This article was published on 12 Jan 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.

Park home insurance: key differences from standard home cover

Thinking about buying a park home or already living in one? If so, it’s important to understand how park home insurance differs from conventional home insurance to ensure you have the right protection.

Park homes, also known as mobile homes, have unique characteristics that require specialist insurance coverage. Getting the right policy is essential for protecting your investment and belongings.

Understanding park homes

Park homes are factory-built structures designed as permanent or semi-permanent residences on designated park sites. Unlike conventional houses, they aren’t constructed on permanent foundations but are transported to site after manufacturing.

Typically, residents own the home itself but rent the plot through an agreement with the site owner. This arrangement creates distinct legal and insurance requirements compared to traditional homeownership.

Construction differences matter

Park homes are built to British Standard BS 3632, which differs significantly from conventional building regulations. They feature lighter construction using timber frames with external cladding, sitting on concrete pads or steel chassis rather than deep foundations.

This construction makes them more vulnerable to certain weather conditions, particularly strong winds and flooding, but less susceptible to issues like subsidence that can affect traditional homes.

Coverage distinctions

Standard home insurance clearly separates buildings from contents, but park homes blur these boundaries. Items normally considered contents in traditional homes (such as furniture and appliances) are often classified as part of the structure because they’re typically included when the home is manufactured.

Park home policies frequently cover additional items like access steps, ramps, and external skirting that wouldn’t be included in standard home insurance but are essential components of park home living.

Site considerations

Park home sites feature communal areas, shared facilities, and specific maintenance rules that influence insurance requirements. Site management typically maintains communal spaces and infrastructure, affecting liability considerations.

The park’s location, management quality, and security measures significantly impact premiums. Well-managed sites with good flood defences and security typically qualify for better rates.

Legal framework

The Mobile Homes Act 1983 provides specific resident protections, though these don’t extend to insurance coverage. Since residents don’t own the land, building insurance requirements differ from traditional property ownership.

Site licences and planning permissions can affect your ability to rebuild after damage, which insurers must consider when providing cover.

Cost factors

Premiums reflect unique factors including home age, construction materials, site location, and the park’s risk profile. Older homes may face higher costs due to outdated construction methods, while well-maintained parks typically enjoy lower premiums.

Choosing appropriate cover

Select insurers experienced with park home requirements. Specialist providers understand the unique risks and offer comprehensive coverage tailored to park home living.

Ensure your policy clearly defines buildings versus contents coverage and includes appropriate protection for site-specific risks and park home features.

Looking for Residential Park Home Insurance?

Forces Mutual are pleased to introduce Compass Insurance who are a specialist provider of holiday caravan and residential park home insurance, with over 45 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.

You can get a quote here: Caravan Insurance – Forces Mutual

This article was published on 27 October 2025. 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.

Investing in a caravan can transform your family holidays and provide years of memorable adventures. However, choosing the right time to make your purchase can significantly impact both the price you pay and the selection available. So, whether you’re considering a touring caravan for exploring the UK or a static caravan for regular getaways, timing matters.

Best time for touring caravans

Pre-owned options

If you’re looking at second-hand touring caravans, the sweet spot is often late winter to early spring. Many owners decide to sell their current caravan to upgrade before the new season begins, creating good availability.

However, consider starting your search even earlier – during the autumn and winter months. This quieter period typically offers better negotiating power with sellers and lower competition from other buyers. You’ll have ample time to inspect potential purchases thoroughly without the rush of the approaching season.

Keep in mind that warranties rarely transfer with second-hand purchases, making quality insurance coverage particularly important.

New touring caravans

Autumn presents excellent opportunities for new touring caravan purchases. Dealerships often discount previous season’s models from October onwards to clear stock for new arrivals. These end-of-season sales can offer substantial savings, while still securing a brand-new caravan.

The cooler months also provide the advantage of making rational decisions without the holiday excitement that warmer weather brings.

Static caravan timing

Late September through early autumn represents the optimal window for static caravan purchases. As holiday parks prepare to close for winter, both sellers and dealers become more flexible on pricing.

This timing offers several advantages beyond cost savings. Winter months typically provide better pitch availability, allowing you to secure prime locations within your preferred park. You’ll also have time to properly winterise your new caravan before the harsh weather arrives.

Understanding ongoing costs

Holiday parks charge annual site fees, usually reviewed each autumn with increases reflecting inflation. Purchasing before these reviews can secure you nearly a full year at current rates. Some parks may even offer initial fee-free periods as part of negotiations.

Strategic purchasing advice

Successful caravan buying requires patience and research. Late-season purchases generally offer the best value, but excellent opportunities can arise throughout the year. Focus on finding a caravan that matches your family’s needs and budget rather than rushing into seasonal deadlines.

Whatever your timeline, ensure your investment is properly protected with comprehensive caravan insurance from day one. Get your quote online now. 

Caravan Insurance is provided by Compass Insurance who are a specialist provider of holiday caravan and residential park home insurance, with over 40 year’s 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.

This article was published on 12 August 2025. 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.

A touring caravan offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors – but like any vehicle, it comes with costs. One of the most important (and often overlooked) is insurance.

While it’s crucial to have cover in place to protect your caravan, there are several ways you can reduce your insurance premium without cutting corners on protection.

What affects caravan insurance costs?

Insurers each have their own methods for calculating premiums, but these are some of the most common factors they take into account:

• Make, model, and age of the caravan – This influences how expensive it may be to repair or replace.
• Security features – Factory-fitted and aftermarket devices like alarms, locks, and trackers all count.
• Storage location – Caravans stored in secure facilities often benefit from lower premiums.
• Your claims history – Previous claims can push your premium up.
• Type of cover – More comprehensive cover usually means a higher price.
• Excess amounts – A higher voluntary excess can help reduce what you pay annually.

1. Upgrade your caravan’s security

The more difficult your caravan is to steal, the less risk it poses to insurers – and the better chance you have of securing a discount. Consider fitting wheel clamps, hitchlocks, immobilisers, and tracking devices, and make sure to list them when applying for insurance.

2. Adjust your voluntary excess

If you’re willing to pay a bit more towards the cost of a claim, many insurers will offer a lower premium. Just make sure the total excess is realistic and affordable in case you need to make a claim.

3. Choose a secure storage option

Where your caravan is kept outside of holiday use matters. Storing it in a gated facility, secure compound, or garage will usually reduce your premium. If it stays on your driveway, consider installing CCTV or motion sensor lighting for added peace of mind.

4. Be accurate with your valuation

Avoid over-insuring your caravan. For market value cover, this should reflect the current resale value. For new or old, it should be based on the latest equivalent model. Overestimating can increase your premium unnecessarily.

5. Go for a lower-value model

If you’re in the market for a new caravan, a less expensive or lighter model will generally be cheaper to insure. These models are usually easier to repair and less of a target for thieves.

6. Protect your no-claims discount

Avoid small claims if the cost of repairs is less than your excess – it may be more economical in the long run to pay out of pocket and keep your no-claims bonus intact.

Don’t sacrifice cover for cost

Cutting your premium is great, but it’s essential that your caravan remains properly protected. Whether it’s for damage, theft, or towing-related issues, make sure your policy suits your needs.

Ready to get started? Get your touring caravan insurance quote today.

Caravan Insurance is provided by Compass Insurance who are a specialist provider of holiday caravan and residential park home insurance, with over 40 year’s 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.