Caravan Park Insurance Renewal Checklist – 10 Questions to Ask Your Broker

Caravan Park Insurance Renewal Checklist – 10 Questions to Ask Your Broker

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Caravan Park Insurance Renewal Checklist – 10 Questions to Ask Your Broker

Introduction

Insurance renewal for a caravan park can feel like a quick admin task: the renewal invite arrives, the premium changes, and you either accept or shop around.

But caravan parks are complex risks. You’ve got a mix of property, public liability exposures, seasonal trading patterns, weather risks, and third parties on site (owners, renters, visitors, contractors). Add in changing regulations, inflation on rebuild costs, and evolving claims trends, and a “same as last year” approach can leave expensive gaps.

This checklist is designed to help you renew confidently. It’s written for UK caravan and holiday park operators—whether you run a small rural park or a larger destination site with amenities.

Use the questions below with your broker (or insurer) before you renew. The goal is simple: make sure your cover matches how your park actually operates today.

Before you speak to your broker: get your basics ready

A good renewal conversation is easier when you have the right information to hand. Aim to prepare:

  • A current site plan and a list of all buildings/structures (reception, shop, bar, toilet blocks, plant rooms, storage, play areas, fences, gates)

  • A count of pitches and the split (touring, seasonal, static, glamping)

  • Your latest turnover and any changes in revenue streams (shop, bar, food, events, activities)

  • Any changes in facilities (hot tubs, pools, saunas, playground upgrades, EV charging)

  • Claims history and near-miss incidents (slips, trips, storm damage, theft)

  • Maintenance records (electrical inspections, gas safety, fire risk assessment, legionella checks)

  • Contractor controls (RAMS, permits to work, hot works)

Now, onto the 10 questions.

1) “What exactly is covered under our property section—and what’s excluded?”

Caravan park insurance is often packaged, but the detail matters. Ask your broker to walk you through:

  • Buildings: which structures are included, and are any “non-standard” buildings excluded?

  • Contents: what counts as contents (shop stock, bar equipment, maintenance tools, office kit)?

  • Outdoor property: fences, gates, signage, lighting, CCTV, playground equipment

  • Plant and machinery: pumps, treatment systems, boilers, electrical distribution

  • Exclusions: flood, storm, subsidence, escape of water, wear and tear, gradual deterioration

Why it matters: many parks assume outdoor assets are automatically included. They’re not always, or they may be capped.

Quick tip: ask for a one-page summary of key exclusions and sub-limits so you can sanity-check them.

2) “Are our sums insured and rebuild costs still accurate—based on today’s prices?”

Underinsurance is one of the most common renewal issues. With building costs fluctuating, a valuation from years ago can be out of date.

Ask your broker:

  • Are sums insured index-linked, and by what index?

  • Do we have a recent rebuild cost assessment for key buildings?

  • Are specialist structures properly valued (amenity blocks, leisure facilities, bespoke reception buildings)?

  • Are we insuring for reinstatement, not just market value?

Why it matters: if you’re underinsured, average clauses can reduce claims payments—even if the loss is partial.

Practical move: if you’ve upgraded facilities or extended buildings, tell your broker immediately. Don’t wait for renewal.

3) “What’s our business interruption cover—and does it match our seasonality?”

Caravan parks can be highly seasonal. A loss in peak season can be far more damaging than the same loss in winter.

Ask:

  • What’s the indemnity period (12, 18, 24 months)?

  • Is cover based on gross profit, gross revenue, or another basis?

  • Does it include increased cost of working (e.g., temporary facilities, alternative accommodation arrangements)?

  • Are there any waiting periods (time excess) for certain perils?

  • Does it cover loss of attraction or denial of access (where available)?

Why it matters: if your park relies on summer income, a 12-month indemnity period may not be enough to recover.

A simple test: “If our main amenity block was unusable in May, could we realistically be back to normal by the next peak season?”

4) “How is public liability structured for our site—and what’s the limit and excess?”

Public liability is central for parks because you have constant footfall and mixed users.

Ask:

  • What is the limit of indemnity (often £2m/£5m/£10m)?

  • Is there an excess for injury claims?

  • Are events and activities included (live music, kids’ entertainment, inflatables, fireworks)?

