Living in the Sunshine State and looking for cover for your caravan? Read on.
From the Daintree to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is one beauteous place for adventure, and what better way to explore it than on the road in a caravan? As an explorer in your home-away-from-home, mishap and misadventure just aren’t on the agenda. But in the instance of trouble, whether it be a motor breakdown, natural disaster or vandalism, a suitable insurance policy can ensure that the adventure will continue.
This article will outline some of the most important things you should consider when taking out caravan insurance in Queensland.
Compare caravan insurance policies in Queensland
Why do I need caravan insurance?
While travelling the open road is a liberating venture, we owe it to ourselves to seek out an insurance policy that is best for us. With the possibility of cyclones, floods and anything in between, getting insurance for your prized possessions in Queensland is essential.
Some car insurance policies automatically provide some level of cover for your caravan, but depending on your particular lifestyle and your belongings, the right level of cover will be unique to you.
What types of caravans can I get covered?
You’ll generally find that policies offer cover based on the type of caravan you have. There are generally three categories:
- Caravans. This includes on-site, touring and camper caravans.
- Trailers. Including car, box and boat trailers.
- Horse floats.
6 things to consider when purchasing caravan insurance in Queensland
Everyone has circumstances unique to them and likewise ought to seek tailored cover. Your travelling habits, the contents of your caravan and other factors will determine what level of cover suits you best. Below are some considerations to help you determine what level of cover you’ll need:
- Collision or crash. Does the policy cover you and any third parties in the event of an accident?
- Natural disasters. Does your policy protect you in the instance of natural disasters like storms, floods, fires or earthquakes? This is especially important in Queensland as natural disasters unfortunately occur more than we would like.
- Emergency accommodation or repairs. If your caravan is damaged beyond safe usage, will your policy assist you in finding accommodation?
- Contents. Does your policy cover any pertinent business or sentimental items stored in your caravan?
- Caravan replacement. Does your policy offer new-for-new replacement in the instance of damage?
- Lay-up. How many months of the year is your caravan in use? You can inform your insurer if your caravan is not being used for a period for a reduced premium.
What kind of caravan insurance is offered in QLD?
There are many different types of caravans and likewise there are various habits and usages for each. Where your caravan is kept determines what types of risk you may be exposed to and what type of coverage you might need.
| Cover | Comprehensive | Third Party Fire and Theft | Third Party Property Damage only |
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| Fire |
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| Theft |
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| Earthquake |
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| Emergency accommodation, transport and repairs |
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| Towing costs |
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| Caravan park fees |
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| Counselling services |
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| Legal liability |
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| Solar panels and TV antennas |
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| Contents |
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| Traveller bonus |
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| Collision or crash |
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| Food spoilage |
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| Accidental damage |
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| Intentional damage |
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What optional extras are there?
Insurance companies offer a variety of additional extras in order to personalise your coverage. Some optional extras you might want to consider include:
- Animal death/injury. If you’re transporting animals and an accident occurs, will you need insurance to support animal rehabilitation?
- Locks and keys. In the instance of loss or theft, this kind of inclusion can offer you peace of mind in the installation of new security.
- Burnout of motor. Does your policy cover you in the instance of a burnt-out electrical motor?
- Lay-up cover. If your caravan isn’t in use all year-round then you may be eligible for a discount on your premium. Some insurers offer up to six non-consecutive months of lay-up coverage, which you can opt out of at any point.
- On-site coverage. If your vehicle is kept stationary, such as in a garage or on-site in a caravan park, you may be eligible for a reduced premium.
What does caravan insurance cost?
Caravan insurance cost varies according to the type of caravan you own and how you use it.
- Touring caravan insurance. If you own a campervan, horse-float or trailer, then your insurance will operate much like car insurance. In Queensland your vehicle’s compulsory third-party insurance (CTP) extends to your towed vehicle, but is further affected by the age and model of your caravan, plus any additional extras such as contents or animal insurance. Available types of insurance include a comprehensive policy, third party only, or third party plus fire and theft.
- On-site caravan insurance. If your caravan is predominantly stationary then your insurance will operate like home and contents insurance. Cost will be determined by what you choose to insure as well as your claim history.
What things can affect my caravan insurance premium?
Your insurance premium is determined by the likelihood of a claim being made. Factors which affect the likelihood of a claim being made include the following:
- The suburb where your caravan or trailer is kept
- Where your caravan or trailer is kept overnight (such as a garage, caravan park or street)
- The amount your caravan, annexe, contents or trailer is at present insured for
- Whether your caravan is used for business or private use
- Your designated excess amount
- The level of security your caravan or trailer is fitted with
Are there any exclusions and additional costs I should be aware of in QLD?
As long as your caravan and vehicle meet the legal requirements (such as its on-road mass not exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity), insurance and legal requirements won’t be compromised. Further, in Queensland stamp duty for on-site caravans, touring caravans and trailers sits at 9%, while GST sits at 10%.
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