As the weather starts to perk up and holidays beckon, many Brits will be planning their next break. Rather than fly out to far-flung destinations, many of us will opt for a staycation. Research has found that 83% of British travellers would prefer a UK holiday this year, rather than travel abroad.
Camping remains a popular choice, with about 1.2 million people in the UK camping on a regular basis. The value, freedom and flexibility offered by jumping in a car and pitching a tent is unrivalled. Getting a trailer tent, and sorting your trailer tent insurance, could be the route to your next great holiday.
Lots of campers opt for a trailer tent or folding camper, which gives them the comforts of home (like beds and kitchen facilities) without the bulkiness and expense of a caravan.
But before you pack up and head for the open road, it’s essential that you have the appropriate cover. But how can you be sure that you’ve picked the right insurance policy? Let’s take a look.
How does trailer tent insurance work?
Just like any other insurance, buying trailer tent insurance gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong. By taking out a policy with an insurance company you can claim for damages to your trailer tent, or any physical loss or injuries.
You choose the policy and what you want to be protected against. The insurer calculates risk, and you pay a premium each month. If something happens to your trailer tent, you make a claim. Your insurer checks that your claim is covered under the policy, and pays you.
So, now we know how it works, let’s dive in to the details.
Why do I need insurance if I have a trailer tent?
It’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Accidents can or do happen and by having insurance you can protect yourself, your family and your property. If you don’t have cover, you could find yourself significantly out of pocket.
Insurance isn’t just for holidays, you’ll need to insure your trailer tent whether it’s being towed or parked up outside your house.
Despite the rise in security cameras and alarms, theft and vandalism still happen on campsites and at home. Because trailer tents are compact and easy to haul away, they make easy targets for thieves.
Given the changeable weather (especially in the UK!) that comes with camping, flooding and storm damage are common claims for trailer tents. So it’s wise to have insurance in place before those rain clouds start gathering.
Things that you might need to insure your trailer tent for include:
- Storm damage
- Theft
- Fire damage
- Accidental damage
- Third party liability, for protection against the claims of another/third party
- Damage to other people’s property
- Legal expenses
- Recovery costs
You probably paid a lot for your trailer tent and the last thing you want is to spoil your camping holiday with another eye-watering expense. Luckily, it’s easy to set up your insurance cover and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
What isn’t covered by trailer tent insurance?
Your insurance is unlikely to cover general wear and tear of your trailer tent, so it makes sense to take precautions and keep your trailer tent in tip-top condition.
Things that your policy probably won’t cover include:
- Wear and tear
- Damp and mildew
- Damage by pests
This isn’t an exhaustive list and you should always read your policy to check what is and isn’t covered.
If you take good care of your trailer tent, then you can avoid damage from wear and tear and even reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to claim on other things. Before you erect your tent, check for any rips and tears in the canvas and groundsheet. You may be tempted to spray the canvas of your tent with waterproofing spray, but check your tent’s manufacturer guide before applying any extra treatments.
Keep bugs out of your tent by sealing any holes and investing in some insect repellent. To keep mice from seeking refuge from the cold in your trailer tent clear out any food and check for any gaps where mice could enter, no matter how small.
After each trip, air out your tent to prevent mould and mildew from taking hold. Once a year, give your trailer tent a thorough spring clean and store any soft furnishings in the warm and dry.
We believe that prevention is better than cure. By taking these simple steps you can keep your trailer tent in prime condition and reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to make a claim.
Is trailer tent insurance a legal requirement?
Unlike car insurance, there is no legal requirement for you to insure your trailer tent in the UK. Your car insurance policy will cover you for third party liability while your vehicle is towing your trailer tent on the road, but check your policy before setting off.
However, your vehicle insurance only protects you for certain eventualities. Put simply, if you cause an accident on the road while driving your trailer, your car insurance policy will only cover you for damages to a third party. You won’t get any money to repair or replace your tent.
Another top tip is to make sure you’ve checked any other legal requirements for towing your trailer tent, such as:
- The speed limits for towing a trailer tent
- Whether your trailer tent needs its own braking system
- If your car is capable of towing your trailer
You love your trailer tent, so it makes sense to protect it. Having insurance can save you a lot of heartache and hassle if something goes wrong. Whether you’re a folding camper novice or a wilderness expert, accidents can or do happen.
Without specific insurance, you could legally be liable for injury to others or damage to third party property while touring, so it’s best to be safe.
How much is trailer tent insurance?
This will depend on a number of factors, including:
- How often you use your trailer tent
- How much you paid for your trailer tent
- Where you store your trailer tent
Some people choose to make modifications to their trailer tents. Not only does this make your “home away from home” special and unique, it can also increase its value. A more expensive tent will cost more to insure, so don’t forget to factor this into your budget.
