As thousands of Australians prepare for the annual winter grey nomad migration, leading caravan and RV insurer CIL says rising fuel prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures are changing the way many caravan owners travel.
FAQs for caravanners changing their travel plans this winter
Q1: If I’m not planning to use my caravan for the next 6 months, what should I do?
Rather than cancelling your insurance, consider Lay-Up Period Cover — an optional feature offered by some insurers, including CIL. It allows owners to reduce their premium while the van is safely stored and not in use, while still maintaining protection. To be eligible, your caravan must be parked at home or at a secure storage location.
Q2: If caravan owners are taking shorter, more frequent trips, does that change how they should set up their van?
Yes. A regularly used caravan tends to carry more gear — clothing, cooking equipment, electronics, outdoor furniture — and that adds weight and value over time. It’s worth making sure the van stays within its legal weight limits and that your power system can handle the appliances you’re running day to day.
Q3: What’s one thing caravan owners often overlook when it comes to insurance?
Contents. It’s easy to underestimate how much value sits inside a caravan set up for regular use. A simple record — photos of cupboards and lockers, receipts for higher-value items and serial numbers for electronics — can make a real difference if you ever need to make a claim. It’s also worth checking your insurance reflects any major upgrades like lithium batteries, solar panels or inverters.
Q4. Are there any simple steps caravan owners can take to better protect their van, whether they’re on the road or parked at home?
A few basics go a long way. Hitch locks, wheel locks, secure storage compartments and not leaving valuables visible through windows are all simple but effective. If the van is parked at home or in storage between trips, it’s still exposed to risks like storms, hail, theft and accidental damage. It’s also worth packing down awnings in poor weather and storing portable gear safely when you leave camp.
Extracted in full from: https://www.suncorpgroup.com.au/news/news/grey-nomads-respond-to-fuel-crisis
