Don’t let your awnings insurance claim be left out in the cold
With the UK having already experienced five storms since the start of the year*, a caravan insurance specialist has issued a warning to Brits who have awnings on their tourers or static homes.
Richard Burgess, Director at Cover4Caravans.co.uk says: “With Storm Gertrude and Co. racking up a total of five storms already this year, we are getting claims for damage to awnings. What some people do not realise, however, is that if they leave their awnings up while they are away from their ‘van or static home overnight or longer, or, for static caravans, they leave the awning up when they return home, then typically, any claim may be rejected.
“This is because there is a clause within their policy documents that says that policyholders must not leave awnings up and attached to the caravan unless it is in use. Sadly, many people are unaware of this clause until they come to make a claim, when it is too late.”
Mr. Burgess explains that the term “in use” typically means the awning should not be left up overnight or longer – so if you use your ‘van as a base and then go off somewhere else for a day or two and leave your awning up, cover for it will be excluded.
He also recommends that people make sure that their awning is listed separately on their policy schedule: “If it isn’t listed separately, then it is unlikely that it is covered at all” says Mr. Burgess.
He adds: “While there is no data to suggest when Storm Lawrence will hit the UK, we recommend that caravan awnings owner make sure they are well prepared and check that they have adequate awnings cover – as well as understanding what their obligations are under the terms of their contract.”
He recommends that people who are unclear as to whether their awning is covered, or what circumstances could invalidate any claim for it, should speak to their insurance provider.
Ends
* Gertrude, Henry, Imogen, Jake and Katie
Contact:
Richard Burgess, MCIM, ACIEH, Cert CII, Director at Cover4Caravans, telephone: 0845 863 9558 or email: richardb@alanblunden.co.uk
About Cover4Caravans:
With roots going back to 1946, our clients can benefit from 70 years' of experience in the caravan insurance marketplace. We are independent intermediaries and act on behalf of our clients in arranging their caravan insurances. Our service includes advising clients on their insurance needs, arranging insurance cover with insurers to meet those requirements and help with any ongoing changes that have to be made to your caravan insurance policies.
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