Nearly a million Aussies own a caravan. Here’s what they don’t think about
Key takeaways
Caravanning is booming, with around 937,000 registered RVs now on Australian roads.
- Caravan insurance isn't legally required, but without it you're covering the cost of damage, theft or an accident yourself.
- What's next: Before your next trip, check whether your caravan is actually covered, on the road and while it's parked at home.
According to the Caravan Industry Association of Australia, Aussies took a record 17.3 million caravan and camping trips last year.
There are also now around 937,000 registered RVs on our roads, roughly one for every 29 people.
So if you're thinking about joining them, whether you're buying your first van or dusting off one that's been tucked away in the garage, there's a few things worth sorting before you go.
Your pre-road-trip checklist
- Service the van (and the car towing it). Brakes, tyres, wheel bearings and lights all need checking before a long haul. Breakdowns are far more common on vehicles that have been sitting idle.
- Check your weights. Know your van's tare and payload so you're not overloaded.
- Plan your stops. Book caravan parks ahead in peak season, and map out fuel and rest stops for longer stretches.
- Pack a safety kit. This includes a first aid kit, water and a basic tool kit. It’s also worth double checking your spare tyre and jack.
- Test everything before you go. This refers to the vehicle’s gas, water, fridge and the towing hitch and electrics.
- Sort your caravan insurance. Make sure your van is actually covered for how and the area you’ll be travelling, including while it's parked.
What you need to know about caravan insurance
Caravan insurance isn't legally required the way CTP is for your car, but that doesn't mean you don't need it.
Caravans are a massive investment and if it's damaged, stolen or written off, you're the one footing the bill without cover. Depending on the van, that could be tens of thousands of dollars.
Your caravan can be at risk even when it's sitting at home between trips, from storms and fire to theft. A lot of owners assume they're covered for this, but it isn't always automatic.
So before you hit the road this year, it's worth a few minutes to check what you're actually covered for.
New to the world of caravan insurance? You’re in luck! We’ve just announced the winners of our 2026 Caravan Insurance Customer Satisfaction Awards.
These winners are selected by everyday Aussies, where we ask them to rank their caravan insurer for value, trust, service and ease of claims.
Alternatively, you can compare the caravan insurance policies below to find cover that suits your van and how you use it.
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