C/van Insurane - Performance Direct - Grove & Dean

Who has edited my post title?

It was Caravan Ins' ... and is now C/van Insurane ...

I thought my spelling was poor.

Colin

I can't comment on the company's mentions but I can pass on my own recent caravan insurance related experience.  We had our 3 year old Bailey Valencia caravan stolen from a locked storage site we've used for many years. The rural storage site could not be seen from the road with the entrance secured by a large set of metal gates and, a steel barrier with a substantial lock. The thrives smashed the lock, overcame the caravan alarm, removed the tracker, crowbared the Ak-Ko hitch lock and removed the Al-Ko wheel lock by using a thermal lance. The Caravan Club Insurance came to our rescue,  replacing the caravan with a brand new Bailey Vigo and providing sufficient funds to replace all caravan related equipment stolen. My point I guess is that you can have all the caravan security gadgets you can buy BUT, the best caravan security is your insurance policy and insurance company. The new caravan has of course been inured with the caravan club once again. The club insurance maybe considered a bit  more expensive but for us it was money well spent. Choose wisely!

One of the things your story highlights is how a thief will bypass your security measures, no matter what you put in there way. This has to make you ask why do insurance companies demand so much of us.

What is in my favour is the make and style of my caravan, an Eriba pop-top. They are an acquired taste and have a bit of a cult [saddo] following. I've owned them since 2003 and been active on the two forums, one since it's inception and the other of which one I'm an moderator. On these and the fairly recent Facebook platform I am aware of only one theft in 20 years, and that was in France.

I am by nature averse to risk, over plan and generally OCD, but I also do not like paying more than what I should for similar products. The C&MC policy on the replacement value is nearly 4 times more expensive than Grove & Dean on a like for like basis. How this can be is totally beyond me.

It is nice to hear that you had a good outcome from what must have been a sickening experience. The C&MC have always had a good record for the caravan policies they provide although some recent reports filtering through have not been glowing. Thank goodness this side of the insurance provision is better than the 3 star service reports you will find if you search for the car insurance they provide.

Colin

Insurance companies are not adverse to having several bows to their strings all dealing in the same marketplace. This allows them to "experiment" with T&Cs and price to maybe attract a certain clientele. Sometimes they allow a broker to run a scheme in their own name. As long as all companies are registered with AIB or the equivalent of their holding insurer there shouldn't be a problem.

I have recently changed motor insurers from General Accident to Aviva. The G.A. was acquired by Norwich Union, which soon changed its name to Aviva, just over 20 years ago. The saving was significant and terms such as excess much better. The actuaries of insurers are a law unto themselves.

From a claim point of view I have to say that Saga were excellent with a claim we made 4 year ago so have just renewed with them without looking elsewhere.

The final decision will be yours Colin. 

It looks like it will be Grove & Dean. I did have another go at working through the club website for a price. On the replacement value they are only 3x the cost at just under £500. On a new for old basis the difference was so far out it is embarrassing. £850 as opposed to £165. I know the £165 is VERY low for a £29K premium but how the club can be so far adrift makes you wonder what is going on.

With about 400,000 "captive" members you really would think they could be more competitive.

Colin

Hi Colin, The caravan insurance is now dipped for renewal and the figures you have mentioned are appeal-only trouble is that I can’t see caravan inson the G&D website??

I accessed then through GoCompare, but here is a direct link:-

https://www.grove-dean-insurance.co.uk/our-services/touring-caravan-insurance/

Colin

Hi Colin, Thanks for that.

Just tried an online quote, but need to call them.
Having seen a few posts talking of large increases I was not surprised when my quote, from Cover4, had gone up-but was not prepared for a rise of over 200% from £217 to £459!

I have been with them for several years, and always called after getting alternative quotes, so after doing this called yesterday to be told that due to the “massive increase in LV related claims” there was no possibility of reducing the premium.

At the moment Ripe are looking most likely but still looking.