Protecting your tourer caravan's contents

Protecting your caravan's contents and equipment is an important part of touring, and by getting organised the few simple steps you need to take will become second nature rather than a chore.

It's easy to underestimate the value of equipment and belongings taken with us when caravanning, but with items such as LCD TV's, DVD players, Digital Radios, Sat-Navs, Laptops, Mp3 players and iPods being an ever more common sight on caravan parks it's easy to see how some people are putting themselves at risk.

The first thing you need to do is think about is which items are actually needed in the caravan, and which should be left at home. By leaving items such as expensive jewellery or designer clothing at home, which you are unlikely to need on a caravanning holiday anyway, you can take away any large risks of loss.

However, thanks to the unpredictable British weather expensive electrical products such as LCD TV's and Laptops would be described as essential items by many caravanners, especially those holidaying with children. If you do take items such as these with you then try to keep them as low key as possible, an oversized TV and DVD Player which can be clearly seen inside an empty caravan are an attractive prospect for any would be thieves.

In fact it's a good idea to keep any expensive items out of sight wherever possible, particularly when you are going to be out of the caravan for any length of time, and never leave anything of value inside your awning as these are obviously extremely easy for someone to get into.

Increasing your caravan security will deter thieves looking for an easy target. Alarm systems can be bought relatively cheaply and many insurance companies will even give you a caravan insurance discount for them being fitted either by you or a dealership.

It's also worth remembering that most caravan insurance policies cover you for caravan equipment, provided you reflect their value in your total sum insured - these are items which are kept permanently in your caravan or were purchased specifically for use in the caravan. They include things such as TVs, DVD players, aqua-rolls, water tanks, and awnings.

Also remember that high risk items such as iPods or mp3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones, games consoles and laptops are often excluded from touring caravan insurance policies, but will usually be covered by your home insurance so be sure to check your household policy before hitching up.

Whilst these precautions relate to when you are on holiday with your caravan, it's also very important to empty your caravan of anything valuable when not in use, whether your caravan is kept in secure storage or at home. Most items can be packed away in the garage or the loft and will be much more secure than if they are left in an unoccupied caravan.