This article was published on 27 May 2026. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.
You can find some brilliant deals on used caravans these days, and many people go down this route when purchasing their first, or next, caravan. However, it is sometimes too good to be true.
Between 2019 and 2022, only 23% of stolen touring caravans were recovered, and many of these are likely being resold on UK soil. It can be easy to start picturing your future caravanning plans while browsing online listings or walking through rows of caravans on a forecourt, but it’s important to look out for warning signs.
If police identify your caravan as stolen, they will usually take it and return it to its owner, without any financial reimbursement or compensation for you. Any money spent on insurance, storage, or maintenance will also be lost. In some cases, you may even be liable for further investigation or legal costs.
A bargain can quickly turn into a very expensive mistake, so checking a caravan’s history before handing over money is essential.
Caravan seller red flags
Stick to established dealers or recognised caravan retailers where possible. That’s not to say that private sellers have to be avoided, but you should award them with extra scrutiny.
Take care to study the seller’s profile: how long it has existed, whether it has previous listings/sales, and whether it has any reviews. The main red flags to watch for are sellers with an abundance of caravans for sale without any link to a dealership, and sellers with brand-new profiles with only one listing.
Unusually low prices or specified cash-only sales should also set off alarm bells. Always meet the seller at their home address, business premises, or storage location, and be wary if they seem evasive, struggle to answer straightforward questions, or push you to complete the sale quickly.
Four checks to make before buying
If you’re shopping online, never purchase a caravan before seeing it in person, and before paying anything, work through these four checks.
Check the VIN
All caravans built after 1993 have a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This can be found around the structure, including the chassis, windows, and interior (usually near the door frame), and every VIN should match. Check these spots for signs of tampering, like scratches, uneven engraving, or replacement labels, in case someone has covered the original VIN with one that matches the others found on the caravan.
Use the CRiS database
Enter the VIN into the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) – the UK’s national caravan registration database. This will flag up if the caravan has been reported stolen, who the registered keeper is, if there is any outstanding finance, and whether it has been previously written off.
There is a fee for this check, but peace of mind is invaluable.
Ask for the original paperwork
The seller should be able to provide the CRiS registration certificate, service history documents, and purchase records. Ask the seller for a form of photo ID and check their name and address match the ownership details.
There are legitimate instances where the seller may not be able to provide all of these documents, or their details don’t line up. This doesn’t automatically mean they’re trying to sell you a stolen caravan, but proceed with caution and be sure to carry out the other three checks in this list to spot any other discrepancies.
Look for physical signs of interference
This one might seem obvious, but a stolen caravan may show signs that parts have been altered or removed.
Check locks, doors and windows for damage or evidence of forced entry, and look closely at badges, branding and fittings. Anything inconsistent or poorly replaced could suggest attempts to disguise the caravan’s identity.
Trust your instincts
A comprehensive caravan insurance policy will protect you against a lot of things, but buying a stolen caravan isn’t one of them. A few careful checks before buying can save you a lot of money and hassle later.
If something feels off, trust that instinct and walk away.
Looking for Caravan Insurance?
Forces Mutual are pleased to introduce Compass Insurance who are a specialist provider of caravan and residential park home insurance, with over 50 years’ experience, so they can help you find the right cover for you.
Compass Insurance is part of the Bspoke Insurance Group Ltd, which also includes Forces Mutual, so you know you’re in safe hands.