Get all the caravan insurance discounts you deserve

In order to get the best price you need to know what discounts are available from the insurer and make sure you qualify for as many as possible - some things you can do for free such as joining one of the caravanning website forums, whereas others, such as fitting a lock on your driveway gates can be done for limited expense.

The discounts offered for things such as additional security devices vary from one insurer to the next - so if you have a tracking device, alarm or locking device such as the AL-KO Secure Axle Wheel Lock or BPW Diamond Wheel Lock fitted make sure you ask whether a discount will apply when you call.

Some caravan insurance companies offer an online discount of as much as 10%, and buying online take less time as your policy documents can often be emailed to you straight away.

Many insurers also give discounts for secure storage such as the 'CaSSOA Gold' storage sites, and most will base your insurance on the level of security your storage location offers, i.e. if your caravan is kept at home behind 24 hour locked gates, or in a locked building.

A no claims bonus is another great way to reduce your insurance premium - and many insurers can offer you a discount if you have previous caravanning or towing experience, and have been claim free in the last three years.

Some caravan insurance specialists give discounts for older caravanners, as they are seen as a better insurance risk, these can be as much as 10% and can start from as low as 30 years old.

You can also get discounts for being a member of a caravanning club or by subscribing to specialist magazines such as Practical Caravan - this is because the insurance company assumes you will be a more knowledgeable and safer caravanner as a result.

Before you get a quote from an insurer it's important you know what security you have fitted, where you'll be keeping the caravan and any other details you think might earn you a discount on your policy. However, it's critical that you are completely honest and don't try to bend the truth to get a discount - otherwise you may find that when you make a claim your policy is not valid and you won't be paid out.

Most insurers will ask you about any details which may lead to a discount on your premium, but if you think there's a possible discount that you aren't receiving then it only takes a second to ask.

The key is making sure you let the insurer know about anything that might earn you a discount so that they can give you the most competitive quote possible. Always remember though, the cover and service on offer is just as important as the price, so when comparing premiums you need to make sure you are getting like-for-like quotes that include everything you need, and with the quality of cover and service you expect.

Neil Walker of Caravan Guard Limited. Caravan Guard specialise in caravan insurance in the UK. For more information and advice about insuring your touring caravan, visit http://www.caravanguard.co.uk