Watch your back, warns CIL Insurance

Despite grabbing most of the RV-related headlines,
heart-stopping caravan roll-overs comprise relatively few of the many thousands of claims received by RV insurance companies each year.

Instead, damage caused by storms, hail and floods, from hitting stationary objects, or just general accidental damage often to portable accessories, are the three most common types of claims, according to CIL Insurance.

The 50-year-old, major RV insurance company claims that the three categories represent more than 75 per cent of all claims received by CIL Insurance.

In regards to storm, hail or flood damage, CIL says many caravanners are caught unawares by serious weather conditions or changes in weather.

CIL advises campers to look up when parking their van overnight, as a beautifully-treed campsite can turn a relaxing stay into a nightmare if mother nature changes its tune.

This point was recently made very clear to two members of the Caravancampingsales editorial team.

As can be seen in the accompanying photos, a peaceful Port Douglas campsite turned nasty when a branch broke loose from an overhanging tree, piercing the awning and putting a dent in the side of the brand-new New Age Oz Classic caravan that Michael Browning is currently putting through its paces in Queensland's far north
.

While the roof strength of a UK-built Swift Explorer was almost severely tested after a large branch from one of many majestic ghost gums in the Ross River Resort campground
in the East MacDonnell Ranges crashed to the ground just metres from the van being tested
by Chris Fincham.

CIL also recommends getting any worn J-moulds or seals on your caravan fixed before your next trip; as much to prevent water damage as ensuring the caravan doesn’t have any pre-existing ‘wear and tear’ that may preclude it from a successful insurance claim.

To help prevent another common RV incident -- hitting a stationary object – CIL recommends installing a reversing camera or extra-wide mirrors for when driver visibility is reduced, particularly backing into tight spots.

CIL says many of the accidental damage claims it receives are from damage caused by those other than the owners. Unsecured items like generators, portable fridges and bicycles also comprise a fair share of insurance claims.

A final word of warning: read the insurance Product Disclosure Statement carefully, so there are no surprises if and when you do make a claim.