Simple Caravan Insurance News

Caravan, pasty taxes have 'taken toll on Osborne's trustworthiness'

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:02:00 GMT

It looks like recent polls are reflecting the latest blows to hit caravan insurance customers, pastry lovers and older generations in the UK following the announcements laid down in the most recent Budget by the coalition government.

That's because it has been revealed by a new survey that trust in George Osborne and David Cameron's fiscal management has plummeted in light of the multitude of criticisms levelled at them after the most recent Budget.

The high of the government's 24-point advantage over their Labour rivals regarding the economy has fallen to just four, according to a new ComRes poll carried out on behalf of the Sunday Mirror and Independent on Sunday. It now puts Labour on 40 per cent, the Conservatives on 34 per cent and the faltering Liberal Democrats on 11 per cent.

Perhaps more shocking - though not to static caravan buyers, who have been hit by a proposed 20 per cent VAT levy - is the fact that only 25 per cent of respondents trust Cameron and Osborne to make the right economic decisions; 54 per cent have lost confidence entirely. This figure also applied to the percentage of people who believed the Budget was simply "unfair".

NCC continues fight against caravan tax with call to arms

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:01:00 GMT

The National Caravan Council (NCC) is to work with the "passionate opposition" of MPs and continue its opposition of the proposed 20 per cent VAT on caravan holiday home sales, asking the government to extend its formal consultation period deadline.

The NCC is now working with businesses in the sector, as well as consultants at KPMG, to calculate how much money the proposals would generate for the economy. The NCC believes that the government has "significantly underestimated" the impact of the tax rate hike - which stands at a 30 per cent reduction in demand from caravan insurance customers - as well as an overestimation in the revenue that could be generated (£15 million per annum, rising to £45 million in year five).

Director-general of the NCC John Lally said that the tax needs to be withdrawn if the government is going to deliver on its promises to protect private companies and job loss, while also supporting manufacturing and tourism in Britain.

"We have commissioned research to confirm our fears that thousands of jobs will be at risk and it would result in a significant loss of tourism spend," Mr Lally added. "The imposition of VAT will put manufacturing output levels and sales well below those at the worst point of the recession with significant economic and social consequences."

Tourism minister opens exciting caravan park

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:29:00 GMT

Tourism and heritage minister John Penrose has hailed the owners of Ludlow Touring Park after a whopping £3 million investment to make it one of the most attractive pitching sites for caravan insurance customers across the country.

During a flying visit to Shropshire earlier in April, Mr Penrose met up with local MP Philip Dunne in order to take the grand tour around the luxury touring caravan and motorhome park, unveiling a plaque to seal the deal and give full backing to the ambitious project.

Developed with five-star standards in mind, Morris Leisure created the 135-pitch park on a 20-acre site on the River Teme, meaning that there are great links for road users. However, people looking to go straight away will have to wait - the park opens its gates for the first time on May 9th.

Mr Penrose said: "I am really delighted to see large scale investment going into a very important part of the tourism industry in this beautiful area of the country. It is a wonderful destination for caravanners to come to and it looks like a very professional park, which I am sure is going to be full."

"Tourism is essential for the economy of south Shropshire in general and Ludlow in particular and this new touring park will be a tremendous boost to the area's facilities," Mr Dunne added. "I look forward to welcoming holidaymakers from next month."

Cameron claims new caravan tax is 'fair'

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Despite calls from caravan builders and users alike, the government looks like it will stick to its guns regarding the recent addition of VAT to static caravans. It has emerged in a report from the BBC that prime minister David Cameron believes the 20 per cent tax payment is justified, particularly in light of similar costs levied on tourers.

He said: "This is an issue about how we draw the VAT boundaries fairly. I don't think it's fair that a mobile caravan pays VAT but a stationary caravan does not."

The comments followed calls from the National Caravan Council (NCC), the industry's trade association, which claimed that projected government figures would lead to a 30 per cent decline in sales to caravan insurance customers and would ultimately lead to over 1,000 jobs being lost in manufacturing. There would also be a similar fall in employees who form the network of suppliers to the industry, the NCC added.

East Yorkshire, in particular, would "bear the initial brunt of the job losses", the BBC continued. It led to MPs from the area, including Conservatives David Davis and Graham Stuart, meeting with chancellor George Osborne to discuss the potential fallout from the decision.

