Does towing a caravan affect your insurance?

Asked by: Virgie Kris  |  Last update: January 8, 2023
Score: 5/5 (52 votes)

Most car insurance policies cover your vehicle while towing a caravan, but they almost certainly won't cover damage to your caravan in the event of a collision. Do check, but you'll probably find that caravans are specifically excluded in the policy. That's why it's important to take out additional caravan insurance.

Do you need insurance to tow a caravan UK?

Car insurance is a legal requirement, but insurance for a towed unit isn't mandatory. However, if you have an accident as a result of towing your caravan or trailer, it can be very costly if you're not insured. To make sure you're covered look in to getting your caravan insured separately.

What is a caravan insurance policy?

Caravan insurance is not the same as RV or motor home insurance. Rather, it is a special type of coverage that protects your caravan in the event that it is damaged or stolen. Here are a few situations that caravan insurance may cover: Your caravan is stolen while stored at your home or detached at a campsite.

Is it compulsory to have caravan insurance?

Do I need caravan insurance? No, you're not legally required to have caravan insurance. But around 4,000 caravans are stolen every year, and there's always the risk of accidental damage, even while the caravan is on your driveway. Damage when towing is the most common type of accident.

Do caravans need MOT and insurance?

Caravans don't need an MOT but it's the owner's responsibility to make sure the caravan is safe to travel on the road and an annual service is recommended to check it is roadworthy and that gas, electrical and water systems are working properly.

Importance of Caravan Insurance

43 related questions found

Do caravans need road tax?

Do caravans need road tax? No, caravans do not require any road tax. There are a number of expenses that come with owning a vehicle, fortunately, if the vehicle in question is a caravan then it is not subject to any road tax obligation in the way a car or truck would be.

Can I tow a caravan on my licence UK?

You need a full car licence before being able to tow with any larger vehicle. A full car licence already lets you tow trailers. Find out what you can tow with a car.

Does a towed vehicle need insurance?

When using a tow-bar the towed vehicle will be legally classed as a trailer, so provided your own car insurance policy includes cover for pulling a trailer (or you take out a standalone trailer insurance policy) the towed vehicle won't need its own car insurance policy.

Can I tow a caravan with my car?

If the maximum mass of the caravan is 85% or less than the total kerb weight of the car, the car will tow the caravan easily. If the maximum mass is between 85%-100% of the car's kerb weight, this could be potentially more difficult to tow, and should really only be done my experienced caravanners.

Can I tow car without MOT?

With no MOT you can drive/tow it to the MOT test centre, the scrapyard, or anywhere where the repairs are due to be carried out. Still has to be insured even if you're towing it though.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance UK?

Myth 2: Other people can drive my car if I've said I don't mind. FACT: Many people may think it's just a case of giving permission, but it's not as simple as that. If someone else wants to drive your car, they will need their own car insurance with driving other cars cover. They will not be covered under your policy.

Can anybody tow a caravan?

Knowing who can tow a caravan is not as complex as it may seem. As a driver, in most cases you can tow a caravan or trailer without needing to update your licence. However, if you are a younger driver or over 70 years of age, you need to check exactly what your licence allows you to tow.

Do I need to take a test to tow my caravan?

If you want to be able to tow a trailer with a manual vehicle/car, then you will be required to take your B+E test in a manual vehicle. If you already have an existing manual Category B licence, but take the B+E driving test in an automatic vehicle, the your B+E licence will be limited to automatic vehicles only.

What licence Do I need to pull a caravan?

There is no special caravan licence or trailer licence needed for towing; it all depends on how heavy the load is that you want to tow. If it is heavy, you may need to upgrade your licence by taking a driving test for the correct category. This depends on what category test you passed and when you passed it.

Do you have to register your caravan with CRiS?

Many insurance companies require a CRiS registration document before processing a claim. It helps to ease a potential future sale.. It is a legal requirement to have a caravan registered in some countries.

Can I sleep in a caravan on my drive?

You can sleep in a caravan on your drive only if the motorhome is used as temporary accommodation, for example, if you have guests over.

Can you sleep in a caravan on the road?

​​Is it illegal to sleep in a caravan on the road? No, it is not illegal to sleep in a caravan lawfully parked on the road. The first thing to take into account is that it is perfectly okay to sleep, for a nap or for a night, in road rest areas or motorway rest areas.

What is the new rule for towing a caravan?

The Government has announced new rules for towing a caravan or trailer. After a consultation, it has been agreed that car drivers will be able to tow a heavier caravan outfit without having to take the B+E test, regardless of when they passed their driving test.

What is the speed limit for towing a caravan?

On a dual carriageway with the standard speed limit of 70 mph, a vehicle towing a caravan is subject to the same rules as motorway driving. That is, it must drive at no more than 60 mph. The exception to this is if there is a lower limit in place.

Is towing a caravan easy?

Towing a caravan can be difficult – especially when you're first attempting it – but it needn't be. Controlling a heavy rig combination in different conditions, as well as mastering new driving techniques, is a real challenge that, like anything, is much easier to do the more you do it.

Are passengers allowed to ride in a caravan that's being towed?

Explanation: Riding in a towed caravan is highly dangerous. The safety of the entire unit is dependent on the stability of the trailer. Moving passengers would make the caravan unstable and could cause loss of control.

What are the towing laws in UK?

New UK Towing laws before 16th December 2021

Drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM. Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.

Can I let my girlfriend drive my car?

If someone borrows your car, they're also — in a sense — borrowing your car insurance. That's the case only if you allow them to drive your vehicle. Your policy's liability coverage would pay for injury and damage they caused to any other driver and their property.

Can I drive a car that is not insured but I am?

Yes you can drive the other car – but make sure that your insurance does cover you to drive another car owned by someone else with their permission. Comprehensive insurance isn't what it used to be under some policies.