Owning a UK holiday home has become increasingly more popular and even more so over the last year, with the unprecedented outbreak of covid-19 and the subsequent changes, restrictions and general uncertainty this has brought to our daily lives. It has meant that travel abroad is more difficult to plan due to changing policies and restrictions regarding quarantine, making the prospect of owning a static caravan even more attractive.
Static caravan owners are also not restricted by the premium price of travel abroad during peak holiday season, which always coincides with school holidays – a time where flights and accommodation are set at premium prices.
There are a number of other benefits to owning your own static caravan including the convenience of having your travel destination within close proximity of your own home, making it easier to travel to and forth as and when it suits.
Owning a static caravan also allows you to take full advantage of exploring the local area – static caravan parks are set in some of the most scenic regions in the UK, allowing you to fully explore and take advantage of everything the local region has to offer.
Having purchased a static caravan, there are various precautions which can be taken to ensure it is protected both while it is in use and while it is unoccupied.
Although it may seem painfully obvious, it is always important to ensure that doors and windows are locked and secure, even when the caravan is occupied. When vacating, check all windows and entry points, as small details can easily be overlooked during rushed packing, especially whilst trying to organise children and load the car.
During hot summer evenings when the temperature rises it may be tempting to leave windows and even the front door open at night, however installing a safety catch can help to ensure that windows are not fully open as this could potentially allow thieves to enter.
The installation of an automatic motion sensor outdoor light will provide an excellent way of deterring burglars as well as alerting the occupants and any other residents to potential intruders, as the light will flood the pitch within the immediate vicinity outside the caravan.
Protecting your static caravan with an alarm system is also a good deterrent for potential thieves or vandals, again helping to keep the static caravan and its contents safe.
Some parks are fitted with CCTV which can add an extra layer of security and an additional deterrent. Small CCTV cameras are readily available and can easily be fitted outside your caravan.
Protecting your static caravan isn’t just about security, but safety too. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed and regularly checked to ensure they are fully functioning. A fire extinguisher and fire blanket should also be kept within the caravan in the unlikely event of a fire. Any gas appliances must also be inspected within the recommended guidelines.
All static caravans require regular maintenance to ensure that small issues do not become bigger ones. Frozen pipes, damp and condensation are all things which can create serious problems. The static caravan should also be drained down for the winter in order to release any excess water before vacating the caravan for the winter. Read more about winterising your static caravan here.
A static caravan insurance policy is often similar to that of a home insurance policy, this is mainly due to the fact that static caravans are semi-permanent structures which are typically constructed on a purpose built site, where they are connected to an external water and power supply. Insurance can provide peace of mind for protection against external and internal damage, theft, and injury.
Our family-run Welshpool caravan park is situated in the scenic Welsh countryside and offers a wide range of park facilities. Our friendly team benefit from years of collective experience in static caravans, and as such, can offer comprehensive advice on protecting your static caravan. For more information, get in touch today.
Top