Talk to your insurance provider to get an accurate quote for your trailer tent cover. There are plenty of affordable options available to you, and it’s better to be safe than sorry
What trailer tent cover do I need?
Deciding what kind of trailer tent insurance to buy can be confusing and depend on your trailer tent model and travelling needs.
Here are some of the things that can be included in your policy:
- Unit cover, awnings, equipment and personal effects. Sadly, trailer tents can be easily hailed away or broken into, making them prime targets for thieves. This cover will make sure you’re not out of pocket in the event of theft. It also covers damage from vandalism and equipment stored in your tent. However, it doesn’t cover high value items like cash, bikes or computers.
- Agreed value cover. You can agree a value of cover with your insurance provider at the beginning of your policy, and how much you’ll receive if your trailer is damaged or stolen. This can be helpful if you’ve updated your trailer tent and increased its market value since buying it, or have a very unique model that you can’t buy anywhere else.
- Market value cover. This policy will pay out the current market value of your trailer tent when it’s damaged or stolen. If you’re on a tighter budget, then this may be a good option for you, as premiums on market value cover are usually lower.
- New for old cover. If your trailer is damaged or stolen, your insurer will replace it with a new one to the same specifications. This is a good option if your trailer is a certain age, as you’ll struggle to find an exact replacement with the market value amount.
- Loss of use. This will cover the cost of alternative accommodation if your trailer becomes uninhabitable while you’re on the road.
- Public liability. This covers legal costs and compensation payments if a third party is injured or killed by your trailer tent, or if your tent damages their property.
- Personal accident and accidental damage cover. Accidents aren’t just confined to the road. They can also happen when setting up your folded camper or packing it away. Having accidental damage insurance will cover you and your family if you’re injured while in or using your trailer tent. It will also cover any knocks and bumps your trailer gets on your travels.
- Storm damage. If you’ve ever holidayed in the UK, you’ll know that the weather can be pretty temperamental! Storm damage is one of the most common claims for trailer tent insurance, so it’s recommended that you take out this policy if it’s not already offered as standard. This will cover damage from lightning, floods and strong wind.
When sorting out your insurance, think about the condition of your trailer, how old it is and where you’ll be towing your trailer.
You should also consider who will be using your trailer tent. Is it just you, or will you be lending it to family or friends? Read your policy carefully to see who is covered and let your insurance company know if you plan on loaning your tent to other people.
Will my trailer tent insurance work abroad?
If you decide to venture outside of the UK and take a camping holiday in Europe, many insurers offer European cover as standard.
Check your policy to see if:
- You’re covered throughout Europe, or only EU member states
- Your cover includes repatriation from abroad
- You can claim the cost of repair and delivery of your trailer tent to a repairer and appropriate storage area
- You need to inform your insurer you plan on going abroad
Some insurance providers will provide cover for foreign travel throughout the year, others for only a certain number of days. How often and how far you plan to travel will determine which policy you need, so consider how much you’ll be travelling before choosing your policy.
How to get the best value trailer tent cover
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choices on offer for your trailer tent insurance, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here are our top tips to help you get the best value cover for your trailer tent:
- Make your trailer tent extra secure. Deter thieves and reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to claim for a stolen trailer tent by making it as secure as possible. Use a wheel clamp, wheel lock or hitch lock to immobilise your trailer tent when you’re parked up. Don’t forget to tell your insurance about any security measures you’ve taken to protect your trailer tent, otherwise you’ll miss out on all those great potential discounts!
- Consider installing security cameras at home, and check the safety and security of any campsites you plan to visit.
- If possible keep your trailer tent off the road, preferably in a locked garage when you’re not using it.
- Don’t get caught out by exclusions. If you tell your insurer that your tent is stored at home, and then leave it somewhere else, you may not be covered. Certain personal possessions may not be included in your policy, like mobile phones, bikes portable electronics. Check your home insurance to see if you have the right cover while you go camping.
- Talk to a specialist insurer who may be able to give you a better deal and understand the market more.
- If you haven’t made a claim recently, you may be eligible for a no-claims discount when you renew. Speak to your insurer to find out more.
Having insurance will give you great peace of mind. But by taking a few extra steps to protect your property, you can reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to claim and potentially reduce your premiums.
Summary
So, that’s it. We’ve gone through the ins and outs of trailer tent insurance, and hopefully you now feel confident to start choosing your own policy.
Whether you’re glamping with your other half, camping with the kids or exploring the open road in your twilight years, hitching up your trailer tent or folding camper is a great way to do it. By ensuring you have the correct insurance for your trailer tent, you can embark on your next adventure knowing that you and your family are completely protected should the worst happen.