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Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 02/7/2010

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P.S.

My policy specifies that I keep it at a secure storage site. I like to bring it home just before we go away, load and charge up etc. My policy was unclear as to whether I would still be insured when storing at home for a couple of days, so I got the insurers to confirm it was ok before I first bought it home. Three locks at home and only one required in storage!! Always check your policy and if your unsure get them to confirm in writing.

p.p.s I don't sit up all night and watch it...... now

Phil

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My CC policy now specifies we keep the van at a Gold Cassoa site, but only one security device.  We can only bring our van home for loading an unloading, and to be honest, we try and avoid that..... especially as we just about live within the Birmingham Bermuda Triangle.    You are absolutely right about getting details in writing.  Am I right in thinking that a verbal contract is still a 'contract', but my... wouldn't you have a job proving it!!

Best wishes

Just read our CC policy again, it doesn't say we have to keep our van in storage, and we don't.

Anne

A "verbal" contract is still a contract if it comprises of the all of the elements of a legal contract.i.e an offer, an acceptance and consideration. There is a difference between a legal "offer" and a fishing exercise e.g "would you like insurance on the following terms? " compared to "I will provide insurance on these terms".

Then "acceptance" has to be in the manner required so if you are asked to confirm by registered post and you stick a letter through the letter box that may not be a "legal" acceptance. Verbal contracts still contain conditions and the lack of written evidence can make it very unclear as to just what those conditions are. Usual problem is that the parites don't actually listen to what the other says, rather what they think they have said. As you say, David, proving it is the big hurdle.

Phil

Yes Mrs B. Depends what we tell them. Told my insurers that I was keeping it in storage and so I got a discount. Not a lot mind...Once you tell them that then you have to stick with it. Suppose if I change my mind they will put the premium up.

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 02/7/2010

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Just read our CC policy again, it doesn't say we have to keep our van in storage, and we don't.

Anne

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I think it's probably worth checking it out, Anne.  It does differ from area to area, and from company to company, and from what I can make out it even depends on a particular company's experience of a particular area.  We were told Gold Cassoa, after the theft of our previous van from storeage in 2009.  CC insurance were excellent in dealing with the claim, but the experience has at least taught me to check everything.  The person who had his van stolen at the same time as ours had to provide so many details.  With CC insurance ours tended to go through automatically, although I have always kept an absolutly detailed list of the contents left in the caravan etc.  I have expanded the detail on my spread sheet since last year to include the exact cost of item when purchased, where I purchased it from and the date of purchase.

With the CC (and any insurance company forthat matter) you also have to make sure about categories.  There are two main categories for equipment with CC insurance: Caravan and Associated Equipment and Contents.  (Other companies may categorise items in a different way.)  The 'Associated Equipment' include things like awning, motor mover, aquaroll, wastemaster, gas bottle, groundsheet etc., but things like tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, bedding clothes etc is classed as contents (as it is not caravan specific - i.e. it can be used at home in the garden/home etc.)

When you get your renewal it is a good idea to check to make sure you are adequately covered.  If you are covered new for old on the caravan you need to be insured for the replacement value of the van.  e.g. if you bought a van last year for £13,000 and this year that van would cost £14,000, then for Caravan & Associated Equipment your insurance would be £14,000 for the van and, say £2,500/£3,000 for the associated equipment making as much as £16,500/£17,000.  Then you need to work out how much the contents are worth.  The CC will not always automatically increase the amount you are insured for year on year - you need to ring up each year and check the replacement value of your van in order to ask them to adjust the amount you are insured for etc - they have a list. 

It may be that many know this already, but there may be some who are not aware how it works, so it is worth giving the information.

Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 02/7/2010

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Thanks David, did know that. I always check and so far the CC seem to on the ball about values. We are covered new for old for the first 10 years of the van's life so long as we have it serviced at an approved Swift centre, which our local one is.

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"It may be that many know this already, but there may be some who are not aware how it works, so it is worth giving the information."

Quite right and always worth a reminder for those who do know. Too much going on in life and it can be easily overlooked. Ours is up for renewal soon and we have decided to have a good look at it once the company send the renewal forms, particularly to see if we are insured for something that we don't really need or for which we may insurance already, say, via household insurance.....you never know. Caravan contents is probably covered by our household policy, but I think we may have checked that last year. Lot of water under the bridge since then and can't really remember so worth checking again. Might save a few shillings

Phil

'Yes Mrs B. Depends what we tell them. Told my insurers that I was keeping it in storage and so I got a discount. Not a lot mind...Once you tell them that then you have to stick with it. Suppose if I change my mind they will put the premium up.'

We have insurance on our horse trailer and it went up by quite a bit when we moved it from our drive and stored it at the livery where the horses are kept.

We then managed top halve it by realistically reassessing its value and insuring it for less. 

Yes, I think it's always worth checking household policy to see it the caravan contents are covered.

By the way, anyone who has Insurance with the CC  (or for that matter anyone else) and is due for renewal, check to make sure you are getting all the discounts.  I'm not sure if this is new, but there is a discount  this year with the CC if you have the AL-KO ATC Trailer Control (now fitted as standard on most new Baileys) or the BPW IDC anti-snaking device.  I did not notice this last year and therefore we didn't get the discount (but I've made sure it's been applied this year!).  Also discounts are available for: an alarm triggered by tilt or corner steady sensors or certain named tracking devices; if you have attended a Club Caravanning Course; the degree of Secure Storeage (Gold Cassoa?); the fitting of the AL-KO Diamond Wheel Lock; discounts for taking a voluntary excess.  There may be others too.

Best wishes,

...the reminder to keep up with the annual service is also useful.  Book in plenty of time in advance - they do get well booked up.  One of our local service centres was booking 4-5 weeks ahead.  Some won't be as bad, but some may require more notice than this.  I think with Bailey you are allowed 6 weeks either side of the purchase date (but don't quote me - I haven't gone to look it up - this is just from memory, which can't always be relied upon).

Best wishes,