A buyer's guide to trailer tent insurance

• Check you have the level of cover you need

  The “liability to other people” section of most private car insurance policies will permit the towing of a trailer tent (- it is worth checking with your existing motor insurer that this is indeed the case).  There is a common misunderstanding about motor policies. Although they can cover third party claims when you are towing, they do not cover loss of or damage to your towed Unit.

  Cover under the liability section of any trailer tent insurance is therefore generally restricted to situations when the trailer tent is not being towed. It will cover the insured’s legal liability for death, bodily injury or illness to a third party or damage to a third party’s property arising from the use or ownership of the trailer tent. For instance, when you are in the process of detaching your trailer tent  from your car and manoeuvring it onto your allotted campsite pitch?  No matter how careful you are, there is always a danger of hitting someone’s leisure vehicle or even running over something left on the ground.

  It is important to ensure you maintain your trailer tent in a sound and roadworthy condition. Incidents such as tyre blow outs are becoming more common. In the event of an accident, can you afford to absorb the repair or replacement costs for any resulting damage to your trailer tent?

• What cover does a trailer tent insurance policy provide?

  Trailer tent insurance provides a number of valuable benefits to both the novice family camper and outdoor adventurer alike. For instance:

  Loss or damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, storm, flood or accidental damage to your trailer tent, equipment, contents or personal effects. Mishaps can happen, more common types include: accidental damage to the frame mechanism, canopy material or windows when erecting or dismantling the trailer tent. A part erected canopy can act as a sail even in relatively light breezes causing it to over extend or close more violently than intended, or someone may simply forget part of the dismantling procedure, resulting in damage.

  In respect of contents and personal effects, make sure to check what is, and more importantly what isn’t covered. It may be prudent to speak to your home insurance provider to establish, what cover, if any, is provided for your personal possessions away from the home.

  Having your trailer tent damaged or stolen can be a stressful event, particularly if it happens when you are on a camping holiday. The additional costs you suffer in trying to retrieve the situation can be covered by the “loss of use” section of your insurance. This will pay towards alternative accommodation costs or the hire of a similar trailer tent. There is usually a policy limit (expressed as a % amount per week of your unit’s sum insured), but is nevertheless a useful benefit when needed.

  Personal accident cover may be included for physical injuries which results from an accident, whilst on holiday with your trailer tent, or when hitching, unhitching or working on your trailer tent.

• Shop around for the best trailer tent insurance deal

  It is good practice to compare prices to make sure you aren’t paying over the odds. A specialist trailer tent insurance provider like Club Care offers: knowledgeable staff; flexible cover options and a full quote and buy online facility - enabling you to tailor the policy cover to meet your individual needs, at a time to suit you.

  With Club Care's trailer tent insurance premiums starting from only £48, it is a small price to pay for complete peace of mind. Why not get an online quote today?