  • Are play areas covered, and do you need specific inspections?

  • Are slips/trips around wet areas and pools treated differently?

Why it matters: the “headline limit” is only part of the story. Exclusions can appear around certain activities, hired-in equipment, or event days.

If you host events: confirm whether you need to notify insurers in advance.

5) “Do we have the right cover for employers’ liability and labour-only contractors?”

Even small parks can have seasonal staff, cleaners, grounds teams, and maintenance workers.

Ask:

  • Is employers’ liability in place at the correct limit (often £10m)?

  • Are seasonal/temporary staff included automatically?

  • What about volunteers or unpaid helpers?

  • How are labour-only subcontractors treated?

  • Do we need to collect proof of insurance from bona fide subcontractors?

Why it matters: misclassifying contractors can create nasty surprises. If someone is effectively working under your control, insurers may treat them as your employee.

Good practice: keep a simple contractor onboarding checklist (insurance, RAMS, references, permits).

6) “Are we covered for static caravans, touring units, and customer-owned units—and where does our responsibility start and end?”

This is a renewal make-or-break area. Some parks own units; others rent pitches; some have a mix.

Ask:

  • Are static caravans insured under your policy, and on what basis (park-owned vs customer-owned)?

  • If customers own the units, what do you insure: the pitch, the infrastructure, or anything else?

  • Are awnings, decking, sheds, and hot tubs included or excluded?

  • What about contents inside customer units—are you responsible at all?

  • Are there requirements around spacing, fire breaks, and siting that affect cover?

Why it matters: the line between “park responsibility” and “owner responsibility” must be crystal clear.

If you have owner-occupied units: consider whether you need a clear written park agreement and rules around modifications.

7) “What’s our position on storm, flood, and subsidence—and have we disclosed our real risk profile?”

Weather-related losses are a major driver of premiums and terms.

Ask:

  • Are storm and flood included as standard, and what are the excesses?

  • Are there special conditions (e.g., flood defences, drain maintenance, tree management)?

  • Do we have any exclusions for subsidence, heave, or landslip?

  • Have we disclosed proximity to watercourses, coastal exposure, or previous flooding?

  • Are we covered for damage to roads, paths, and hardstanding?

Why it matters: non-disclosure can invalidate cover. Over-disclosure can also lead to unnecessary loadings. You want accurate, evidenced information.

Practical move: if you’ve invested in drainage, flood barriers, or site works, tell your broker—risk improvements can help negotiations.

8) “What are our key policy conditions—and what could void a claim if we miss it?”

Most claim disputes aren’t about whether you had insurance. They’re about conditions.

Ask:

  • Are there security requirements (locks, alarms, CCTV, keyholding, perimeter fencing)?

  • Are there fire protection requirements (extinguishers, servicing, fire risk assessment, emergency lighting tests)?

  • Any hot works conditions (permits, fire watch, contractor controls)?

  • Any unoccupancy or seasonal closure conditions?

  • Any requirements for electrical testing (EICR), gas safety, PAT testing?

Why it matters: conditions can be buried in wording. If you can’t comply, you need the policy amended—not a hope-and-pray approach.

Simple request: ask your broker to highlight “warranties” and “conditions precedent” in plain English.

9) “Do we have the right add-ons: cyber, legal expenses, money, and equipment breakdown?”

Caravan parks increasingly rely on online bookings, card payments, Wi‑Fi, and customer data.

Ask:

  • Cyber: does it cover ransomware, data breach response, business interruption from IT incidents, and third-party liability?

  • Legal expenses: is it included, and does it cover employment disputes, contract disputes, and tax investigations?

  • Money: what are the limits for cash on premises, in transit, and in safes?

  • Equipment breakdown: does it cover key plant (boilers, pumps, treatment systems, kitchen equipment) and resulting business interruption?

  • Deterioration of stock: if you have fridges/freezers for food and drink, is spoilage covered?

Why it matters: these sections are often optional, and limits can be too low by default.

If you take deposits online: cyber and fraud protections are worth a serious look.

10) “If we had a claim tomorrow, what would the process look like—and what evidence would we need?”

This question forces a practical, real-world view of your cover.

Ask:

  • Who do we call first—broker, insurer, or a claims line?

  • Are there preferred suppliers (loss adjusters, builders, restoration firms)?

