Caravanning has seen a resurgence in recent years with many choosing to go on holiday in the UK following the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Many have swapped the sandy shores of Spain and Portugal for the stunning rural settings of Scotland and the Lake District with the help of a caravan.
Generally, most drivers will assume they are fully able to tow a caravan, as long as they have a full driving licence and choose to have some practice before setting off.
As a result, some leisure vehicle owners will assume that their car insurance covers them and the caravan when they set off.
However, experts are warning that most comprehensive car insurance policies only cover instances of third-party liability.
With this kind of cover, they are protected if their vehicle injures someone or causes damage, but, crucially, it doesn’t cover damage to the caravan itself.
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When embarking on a longer journey, drivers may be more susceptible to fines if they are travelling in rural areas.
If there is tree cover, motorists could be exposed to scrapes and scratches along the top and sides of the vehicle.
Even on motorways, the exposed roads can lead to caravans swaying and potentially toppling over.
According to new data from Ripe Caravan Insurance, the average cost of damage when towing on the roads is £4,027.
John Woosey, founder of Ripe Insurance, said: “Confusion around towing rules is commonplace amongst caravan owners and, unfortunately, many do get caught out by this part of their motoring policy.
“The last thing we want is for a holiday to be ruined by an unexpected bill – so we would urge caravanners to read up on the finer details of their insurance.
“This will help to ensure they’re covered for damage in the event of an emergency.”
With the Easter holidays around the corner, thousands of motorists may choose to tow their caravan as the weather improves.
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Many people will be out on the roads looking to go on holiday or staycation, as experts warn motorists of the risks they could face.
Bank holidays are particularly dangerous for drivers, with millions of Britons taking to the roads, potentially causing traffic havoc for caravanners.
Before drivers set off, a number of safety checks should always be done to ensure they do not encounter any unforeseen issues or breakdowns.
This is even more important for those towing a caravan as the larger vehicle could cause more damage if it were to get in an accident.
Anyone with a vehicle manufactured after August 1, 1998, must only use a tow bar that meets European standards, and preferably one specifically designed for the car.
Mirrors are also key before setting off on a journey, and will often need to be adapted to get a better view around the caravan.
Motorists can buy a set of towing mirrors online for around £20, with many motoring shops also supplying them.
While there are no longer any requirements for drivers to tow caravans, road safety experts would always advise getting practice or training before towing for the first time.
