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Most damage
caused while under tow: insurer |
Thefts soar by 25 percent
Caravan claims cost
insurer $7 million
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your say
THE Royal Automobile Club of Victoria forked out nearly $7 million in
caravan-related insurance claims during 2014-15, new figures have
revealed.
RACV Insurance said the statistics highlighted the need for caravanning
holidaymakers to be more alert and adequately prepared.
A total of 1397 caravan-related insurance claims were settled during the
period, with an average cost of $4960.
The most expensive claim amounted to $72,400 for fire damage caused by a
fat-laden frypan being left unattended on an active stove after the owner
had returned from a trip.
And, it seems, the most likely place for caravanners in Victoria to have an accident
is in the City of Greater Geelong.
RACV Insurance general manager Paul Northey said the causes of expensive
repairs or replacement of caravans were diverse and "frequently
surprising".
Incidents happened on the road, in caravan parks and often at home.
"The most common damage happened while caravans were being towed," Mr
Northey said.
"Drivers should be aware of road and local weather conditions and adapt
accordingly.
"And when they are towing they should anticipate the movement of other
vehicles and be alert to potholes and hazards.
'Owners should
avoid parking caravans under trees or in areas subject to flash
flooding'
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"There was also an exceptionally high number of incidents involving fallen
branches or trees, particularly during storms."
He said owners should avoid parking caravans under trees or in areas
subject to flash flooding.
"Most incidents did not involve another person or property," Mr Northey
explained.
"One caravan's undercarriage was damaged when it was towed over a tyre and
rim on the road, resulting in a $68,000 claim.
"Another car was caught in a wind vacuum created by a passing truck and
jackknifed, causing $28,000 damage.
"And in a similar situation a driver lost control on a gravel road while
avoiding a kangaroo and hit a fence and tree, leading to a claim for more
than $17,000 damage."
The RACV figures showed that thieves continued to prey on caravans, with
an increase of 25 percent in the number of stolen caravans on the previous
year.
However, thefts from caravans had fallen.
"Thieves are opportunistic," Mr Northey said.
"It is important that caravan owners be careful to lock up and secure
their caravan and contents, whether they are at home or on the road.
"Caravanning is a wonderful pastime and leisure activity, but owners must
follow simple rules when towing, choosing a place to park and even when
storing their caravan at home."
Mr Northey said it was also important for drivers to prepare their car and
caravan before any long trip.
"Preparation should include ensuring appropriate insurance cover to help
provide peace of mind."
2014/15 FIGURES IN DETAIL:
Most common
2014/15 RACV caravan insurance claims by type Claim type
|
Claims 2014/15 |
Claims 2013/14 |
Change
|
Single vehicle accident, where only
the caravan was damaged |
755 |
707 |
7 |
Storm |
359 |
327 |
10% |
Hail damage |
57 |
23 |
148% |
Theft of caravan |
51 |
40 |
28% |
Incident involving another vehicle
or property, causing damage to both |
50 |
58 |
-14% |
Fire |
25 |
11 |
127% |
Theft from caravan |
16 |
22 |
-27% |
Damage while parked |
11 |
9 |
22% |
Animal collision |
10 |
14 |
-28% |
Malicious damage |
9 |
6 |
-50% |
TOTAL CLAIMS |
1,397 |
1,277 |
The total
cost of RACV caravan insurance claims by type in 2014/15 Claim type
|
Cost of claims |
Percent of
total |
Single vehicle accident, where only
the caravan was damaged |
$3,327,221 |
48% |
Storm |
$1,075,774 |
16% |
Theft of caravan |
$635,771 |
9% |
Hail damage |
$568,989 |
8% |
Fire |
$345,410 |
5% |
Incident involving another vehicle
or property, causing damage to both |
$333,221 |
5% |
Malicious damage |
$58,981 |
1% |
Falling trees |
$58,042 |
1% |
Animal collision |
$52,684 |
1% |
Damage while parked |
$51,415 |
1% |
TOTAL COST OF CLAIMS |
$6,928,442 |
2014/15 Top
10 caravan incident hot spots Local government area |
Claims
|
City of Greater Geelong |
72 |
East Gippsland Shire |
49 |
Campaspe Shire |
44 |
Mornington Peninsula Shire
|
41 |
Bass Coast Shire |
36 |
Baw Baw Shire |
35 |
Knox City Council |
31 |
Yarra Ranges Shire |
30 |
Moira Shire |
29 |
Gannawarra Shire |
29 |
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publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the prior written
permission of Dennis Amor.
Copyright 2005
Dennis Amor All Rights Reserved
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