Caravan park rocked by explosions

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:58:00 GMT

The importance of both caravan insurance and safety were highlighted in an incident on the Somerset coast this week, when a fire caught hold of a trailer and resulted in a series of explosions that could be heard for miles around the picturesque village of Brean.

On April 10th, a fire got out of hand and the blaze led to a gas cylinder catching alight, leading to a succession of blasts. Luckily, only one trailer was set alight during the episode.

Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, a fire spokesman said: "The crews confirmed that a trailer tent was well alight. Crews got to work extinguishing the fire using one hose reel jet. Several explosions occurred during the fire due to an LPG cylinder being involved."

While no-one was reported hurt as a result of the incident, it nonetheless led the Fire Industry Association to give advice to those looking to enjoy themselves on a caravan holiday in the near future. The organisation reminded the public that in terms of fire risk assessments, caravan parks are grouped with any other public buildings offering sleeping accommodation, whether it's a hotel, guesthouse or B&B.

It continued: "Under the terms of the Fire Safety Order, the Responsible Person for the park must ensure that the premises, any equipment for fire detection and warning and emergency routes are all properly maintained."

Calls for chancellor to reverse caravan tax loophole closure

Sat, 12 May 2012 12:26:00 GMT

A number of MPs in East Yorkshire have called for the chancellor to reconsider his decision to close the VAT loophole on static caravans across the UK. Both Graham Stuart and David Davis are meeting fellow Conservative George Osborne on Wednesday (April 18th).

As it currently stands, a 20 per cent sales tax will be added to the final cost of static caravans, which are now VAT-free; the law will come into effect on October 1st. However, manufacturers have claimed that a number of companies would be forced to axe staff due to the hit their businesses will take.

East Yorkshire is certainly going to be affected; according to the National Caravan Council (NCC), 95 per cent of all UK caravans are made in the county. Sticking up for constituents in Beverley and Holderness, Mr Stuart said: "We will be working cross-party and as one in telling the government to think again about the impact this VAT rise will have on East Yorkshire and the caravan industry as a whole."

It follows a meeting of MPs in early April, as reported by the BBC, when Mr Davis and Mr Stuart were joined by Diana Johnson, Andrew Percy and Karl Turner to speak with local caravan manufacturers and councillors.

Caravan con artist repays victims of £50k ruse

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:56:00 GMT

A man who made over £50,000 by conning people with a fraudulent caravan sales pitch at a holiday park in Moray has finally repaid all of the money to his victims, ending their fight for justice.

Neale Rothera was able to flog a remarkable number of mobile homes that already belonged to other people, after his business hit the buffers and he felt he had no way out. He told seven different people that said holiday homes at Silver Sands Caravan Park were his.

After being taken to Elgin Sheriff Court on April 5th, the 37-year-old former salesman was told to repay all cash to victims, which he duly did. He had, in fact, paid budding caravan insurance buyers nearly £30,000 already, but made the final £24,000 payment in one go after the decision was handed down.

He had, however, escaped lightly otherwise - his remaining sentence was just 300 hours of community service, which was seen as lenient by many people linked to the case.

According to the report for STV, defence advocate Shahid Latif told the court: "This is not a situation where the money was used by him to fund any lifestyle or used for his own benefit. If there was a benefit it was for the business, in the hope it might rehabilitate itself."

Caravan art gallery proves to be mobile hit

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52:00 GMT

Everyone's been to an art gallery at one time or another, however small. Yet it's rare that art galleries come to you - unless you live in Oxford, it seems. It was recently announced by the Oxford Mail that art projects from around the country and city itself are currently on display at Oxford Castle, chiefly protected by caravan contents insurance, it seems.

That's because the Caravan Gallery from Portsmouth has recently rocked up in the beautiful city, encouraging people to come along and go inside to see the cavalcade of images that are on display that document its journeys across the UK.

Behind the project are artists Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale, who have gone the extra mile to promote pictures taken in and around the city of Oxford in the O3 Gallery.

Speaking to the publication, Ms Williams said: "We want people to come along and join in with the exhibitions, it's going to be a wonderfully anarchic celebration of Oxford. As well as our own photos, we have a big map of Oxford which we would like people to come and write their memories, their favourite things, where they had their first snog, anything like that on. That will then become a piece of artwork in itself."

The Caravan Gallery will not be around for long, though; it will be pitched up until May 12th, while the accompanying exhibition in the O3 Gallery runs until May 27th.

