Posts Tagged ‘campervan’
Choose your campervan insurance cover with care
May 30th, 2010
Posted in Top Tips
While we all want to make savings on our insurance it is also essential that we also ensure we have got the right policy for our needs. It is no good saving a great deal on the cost of the insurance only to find that you cannot make a claim as your policy does not include what you need to claim against. With this in mind you need to .
Checking the small print for exclusions and limitations when choosing campervan insurance cover is essential. All insurance providers will add these in and some could include more than others. For example there could be a limit as to how much the insurance company would pay out for such items as steps and awnings. You could also have to pay out extra excess to make a claim against windscreen and window damage. It is only by going over the small print of the policy you were considering that you would know about these.
The features provided can vary between insurance providers and what you need in a policy would depend on your circumstances. Therefore when looking into insurance for your campervan you first have to decide what it is you want out of your policy.
For instance you would have to decide how many months or weeks out of the year you used your campervan. If you do not use it often they you could consider taking out insurance that came with limited mileage. This would provide you with full insurance providing you did not drive over a certain amount of miles per year.
You would also need to take into account whether or not you wanted European cover included in the policy.
If you planned on touring around Europe then you would need to look for the best deal that provided adequate cover when travelling around Europe. European cover would for example payout to have your campervan towed and repaired. It could also payout for you to stay in alternative accommodation if your campervan was inhabitable. Again all providers will state a maximum amount of days that you would be covered while travelling around Europe.
Campervan insurance will allow you to take out protection for your personal belongings. You would have to take an inventory to reach a figure to insure. This is the amount that you would get back in the worst case scenario that you lost everything. When insuring your belongings you could be offered new for old protection. In this case your belongings would be replaced brand new. This is usually the dearest type of protection. If your policy pays out taking depreciation into account then you could lose out.
All providers will add in a certain amount of excess that you would have to payout before you could make a claim on your campervan insurance cover. This amount would come out of your own pocket as a lump sum and is deducted from the amount of your claim with the insurance company paying the rest of the claim. You can offer to pay more excess to help keep down the cost of the insurance. However should you need to make more than one claim in any one year it is possible that you would lose out?
Comments Off Campervan insurance – what to consider when looking for insurance
May 25th, 2010
Posted in Top Tips
Owing your own campervan is one way of taking a break whenever you feel like it and it is relatively inexpensive. You have a way of getting from A to B and you have a place to sleep, eat and hangout. You do not have to search for expensive hotels and you have the freedom to be able to explore and move about and take in many sights, as and when you want. The only downside to owning a campervan is of course that you have to take out campervan insurance. However it does not have to cost a fortune and there are many benefits to having insurance.
One thing you may want to consider when buying a campervan is that you may have problems when it comes to insuring the van if it is not a UK make or model. For instance if you buy and import an American or Japanese model, you may have trouble finding someone to insure it. If you do find an insurance company willing to insure your campervan then the premiums may come with high cost.
When considering buying a campervan and you are a new driver you may have trouble finding insurance companies who are willing to take you on. Usually you have to be at least 21 and some providers may ask you are even older. Generally, you have also need to have held a driving licence in the UK for a certain amount of time before being able to get insurance for a motorhome.
So what might your fully comprehensive campervan insurance cover?
Personal effects cover – Your personal effects may be insured in your policy but there is a limit as to how much the insurance pays out if you claim. Your clothing and camping equipment may come under the policy and such things as an MP3 player or personal DVD player may also be covered. However if they are, they are usually only protected under the insurance whilst they are in your campervan and not if stolen or lost outside.
Gas bottles and awnings – Gas bottles and awnings are often included in your insurance policy but again there may be a limit to how much you are able to claim, if needed. You may also want to find out if awnings are covered in the event of them becoming damaged due to a storm. Some providers may include this in the exclusions.
Loss and damage – Your campervan and belongings are covered in the event it is stolen, damaged or destroyed by fire. However, you may want to check to find out if the policy also covers damage, which is accidental. Some insurance providers include this but not all.
Key and lock replacement – In the event that your campervan is broken into and the locks damaged or the keys are stolen, your campervan insurance policy usually pays to have your lock replaced. Again, there is a limit to how much you are able to claim for locks and key replacements.
Comments Off Top Ten Campervan Road Trips
March 25th, 2010
Posted in Top Tips
Owning a campervan can be great fun and it provides you with an affordable holiday. Here you will find the top ten places to visit both in the UK and worldwide. No matter what your budget, there will always be an ideal destination to suit it.
New Zealand – An Unforgettable Road Trip!
If you have a fairly large budget and you want the ultimate adventure then New Zealand is definitely the place for you. There you will get to explore snowy peaks, lush rainforests and beautiful countryside. There is a 12 mile Fjord known as Milford Sound that is a must see whilst you are in the area. It is surrounded by rock faces that are an astounding 4,000 feet tall.
