Being Upfront.. what is required by law?

[Edwin_374454901]

Hi Folks,

Just joined the forum today. I have an old, low value caravan which I am going to tow to mid france (and back!). Do I need to get any permissions, extended cover, or indeed notify my car insurers. (The van is not insured, and I am happy with that.)I have towed it in the UK without notifying my insurers, now wondering if I should have?

Any advice for a novice appreciated.

Ed

 

[HelenM1]

Hi,

I am no expert, but surely if you tell the car insurers that you have a tow bar on your car then it is okay to tow, assuming you have the entitlement on your license.

check out - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_4022564

If in doubt ask your insurer.

 

[Gumbo]

I believe that you are covered third party if you cause damage whilst the van is attached to the car !!! but that's not gospel

 

[Sam_374394490]

Hi

Do you need to advise your insurance company that you have a towbar fitted. Would this be classed as a modification?

We have a removable towbar fitted on our new car? Just wondering.

Thanks

Sam

 

[easyt]

In the past, when I had a low value caravan, I insured it with a value of

 

[DeliDave]

am insured with Tesco and in the policy book there is a section that says insured to tow trailers,and in the commentary at the side says this includes towing a caravan,was going to check with them but that put my mind at rest

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi all,

It would be wrong to assume that just because on insurer accepts trailers on their policies, that all do.

Do not give them the chance to decline a claim because you did not tell them you have a tow-bar fitted and that you tow a caravan of a particular maximum weight. Write to them and tell them.

Ask them to respond in writing. That way both you and the insurers cannot deny the matter in the event of a clam being made.

 

[Dustydog]

Also most policies have a little clause that says the vehicle must be maintained in good safe working order. When towing this clause will apply to the caravan as well.

Edwin,

I hope you have evidence the caravan is safe to tow?

Cheers

Dustydog