MINI launches first caravan for its fans

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:51:00 GMT

Many companies have worked long and hard to create attractive, eye-catching caravans over the years. Culminating in the classic US Airstream model of the 50s and 60s, iconic designs are continually submitted to win more people over and make them invest in staycations for years to come - it seems like MINI is the latest company to whet the appetite of DIY holidaymakers.

That's because the company has announced the arrival of a "sumptuously-appointed caravan" with a pair of sleeping bays, as well as a roof-top tent also designed for two people. Both use a classic John Cooper Works colour scheme to encourage plenty of "spur-of-the-moment detours" in future months and years.

Style-conscious caravan insurance holders are pairing the new MINI Countryman with the Cowley caravan, which provides two sleeping berths, a twin-burner gas stove, a water tank with accompanying pump and dish-washing facility, as well as a solar module to charge its on-board battery. There's even a 230-volt power supply for a fridge, TV/DVD and stereo system.

The BMW Group explained: "'Maximum touring pleasure on a minimal footprint' is the formula for this exclusive pied-à-terre on wheels, very much in the spirit of the creative use of space for which MINI is renowned."

TomTom backs caravan users with touring-specific device

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:49:00 GMT

Satellite navigation is now more accessible than ever, though anyone who's taken their caravan or camper van out for a weekend may have found themselves being led down inaccessible trails for their vehicles, leading to a few high-profile cases of caravan insurance claims that go unfulfilled.

However, experts at TomTom have taken it upon themselves to produce a caravan-specific device that will put an end to the possibility of people being taken down unsuitable roads, giving them more time to enjoy their holiday without a hitch.

The satnav manufacturer revealed that its Go Live Camper & Caravan offering plots routes that are tourer friendly, taking into account the demands of many popular vehicles that are installed to accurately predict arrival times and routes.

Product manager at TomTom Marielke Nieuwerth-van den Akker explained: "The launch of the Go Live Camper & Caravan puts an end to unnecessary detours and unwanted surprises. Not only does it calculate the very best routes, it is also a great source of relevant information on the journey."

While not on sale yet, it is scheduled for release soon on the company website for £349.99 (RRP).

Lincs caravan site wins prestigious award

Sun, 06 May 2012 11:45:00 GMT

People struggling to pick a place to enjoy the British summer sun have been given a handy tip from a leading caravanning organisation, which has recently given an award to a Lincolnshire-based park.

Walnut Lakes, based in Algakirk, came first in the Caravan Club's Certified Location (CL) of the Year Awards, which was decided in the House of Commons. The Boston Standard revealed that Tony and Maria Potts, the owners of the site, were presented with the coveted title by shadow minister for culture, media and sport Dan Jarvis during the Caravan Club's annual parliamentary reception.

Popular among caravan insurance customers up and down the country, Walnut Lakes has been with the Potts for five years. They made the decision to accommodate caravanners in a less formal way, reflecting the relaxed nature of the holiday lodge and fishing lake facilities on site.

Judges were particularly impressed by Walnut Lakes due to its location close to RAF Coningsby, meaning there are regular fly-pasts of Lancaster Bombers and Spitfires when they are travelling to shows around the UK.

Mrs Potts said of the accolade: "I think it's fantastic, we were absolutely amazed that a young, new site like ourselves would get to number one. We were quite disbelieving about it."

BGT wannabe offers Cowell a caravan escape

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:44:00 GMT

A keen organist who has high hopes for success on the newest series of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) is far from obsessed with the possibility of fame - in fact, he seems quite down to earth, if his latest interview is anything to go by.

Speaking to the official website of the popular ITV talent contest, musician and entertainer Graham Blackledge shared his thoughts on his recent selection for the next stage of the competition, though was particularly keen to highlight how he would thank Simon Cowell for giving him the thumbs up - a caravan holiday.

As a keen staycationer, Graham loves a trip south to Cornwall and the surrounding areas, swapping travel insurance for caravan insurance to keep his assets safe on home soil. Seeing the activity as the best way to relax, the BGT hopeful believes that it could work wonders for Cowell, too, particularly given how he may be quite stressed with his busy schedule.

He explained: "Maybe he could swap Barbados for Cornwall? We could look into hiring a caravan and I'd take the family too. If there wasn’t enough room, we could bring our camp-bed for Simon to sleep on.

"Days could be spent on the beach eating packed lunches off rugs. I'd keep him entertained by arranging sing-alongs around the campfire in the evenings. If it rains, we could always play board games in the caravan."

