How to secure a caravan from theft
Does your caravan spend long periods of the year unattended? If it does, it might be at risk of theft. Even if your caravan sits outside your property, it’s not always enough to deter cunning thieves. That said, there are ways to help safeguard your caravan. And in this article, we’ll use our experience to highlight the theft deterrents you could consider for your caravan.
Choose a secure site
Choosing a secure site is an excellent place to start. Registered campsites are more likely to have security measures, including security lights and CCTV cameras, which can be helpful if there’s an incident of theft or a break-in. You could also consider picking a permanently locked site to prevent access from non-residents. Leaving your caravan at a site for long stretches? It could also be worth considering putting your caravan into storage for added protection.
Secure your wheels
Using a wheel clamp or lock can help prevent your caravan from being towed away without you knowing. Many insurers often require wheel locks, as they’re a highly effective way to protect your pride and joy from theft. It’s worth purchasing a wheel lock designed for caravans, as they can offer tailored protection.
Use a hitch lock
A hitch lock helps to prevent your caravan from being hitched up and towed. Hitch locks keep the receiver and hitch locked together with an object, which stops the hitch handle from being raised. They’re often a requirement for caravan insurance companies, meaning you may need to buy a hitch lock to take out a policy. When using one, always check that the device is locked, except for when you’re hitching to and from your vehicle.
Install alarms
Caravan alarms often feature motion sensors, which will pick up movement in and around your caravan. They’re an effective deterrent as they notify park staff and neighbours if there’s an attempted break-in. It’s worth doing a spot of research before purchasing an alarm, as they can have various levels of security and price tags.
Install CCTV
CCTV systems can act as a deterrent for theft. They allow you to monitor your caravan remotely, so you can quickly raise an alert if someone breaks into your caravan. You can also assist police with an image of the criminals in the event of a crime.
Make use of tracking devices
Tracking devices can’t prevent theft, but they can help you locate your caravan if it’s stolen. Some caravans even boast in-built tracking alarms, so you immediately know when your caravan is being moved when you’re not there. Tracking devices also allow you to pinpoint where your caravan is whenever necessary.
Install security posts
Security posts are permanently fixed into the front of driveways to block your caravan from being towed away. The most effective security posts feature an internal lock and a built-in tow ball. This means you can add a hitch lock on top for added protection.
Secure your doors, windows and hatches
Perhaps a slightly more obvious suggestion, but it’s important to ensure your doors, windows, and hatches are always secured with locks. Purchasing additional over-locks is another way of adding an extra layer of security.
Secure belongings with security cables
Keeping your caravan secure is one thing, but it’s also crucial to think about your caravan’s contents, such as any bikes, gas canisters, spare wheels, and the like. When possible, consider tying possessions with security cables. They’re difficult to cut through, making them a valuable theft deterrent.
Reduce the risk of theft
But investing in security measures isn’t the only thing you can do to deter thieves. Keeping your prized possessions, such as mobile phones and jewellery, out of sight is always a sensible move—especially when you’re not at your caravan. Planning to be away from your caravan for a while? Then, take as many valuables as you can with you.
Invest in caravan insurance
Sometimes the worst can happen despite your best efforts. If it does, specialist caravan insurance from Intasure can help to provide peace of mind with financial cover. Without it, you may be personally liable to cover fees. These costs can be expensive, particularly if they involve replacing your entire caravan and its contents.
From natural disasters, accidental damage, and theft, a caravan insurance policy with Intasure can offer the following*:
- New for old or market value — For replacing old caravans with a new model or pays you the market value of your caravan if it’s lost, damaged, or stolen.
- Contents cover — For the cost of repairing or replacing caravan contents, including personal belongings.
- Public liability cover — For fees associated with public liability claims, such as accidents and injuries.
- Natural disasters cover — For the cost of damage to your caravan due to fires, floods, and storms.
- Accidental damage cover — Insures you against accidental damage to your caravan and its contents—this is especially important if you’re letting a caravan out.
- Alternative accommodation and pitch fees cover — For the cost of alternative accommodation and pitch fees if your caravan or mobile home is uninhabitable.
Every caravan can have specific requirements, so whether you need static caravan insurance or touring caravan insurance, we’re here to help you find suitable protection.
*These are brief product descriptions only. Please refer to the policy documentation paying particular attention to the terms and conditions, exclusions, warranties, subjectivities, excesses and any endorsements.
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Intasure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
