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After 20-plus years away from caravanning, my wife and I decided to revisit our hobby, and in June we ordered our new caravan. We spent an enormous amount of time and money buying accessories, joining clubs, finding storage and arranging insurance. I’m pleased to say that since September, when we took delivery, we have visited five sites and had a fantastic time doing so. Choosing insurance wasn’t difficult, as the manufacturer offered a 50% discount on our first-year premium. I included the fact that we had a tracker, alarm system, wheel lock and hitch lock, and took advantage of the discounts offered for these. All seemed well! When I started looking for a storage site, a friend who runs a caravan repair business from a local farm told me he had space for my van. A locked, brick and steel clad shed, in a walled compound with CCTV and alarms, seemed ideal.

What I didn’t realise is that the alarm and tracker cannot transmit beyond the walls and roof of the building, invalidating our insurance cover. Not only that, but in winter when the caravan is in storage, the battery would deteriorate and eventually not have enough power to supply alarms and tracking equipment. Although fitted with a solar panel, this would not work while under a roof. I advised my insurer, who responded with a request for a further premium and a requirement to fit additional wheel locks. Despite my explanation that if the caravan were stolen, the tracker and alarm would activate, the underwriters insisted.

Another suggestion made by the insurer was to move to external storage! If any other readers make use of internal storage, I would advise them to read the small print in their insurance policy and make sure tracking and alarm systems operate. Or, if readers have any alternative suggestions, I would love to hear them. Doug Alston