Caravan park in Lincolnshire gets expansion go-ahead

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:39:00 GMT

A Lincolnshire-based leisure park is excited to move forward with long-standing plans to expand its facilities after it was given the go-ahead by the local council.

Mablethorpe's Grange Leisure Park submitted two planning requests to regional authorities to both expand its site and build an attractive and contemporary café. East Lindsey District Council workers were very impressed with the proposals and happily gave the site owners the green light, according to the report in the East Coast Target.

An old building, which was seen to be dilapidated, will be knocked down as part of the regeneration that looks to bring many more caravan insurance customers to the attractive area. To boost local tourism even more, another four new static caravans will also be added to the site.

Lincs Design Consultancy representative Andrew Clover, who designed the café development, claimed that the building would bring the café back to life and help contribute to the local economy.

He continued: "The regeneration of the site will reinstate an important tourist attraction, which is within the heart of the newly created Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. The scheme will bring the café back to life and reinstate overnight stays, having a positive economic impact.

"The innovative and contemporary design will create a striking, landmark building which be an asset to the area for many years to come."

Caravan parks evacuated safely amid flooding threats

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:33:00 GMT

People living in caravan parks near Northampton have been evacuated safely due to fears that heavy overnight rain would lead to flash flooding and leave many people stranded, or worse.

Over 1,000 people were told to leave their homes in both Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill after Environment Agency officials sent out a severe flood warning to local authorities, noting that the area was prone to rising water levels.

Luckily, no-one had to claim on a caravan insurance policy as the heavy rainfall did not lead to the worst-case scenario; properties were left untouched. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure the police have not let anyone back on the site as of May 1st, claiming that there is still a "significant risk" of flooding, the Northampton Chronicle reported.

Billing Aquadrome announced that it would be holding a multi-agency meeting in order to fully assess its site before taking further action.

It added: "The water levels at present on park have not changed since yesterday and there is currently no flooding on the park from the River Nene. We will remain closed until the Environment Agency allow the park to re-open and there will be no entry allowed until further notice as a safety precaution."

Bedfordshire locals warned of arson attacks

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:53:00 GMT

People living in Bedfordshire have been reminded of the importance of caravan protection after one was targeted by arsonists, resulting in thousands of pounds' worth of damage. According to Bedfordshire on Sunday, Shefford Road in Clophill was targeted when someone poured flammable fluids onto the tyres of three cars and a caravan before setting fire to them.

The white Abbey 518 caravan was seriously damaged and needs roughly £1,000 of repairs on a caravan insurance policy, while cars were completely burnt out to the tune of £18,000. The fire was so intense that the victim's home also took damage.

Detective constable Ian Johnson, leading the charge against the arsonists involved, has asked the general public to contact the police. Although a 17-year-old male was arrested after being linked to the attack, he has since been released on police bail.

"This was a very serious offence which could have led to serious injury had the owner of the property not been awoken by the blaze and called the emergency services," the detective said. "Whoever carried out this attack was intent on causing damage and possible harming life, and we must stop them from committing any similar offences in the future."

TyreSafe: Caravans and motorhomes need checking

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:51:00 GMT

Easter's nearly here, though there are a few things that caravan insurance customers need to check if they're going to avoid the possibility of a claim, given that the long weekend is regularly seen as one of the first-ever chances to use a motorhome.

TyreSafe has recommended that caravan and motorhome owners give their tyres a thorough test to avoid any possibility of a breakdown or extensive damage. This is because the long winter will make tyres even more vulnerable to rubber degradation.

It claimed that UV rays penetrate tyres, affecting the rubber that provides both resilience and flexibility and leading to the possibility of a high speed blow-out. Vehicle owners need to also pay attention to the tread and sidewall areas, according to TyreSafe, as cracking may require a tyre replacement. Foreign objects embedded in the tyre also need to be removed.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: "Exposure to the elements for long periods without movement can be a real cause of rubber damage to caravan tyres, often seen by cracking or a drop in pressure. Therefore it's vital to ensure that the tyres are properly inspected before use and correctly maintained."

"With the correct care and attention your tyres will help to ensure you arrive at your holiday destination safely, without disruption and with minimal cost."

Bailey Unicorn overcomes "caravan graveyard" test

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:47:00 GMT

The new Bailey Unicorn Alu-Tech caravan has completed a marathon endurance test in Germany that has been referred to as the "caravan graveyard". The AL-KO track in Markbronn Germany, which was given the worrying name due to its severity, was overcome by the superior engineering skills of the Bristol-based company.

