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Got a burning caravanning question? Ask one of ourur teamteam onon ththe email addresss below!below!
WHICH HYBRIDS ARE THE BEST TOW CARS?
QI have decided to change from a diesel to a hybrid to tow my 1400kg caravan. I’d consider either an estate car or an SUV, and I have a budget of £ 400-£ 450 per month. What would you recommend?
M Garrett
ADavid Motton answers… With that monthly budget I’d recommend the Volkswagen Passat GTE Estate. It’s a plug-in hybrid with a range of up to 33 miles on electricity alone.
When we tested a Passat GTE a few months ago, we were very impressed. Starting a 73-mile economy test with a full battery, and towing a 1450kg caravan, we achieved 29.5mpg. That’s comfortably the best economy figure we’ve seen from a plug-in hybrid while towing.
What’s more, the Passat Estate is roomy and practical, and makes a stable tow car.
On the comparison website Leasing.com, we’ve found the Passat GTE Estate available on contract hire for £410.45 per month over three years, an initial payment equivalent to nine months’ rental and a 10,000-mile annual limit.
DO I NEED TO INSURE DURING LOCKDOWN?
QI insure my caravan with a well-known company, but I’m considering cancelling the policy because of the lockdown – if I can’t go anywhere in it, what’s the point in paying for cover?
Is there any other option available to me that you’re aware of? Name withheld
APeter Baber answers... As you might expect, insurers are very keen that you do not cancel any existing policy. But they are not being entirely self-interested in arguing that.
Even though you can’t move your caravan because of the lockdown, it could still be liable to theft, accidental damage or vandalism – so you should make sure that your van is protected against these, and fitted with good security devices.
It’s worth triple checking that the latter fully conform to the small print in your policy, otherwise you risk not being able to claim in the event of any incident or problem.
CAN WE TAKE OUR VAN TO GUERNSEY?
QI’d like to take my caravan to Guernsey this summer. Could you please tell me a) if this is allowed and b) if I need to do anything specific while I’m there? I know that there are restrictions on travelling in Jersey, for example.
Sandra Edmonson
‘It’s worth triple checking that security devices conform fully to the small print in your policy’