Am I covered when towing my caravan?

Your car insurance covers your legal liability for damage the caravan causes to others while you tow it, but it does not cover accidental damage to or theft of the caravan itself — for that you need dedicated caravan insurance. Caravan cover responds to overturning, jack-knifing, collision and hitch failure while towing, subject to a roadworthy caravan and a properly rated tow vehicle.

Key takeaways

  • Car insurance covers towing liability, not damage to the caravan itself.
  • Caravan insurance covers overturning, collision and hitch failure while towing.
  • The caravan must be roadworthy and correctly hitched.
  • Your tow vehicle must be rated to tow the caravan's weight.
  • Check licensing and the correct driving-licence code for the combined weight.

What each policy covers while towing

While towing, your car policy extends your third-party liability to the caravan — so if the caravan swings into another vehicle, your liability is covered. But damage to the caravan itself, or its theft at a stop, is only covered by a dedicated caravan policy. Together they close the gap.

Staying covered on the road

Keep the caravan roadworthy and licensed, use the correct hitch and safety chains, and make sure your tow vehicle is rated for the caravan's weight. Also check you hold the right driving-licence code for the combined mass — towing outside these conditions can affect a claim.

Frequently asked questions

Does my car insurance cover the caravan while towing?
It covers your liability for damage the caravan causes to others while towing, but not accidental damage to or theft of the caravan itself. Dedicated caravan cover is needed for the caravan.
What licence do I need to tow a caravan?
The licence code depends on the combined weight of your vehicle and caravan. Heavier combinations may require a code beyond a standard car licence — check the requirements, as towing without the correct code can affect a claim.

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