The track, which is one kilometre in length and includes a number of features reflecting different road surfaces to thoroughly examine a vehicle's endurance, was primarily used to assess the suitability of the vehicle for Australian road conditions. These are seen as much tougher than those in Europe, meaning a caravan insurance policy is even more necessary for Antipodean holidaymakers.

Bailey's Alu-Tech caravan and motorhome prototypes have already been the subject of a vast array of product validation programmes, with many taking place at the renowned Millbrook Proving Ground. It was found that construction-wise, the only significant difference made was the fitting of a GRP outer skin featured on Bailey's Orion and Approach SE ranges, instead of the aluminium skin used on domestic Unicorn models.

Explaining the Alu-Tech system, the company said: "The result of the most comprehensive product design programme ever undertaken [found] Alu-Tech leisure vehicles [to be] more robust, more durable and yet lighter than those manufactured using conventional methods to provide a completely new level of product performance."

Hertz announces flagship caravan hire partnership

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:45:00 GMT

Hertz, the world's leading general use car rental company, has announced that it is to partner with the UK's largest motorhome hire firm to extend the short and long-term options for both seasoned and future caravan insurance customers in the country.

Just Go will be working alongside Hertz to offer UK customers the best-quality motorhomes through its new service, Hertz Motorhome Hire, allowing customers to visit both domestic destinations and even let them go across the English Channel to enjoy the delights of the continent.

Giving options that can host up to seven people, customers can pick no fewer than five caravan models including the Nomad, Scout, Rambler, Voyager, and Explorer. Prices start from £50 a day and each motorhome comes with a 15-inch LCD screen, Xbox 360 games console and cab air conditioning Hertz and Just Go customers will also be provided with a courtesy satnav system for the full rental period.

Michel Taride, president of Hertz International, said: "We are pleased to provide access to quality motorhome rental to our customers, with the added convenience of being able to book online. Hertz/Just Go motorhomes provide holidaymakers with the flexibility to visit and park-up at the places they wish to see, without compromising on luxury."

Meanwhile, Sarah Roach, marketing director of Just Go, said: "Customers have full flexibility in determining the places they visit while giving them all the home comforts they could need. Holidaying in motorhomes is increasing in popularity as people look at luxurious yet cost-effective holidays."

Selectamark develops new spray to stop gas canister theft

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:43:00 GMT

Caravan owners have been handed a fantastic lifeline from Selectamark, after it announced that its team of researchers had developed a new DNA spray application to stop the constant problem of gas canister theft.

A police request for a solution to this dangerous and costly crime was responded to directly by the team, which created a forensic spray that can be fitted to the base of an empty gas canister that will bait thieves to steal it. It was also revealed that alongside the appropriate warning signage, the product can also deter thieves "in the first instance", according to Security Park.

Criminals have long been stealing canisters from storehouses, homes and caravan sites, forcing many people in the lattermost instance to claim on their policy of caravan insurance due to the extensive damage that can arise from quick theft.

However, if a thief lifts a bait canister, they will be squirted with a burst of invisible DNA spray which will stay on skin and clothing for up to three weeks.

Managing director of Selectamark Andrew Knights said: "Our new spray product has been developed to help police deal effectively with the dangerous problem of gas canister theft and to help them convict criminals they suspect are guilty."

Caravan show is big success in Notts

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

One of the largest caravan retailers in the East Midlands has had a fantastic start to the camping season after it hosted a very hugely successful gathering around its extensive facilities.

The East Midlands Caravan Show was held at Lowdhams' base in Gunthorpe, Nottinghamshire, and featured over 200 new and used touring and static offerings from a diverse range of major British and European manufacturers. Caravan insurance customers were also shown a wide range of camping-related products.

What's more, visitors were able to come for much more than just the day - many opted to stay the weekend on the company's land, which features top-of-the-line camping facilities.

Steve Sharpe, commercial director at Lowdhams, hailed the Great British public and their growing love for caravanning, saying that the event bolstered the company's standing among competitors both locally and nationally. He told the Nottingham Post: "Our customers love getting a deal but appreciate our solid reputation for reliability which they have come to expect from us.

"With our terrific range of products we really do offer something for everyone. At Lowdhams we pride ourselves on providing motorhomes, caravans and accessories at highly competitive prices so that our customers always receive outstanding value for their money."