Third party insurance compulsory?
- Monday, 29 October 2007
- 4 Comments
Ridiculous, I hear you say. Why would you need third party insurance on your caravan when whenever it is being towed, it is covered by your normal vehicle insurance? Indeed it is covered, but what about on the campsite? Imagine you are manhandling your tourer into position on a pitch, below which is a slope. You lose control of the van and it slithers down the hill, smashing into another caravan. Do you need extra insurance then?
This question was raised in the Summer 2007 issue of Caravan magazine, and below are some of the comments made. Why not have your say in the debate?
December 05 14:53
Tim Booth
Whilst serving as a Police Officer I was often asked this question. I was concerned how many caravanners were not aware that the fitting of a towbar to a vehicle needs to be nofitfied to their 'tow vehicle' insurer. Failing to advise this alteration could invalidate all of your insurance. A number of correspondents consider the scenario where an uninsured unit is involved in an accident. This may be as apparently simple as running over a kerb during a left turn manoeuvre and in doing so colliding with a pedestrian. This type of claim can, and often does, involve substantial costs and no insurance cover renders you personally liable for these costs. Those people who purchase a caravan by way of a finance agreement are required to insure the unit - but I am aware of caravans purchased in this way that have been subject of both theft and accident involvement. This left the buyer responsible not only for the personal injuries caused but also the cost of the loan, plus the interest that should have been paid to the finance company ...Ouch!