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March 2016
 

 


Most caravan damage is caused while under tow: insurer

Most damage caused while under tow: insurer

Thefts soar by 25 percent

Caravan claims cost insurer $7 million

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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'


"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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