One of the best things about taking a campervan trip in New Zealand is the fact that you can park overnight practically anywhere for free. New Zealanders call this “Freedom Camping”.
Andalucía – Great for the Winter Months
If you would like to travel over the winter, Spain is definitely one of the best campervan road trip destinations to opt for. Southern Spain typically offers the best weather during the winter months. Andalucía is a popular choice as it tends to miss out on Atlantic storms. It is also less crowded in the winter. This allows you to take in the scenery and enjoy all that the city has to offer without interruption.
Barcelona – A Journey Back in Time
Another great destination in Spain that is popular with campervan owners is Barcelona. There are large RV parks just outside of Barcelona that offer a Bohemia feel. It really does take you back to the 1960’s and you will be able to meet a variety of interesting fellow travellers too.
Cornwall – Experience the Beauty of the UK
If you would like to stay closer to home then Cornwall is definitely a good choice. In the summer months you can enjoy beautiful sea views in Porthlevlan. You should also aim to see the Camel Estuary which boats some amazing views. Or why not head towards Lands End? Known as the very edge of the UK, it truly is one of the most beautiful places in the country. There are many campervan parks situated around Cornwall and they all offer affordable prices.
Hanover, Germany – Escape to Another World
Another popular European destination is Hanover, Germany. It boasts the Prahljust campsite which offers majestic mountain lakes and lush forestation. You can use the site as a stopover before you travel on to Clausthall, Zellerfield. It is five kilometres away from Prahljust and it is famous for its wooden church and a lively street market. It truly is one of the nicest campervan destinations to visit.
Antwerp, Belgium – Get Back to Nature
If peace and quiet is what you are looking for then the Baalse Hei camping park is definitely for you. Set in 36 hectares, the campsite is a hidden nature reserve and ideal for those looking to be at one with nature.
Lake District, UK – Discover the UK’s Wild Side
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. There are lush green dales, idyllic villages and beautiful still lakes to be enjoyed.
The Scottish Highlands – Witness Outstanding Beauty
The Scottish Highlands provide you with everything you could want out of a campervan holiday. There are mountains, locks, rivers, glens and plenty of wildlife to see. If you like to explore a place’s history then why not visit one of the many historic castles in the area?
Norwich, East Anglia – A Great City Trip
If you would prefer a city trip close to home then Norwich is a great place to visit. There is a busy outdoor market and you can visit beautiful castles and cathedrals. It is known to be one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
France – Everything You Could Possibly Want
France is another destination that has it all. Imagine driving your campervan on long winding roads, overlooking rolling vineyards. If you head to the French Pyrenees you can even enjoy medieval music in a Romanesque church.
The above are just ten of the top campervan destinations. No matter what your budget or what time of the year you plan to take your road trip, there is always a perfect destination to suit your needs.
If you are going abroad dont forget to check your policy covers international travel. At Frank Pickles Insurance Brokers we can help with all aspects of your campervan insurance.
Call us today on 01943 850999
Comments Off Campervan Restoration
February 11th, 2010
Posted in Top Tips
When you have built your campervan back up to a level of perfection externally and mechanically what about the interior? Would you be looking to modernise your camper van and create a new desthat fits your requirements? Design yourself a brand new layout or get it designed by an interior expert for campervans either way make sure your happy.
Not only can you add all mod-cons to the restored van but you can choose from 100′s of finishes and you can then be safe to say no one else will have a camper van like yours.
All of the new mod-cans cost money and if your on a budget then the restoration of your old interior furniture makes sense. Coverings whether cloth or wood you can create the same new look using your existing furniture.
Once all you time and effort has been taken in and you’ve stopped beaming with delight of your new creation, what about insurance for it?
Online quotes for Campervan Insurance.
Comments Off Top 10 Tips for Camper Van Insurance
January 28th, 2010
Posted in Top Tips
These top ten tips this month should help you make decisions about your camper van insurance!
1 When away traveling and on holiday in your camper van make friends with people and families camping around you that way you can act like a “neighbourhood watch” between you all.
2 If you use your camper van for just a couple of weeks or months a year then maybe look into taking a policy with limited mileage.
3 To save even more cash on your camper van insurance it will be a good idea to invest in a good quality security alarm.
4 Don’t have the room on your driveway to park your camper van? Find a secure storage site and pay a small yearly fee just like a caravan storage arrangement.
5 Policies should have included accident recovery which takes care of your camper van but also gets you to your holiday or travelling destination.
6 If you only use the camper van a few times a year for your touring holidays it might be a good idea take a small run out first to ensure everything is in good working order.
7 Installing fire alarms and extinguishers can improve your safety and help to keep down the cost of insurance.
8 Check to see if the insurance would cover another driver if you should fall ill while on holiday and cannot drive home.
9 The average campervan user will only travel 5,000 miles per year.
10 Would trailer cover be included in the insurance policy and up to how much?
Happy camper vanning!
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