covered. Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular addition to caravans due to the sunny weather in NSW. You can purchase additional cover for this. Similarly, in most cases, annexes fall under optional cover.
• Flyover Cover. Considering the often unpredictable weather we face in NSW, flyover covers can help protect your caravan and annexe from the elements. Some insurers offer protection for this and it can help lower your premiums.
• Lay up cover. If there are specific months of the year where you know you won't be using your caravan, you could qualify for a discount on your premium. Many in NSW only use their caravan at specific times of the year. If this is you, lay up cover could be a smart option to save money.

Taking your unique circumstances into account will help you find a caravan insurance policy that meets your needs.

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