Posts Tagged ‘buying’

Buying a used campervan

June 5th, 2010    Posted in Top Tips
 

There is normally a used campervan in the market place to suit most budgets and design preference. As with all purchases, information is power, so plenty of research before you commence your purchasing trip could be the key when . Make a list of wants and sort these into ‘must haves’ and ‘would be nice’. Do not be too ridged or unrealistic with your ‘wish list’. After all, the campervan will be second-hand and its condition should reflect its age and mileage. It might be disappointing and expensive to refuse a campervan with low mileage and full service history in favour or a less sound vehicle based on its interior layout!

When , always view your would-be purchase in good daylight conditions, as this should make detecting flaws easier. Look for cracks on the outside, sun damage, knocks, scrapes etc and check the seals and trims. Look at the chassis and inspect underneath the vehicle. Inside, check the cupboards, handles, carpets, upholstery and beware of over personalisation of the interior. Ensure that there are no signs of damp. It normally has a distinctive smell and mildew is often present in corners and cupboards. An inexpensive damp meter could assist with this.

Test all the electrical and gas equipment, making sure that the seller fully demonstrates every single feature is in good working order and that they all operate from a hook up. Always take the campervan for a test drive, ensuring that you drive down both town and country roads. Also, try parking it and turning it around so that you are fully comfortable with its degree of manoeuvrability.

If buying privately, always insist on viewing the campervan at the seller’s home address so that you can verify ownership. Insist on seeing full documentation and check the chassis and engine numbers. Motoring organisations, for example, the RAC and AA, offer on-line history checks, full inspection and road tests. Be aware that a private seller does not have to make a statement regarding the vehicles condition. However, they are legally obliged to answer truthfully any specific vehicle related question. If you are from a dealer, they are duty bound to ensure everything is in safe working order and many provide a guarantee with the sale. Some dealers also offer part exchange deals and provide finance arrangements.

Regardless of whom you approach, it is often sensible to shop locally. This not only makes the travelling to view easier but also any after-sales visits more convenient. Also, when buying a used campervan, always haggle. Not just on the price but also for extra items that may not be included in the selling price.

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Tips when buying motorhome insurance

June 1st, 2010    Posted in Top Tips
 

There are many features of a motorhome insurance policy that can differ between providers. Some will add in accidental damage for instance while others might ask that you pay more to have this added on. Some could include European cover and others might not, even if European cover is added in how long you would be protected could differ with the providers. Therefore it would be essential to check over any policy you were thinking of taking before actually going ahead and buying it.

If you do plan on travelling outside of the UK in your motorhome then European cover would be considered essential. This would protect you for all the things you would be protected against in the UK but of course while you were travelling around Europe. This could include being towed if you breakdown and recovery to your destination. It could also include paying out for you to stay in alternative accommodation while your vehicle was being repaired of giving you a replacement vehicle.

All motorhome insurance policies would allow you to insure your belongings. However there would usually be limits and exclusions to this. Items which are particularly expensive might not be covered and there could be limits on the amount that is paid out on a single item. Items which are usually covered in your protection would include soft furnishings, linen, clothing, a TV, steps, awnings and gas bottles. Of course the provider could include much more so you would have to check this in the small print. Also check to find out if accidental damage is included as some providers will ask you pay more for this.
When looking into the features offered by the policy take a look to see if the insurance would payout for damage to glass. This could include the windscreen of your motorhome and some providers might also extend this to side windows. Usually there would be a limit on the amount you could claim for windscreen damage so again this would have to be checked in the small print before taking out the cover.
You could also check to find out if the policy would payout for such as liability, personal accident, flood and storm damage. Flooding and storm damage could be considered essential if you are spending a great deal of time travelling out on the road in your motorhome. However again you should check for limitations and exclusions before taking on the protection.

Of course all the above features would be found only in a fully comprehensive motorhome insurance policy. If you have bought a brand new motorhome then you would have no option but to take this level of insurance out as it provides the most cover for your motorhome. However if you have chosen to buy a second hand model then you could choose to take out third party fire and theft cover. This would provide you with protection that would payout in the event your motorhome was damaged due to fire or if it were stolen. It would also provide cover for any third party that should be involved in an accident with you which is your fault.

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