Static caravan flood damage claims already 96 per cent higher in 2024 compared to the whole of 2023.
Following the devastating effects of Storm Darragh, and with more than 175 flood warnings still in place across the UK, Compass, a specialist provider of caravan and leisure insurance, is urging static caravan and lodge owners to take all appropriate measures to safeguard their investment.
Following record-breaking rainfall for some counties this October, the company has recorded insurance claims for flooding, 96 per cent higher for the year to date compared to the whole of 2023. With many areas across the UK being impacted by Storm Bert, Storm Conall and Storm Darragh in recent weeks, this figure is likely to increase significantly before the end of the year.
Karen Stacey, Managing Director, Compass, said: “We’ve already seen significant amounts of flood damage in 2024, with insurance claims for this currently at £3.3 million. Claims have already exceeded last year’s total of £1.68 million and, with more heavy rainfall and bad weather forecast for the UK, unfortunately, it looks like there’s plenty more to come.”
The UK’s weather is hard to predict and, with flood and storm damage accounting for around 62 per cent of all the claims Compass has received this year, the company is keen to stress the importance of preparing for all eventualities.
Stacey continued: “Unlike bricks and mortar holiday homes, static caravans are particularly susceptible to damage from storms or floods. While we know caravan parks do everything they can to protect the units on their site all year round, gusty winds, heavy rainfall and the resultant flooding are somewhat out of their control. Caravan owners should make sure that they have adequate insurance for their units and keep them maintained to ensure any damage is kept to a minimum.
“Owners of holiday homes in flood-prone areas should also check that their policy doesn’t have any flood-related restrictions or requirements. This can include fitting a Flood Adaptive Platform or floatation device, which is common if the property is housed on a site at risk of floods one metre or deeper.”
Echoing Karen’s comments, Simon Gilliland, Chief Executive, Flood Technology Group, said: “By applying our innovative flood adaptive technology to mobile homes and holiday lodges, we can support the safe development of prime plots of land adjacent to bodies of water and in areas of flood risk. Doing so has proven to keep people and property safe throughout a flood event. This is particularly important in flood-prone and coastal areas, where the impact on tourism hits business owners hard.
According to data from the National Caravan Council, there are approximately 365,000 caravan holiday homes and an additional 100,000 residential park homes in the UK. Around 73,000 holiday caravans and 10,000 park homes are at moderate or significant risk of flooding. Plus, almost 20,000 caravan pitches in the UK are not even being used due to flood risk.
Karen Stacey added: “Even the most diligent and careful caravan owners can be victims of flooding, so it’s important to have a specialist insurance policy in place to cover your costs should the worst happen.”
For more information on specialist caravan and leisure insurance, visit compass.co.uk.