  • What’s the expectation on mitigation (temporary repairs, security, drying out)?

  • What documentation helps most (maintenance logs, inspection records, incident reports, CCTV footage)?

  • How quickly do we need to notify incidents, even if we’re not sure it’s a claim?

Why it matters: the best policy in the world is useless if you can’t evidence compliance or you notify too late.

Practical move: create a simple “claims pack” folder (digital and printed) with key contacts, policy schedule, site plan, and maintenance certificates.

Renewal negotiation: 6 quick ways to improve terms

Once you’ve asked the 10 questions, you’re in a stronger position to negotiate. Here are practical levers:

  • Provide a clear summary of changes since last year (new facilities, pitch count, events)

  • Share risk improvements (CCTV upgrades, lighting, fencing, drainage works)

  • Offer evidence of good management (inspection logs, contractor controls, incident reporting)

  • Consider higher excesses where you can absorb small losses

  • Review sub-limits and remove unnecessary add-ons

  • Shop the market early (ideally 6–10 weeks before renewal)

Common renewal mistakes to avoid

  • Renewing late and losing leverage

  • Not updating sums insured after improvements

  • Assuming customer-owned units are covered

  • Hosting events without confirming cover

  • Ignoring policy conditions until a claim happens

  • Underestimating business interruption exposure

Simple renewal checklist (copy/paste)

Use this as a quick tick list:

  • Confirm property cover, exclusions, and sub-limits

  • Check sums insured and rebuild costs

  • Review business interruption basis and indemnity period

  • Confirm public liability scope for activities and amenities

  • Confirm employers’ liability and contractor treatment

  • Clarify static/touring/customer-owned unit responsibilities

  • Review storm/flood/subsidence cover and excesses

  • Identify key policy conditions and compliance tasks

  • Review cyber/legal/money/equipment breakdown add-ons

  • Confirm claims process and evidence requirements

Final thought

A caravan park renewal isn’t just about price—it’s about certainty. The right questions help you avoid gaps, reduce claim friction, and protect your income when something unexpected happens.

If you want, tell me what type of park you run (touring/static/glamping, key facilities, and whether you host events) and I’ll tailor this checklist into a renewal email you can send to your broker.

FAQ (UK caravan park insurance renewal)

How early should I start my caravan park insurance renewal?

Ideally 6–10 weeks before renewal. Complex risks and multiple facilities can take longer to place, especially if you want alternative quotes.

Do I need separate insurance for customer-owned static caravans?

Often, yes. Many parks insure site infrastructure and liability, while unit owners insure their own caravans and contents. The split depends on your agreements and policy wording.

What limit of public liability do caravan parks usually choose?

Many parks choose £5m as a common benchmark, but the right limit depends on footfall, activities, events, and contractual requirements.

What is business interruption insurance for a caravan park?

It covers loss of income (and certain extra costs) following insured damage that disrupts trading—helping you keep going while repairs are completed.

Why do insurers ask about flood risk and drainage?

Because flood and surface water losses can be severe and recurring. Evidence of drainage maintenance and risk improvements can support better terms.

Can policy conditions really affect a claim?

Yes. Some conditions are “conditions precedent” or warranties. If you fail to comply, insurers may reduce or decline a claim. That’s why it’s vital to identify them at renewal.

Should I add cyber insurance if I’m a small park?

If you take online bookings, store customer data, or rely on IT systems, cyber cover can be valuable. Even small businesses can be targeted by ransomware or payment scams.

What documents should I keep for insurance purposes?

Fire risk assessments, electrical inspection reports (EICR), gas safety certificates, PAT testing logs (where applicable), legionella records, playground inspection logs, contractor RAMS, and incident/accident reports.

Does caravan park insurance cover extreme weather?

Often it covers storm and flood, but excesses and exclusions vary. Always confirm definitions, sub-limits, and any special conditions.

What’s the difference between market value and reinstatement value?

Market value is what the property might sell for. Reinstatement value is the cost to rebuild/repair after a loss. Insurance should usually be based on reinstatement.

Can I reduce my premium without reducing protection?

Sometimes. Improving risk controls, providing better information, adjusting excesses, and removing unnecessary add-ons can reduce cost while keeping core cover strong.

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