Insurance For Caravans

Keep Your Snowy River Caravan Safe and Protected

There’s nothing quite like the excitement and enjoyment you get from buying your very own Snowy River caravan. 

One important step that should never be overlooked is comparing the different options in insurance for caravans. It makes sense to have your Snowy River caravan insured for a variety of reasons. While your Snowy is one of the most affordable caravans on the market, it is still a significant outlay and is worth protecting with the most appropriate insurance.

How you use and tow your Snowy River caravan as well as how and where you store it will affect the insurance you need to ensure it is safe and fully insured at all times.

While each multi-award-winning Snowy River caravan is classified as semi-off-road which grants you the freedom to venture off the beaten track, you need to be aware of how insurance could affect the way you utilise all the benefits of your Snowy.

How to Make the Most of Your Snowy River Caravan

STORING YOUR CARAVAN SAFELY

Do you plan to store your caravan in your garage or shed? A full-size van may be too tall for your space, so a pop-top caravan may be a better option. Will your driveway handle the width and weight of your new caravan? Will rain gutters, trees or other overhangs make access difficult? Then there are local council rules relating to parking your caravan in the street outside your house. Storage is an important consideration when it comes to insurance for caravans.

TOWING THE INSURANCE LINE 

There is no point in buying a new caravan without a vehicle that can legally and safely tow it. Your vehicle must be fitted with an electric brake control unit and your car’s wiring must match your new caravan. Towing a caravan that’s overweight is illegal and unsafe, and you also risk not being fully insured if you have an accident. You need to know if your insurance covers a breakdown and any emergency repairs, the towing of your vehicle or caravan and accommodation costs if you are left stranded. 

COVERAGE ACROSS AUSTRALIA

Australia has some of the world’s strictest compliance standards in the world regarding caravans. Your caravan must comply with ADR (Australian Design Rules), as well as federal, state, and territory Government requirements to be legally drivable on Australian roads. Non-compliance will affect any potential insurance claims if you have an accident. Each Snowy River caravan has been designed and built in accordance with the latest ADR.

Starting Your Journey to Adventure

Once you’ve made your choice from the fabulous range of family-friendly caravans, compact options,  slide-out models and multi-terrain caravans, it is time to explore different insurance options. For example, some insurers offer discounts on insurance for caravans which are kept in a secure storage yard.

Your Snowy River caravan can be insured so your contents and the physical structure of the caravan are protected in the event of accidental damage, theft, fire or storm. Remember that all new Snowy River Caravans come with a 5-year structural warranty and 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for your peace of mind.

FAQ

Snowy River Caravans commenced in 2015, as a sister company to Regent Caravans which has been in operation since 1991.
All brochures for Snowy River Caravans are available by subscribing to our newsletter.

All sales inquires are managed through our extensive dealer network across Australia and New Zealand. Visit our Contact Dealers page for dealer locations and information, or select a location from the links below.

Caravan Sales Adelaide
Caravan Sales Melbourne
Caravan Sales NSW
Caravan Sales NZ
Caravan Sales Perth
Caravan Sales QLD
Caravan Sales Tasmania

The most common cause of caravan accidents is the caravan swerving or snaking, followed by driver fatigue, speed, overloading and incorrect tyre pressures.

In order to tow safely and legally, you must tow within your car’s towing capacity, which is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle is able to tow, and the maximum ball weight, as recommended by the manufacturer. This information can be found in your vehicles owner manual or vehicle specification located from the vehicle manufacturing website. It is also recommended to research the limits of the towbar provided. It is crucial to be aware that a vehicle’s towing capacity is reduced when taking into account how much of a load the tow vehicle itself has onboard (passengers, aftermarket mods, camping equipment, etc.) and – remember this – the vehicle-and-trailer combination always has to weigh within the Gross Combined Mass (GCM) limit, that is the maximum your vehicle-and-trailer combination can legally weigh. Read more about caravan towing rules and regulations here.

We believe for most people and vehicles towing mirrors are a must have. they are a great way to see if there is any traffic down the side of their caravan. If your caravan is wider than your tow vehicle, in most States and Territories they are a legal requirement.
Many manufacturers now fit ESC (Electronic Sway Control) as standard or as an option on new caravans. This system essentially acts like an independent braking system. It detects when your van is starting to sway and will brake one wheel at a time to help you bring your van back under control. You may believe this is enough to prevent sway, however whilst these devices dramatically reduce your risk, sway can still occur. If your caravan starts to sway you should try to remain calm, enable your ESC if fitted, do not apply your brakes or turn suddenly, especially if ESC is enabled. If you do not have ESC, gradually slow your vehicle whilst maintaining direction, this should enable you to regain control.
Some cupboards, drawers, boots are designed for specific items from the manufacturer, and will be explained during your handover procedure. Make sure whatever you are carrying in your caravan is spread out evenly. Heavy items should be stored in bottom cabinets, ideally close to the wheel arches. Small and light items can be stored in your overhead cupboards. It is always a good idea to line your cupboards and drawers with a non-slip mat.
Ensure site is level, free of any large branches or overhead obstructions. Apply the handbrake and place chocks under the caravan wheels. Detach from tow vehicle including safety chains. Ensure the jockey wheel clamp us firmly in position. Release coupling lock and raise the caravan using the jockey wheel to clear the tow ball, then level the caravan using the jockey wheel. Lower stabilizer legs.
We have developed a simple pre-travel checklist. Interior Checks:
  1. Roof hatches closed and locked.
  2. Cupboards and drawers securely closed.
  3. Windows closed and locked.
  4. Shower door secured.
  5. Secure all appliances.
  6. TV off bracket and stowed securely.
  7. Refrigerator packed securely – door locked.
  8. Fire extinguisher fitted and locked.
  9. Gas cooker locked and stove top lid secured.
Exterior Checks:
  1. Gas bottles turned off.
  2. Tyres – check pressure and adjust.
  3. Brakes checked and adjusted.
  4. Check all wheel nuts are present and tight.
  5. Water tank filled.
  6. Lights operating correctly.
  7. Wheel bearings checked.
  8. Remove jockey wheel.
  9. Ball coupling securely locked in position.
  10. Doors locked – steps raised.
  11. Jacks and supports raised.
  12. Release handbrake – remove wheel chocks.
  13. Safety chains secured.
  14. Adjust towing mirrors.
  15. External boot locked.
  16. Electric extension between car and van attached and checked.
  17. 240V electrical lead disconnected.
  18. Front and rear (if any) protector shades securely locked down.
  19. Anode on water heater checked (if fitted).
Each state and territory have different laws in place, so if traveling across more than one be sure to read on their web pages what your need to do to comply and avoid hefty fines. All caravans need to be road worthy and registered. Registration costs vary from State to State, which in turn may alter your upfront costs. It is always a good idea to review your registration date prior to leaving on a trip so you don’t find yourself traveling along towing an unregistered caravan.

Yes, Snowy River Caravans is a member of Caravan Industry Association in Victoria. 

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