Vehicle Safety: Motorhome Insurance, Wheel Clamps, and other Safety Precautions

Safety is a top priority when enjoying the open road in your motorhome. Yet, it’s also important to know how to keep your vehicle safe when it’s not in motion. For instance, an alarm system is a good way to deter most thieves. What’s more, an immobiliser system can stop someone from driving off with your motorhome. Installing a tracker on your vehicle will help in the event of someone taking your motorhome. Either way, you’ll need the right insurance cover for your loss. It’s important to protect your investment, whether at home or on holiday. To learn more about motorhome insurance and other safety precautions, keep reading.

Wheel Clamps and Other Safety Measures for Your Motorhome

There are hundreds of motorhome security devices. Some are better than others. As a rule of thumb, you’ll get what you pay for. Still, it’s helpful to know what’s available on the market. Before we look at various motorhome security devices. Remember no security device can guarantee your vehicle won't get stolen or compromised. Security devices are deterrents. They’re also designed to slow down determined thieves. What’s more, using multiple security devices can do a better job of slowing down a thief compared to one. Here are a few options that might help you to keep your motorhome safe.

Locking Things Down With Wheel Clamps

A simple wheel clamp can do a great job of deterring a would-be thief. A heavyweight clamp might weigh about 27.5 kg. This kind of wheel clamp features concrete-filled arms, resisting most attacks, such as disc cutters and torches. But, if your wheel clamp is too bulky or heavy, you’re less likely to use it. A lightweight wheel clamp is ideal for holiday travels and will offer you some protection.

Securing Your Vehicle With Wheel Locks

Both AL-KO and BPW make security devices that will fit a motorhome wheel. The device latches to an axle-mounted receiver. These manufacturers’ locking devices meet Sold Secure Diamond standards. They’re recognised as effective security for motorhomes. But, each manufacturer only makes the device for their own models. If you have a 2001 or later model AL-KO motorhome, you can have it fitted for this kind of alloy wheel. The same applies to BPW motorhomes built since 2004.

Home Security for Your Motorhome

You may want to consider a security post to use at home. A security post is a useful device to keep your motorhome secure. You’ll need to set the post in concrete for maximum effectiveness. You should also choose a post with an internal locking mechanism. With an internal locking mechanism, you can avoid the vulnerability of a padlock. You can buy a post with a tow ball. With this kind of security device, you can also lock a caravan on top of the post. By doing so, you can secure both your motorhome and your caravan if needed.

Securing Your Motorhome for Storage

When wintertime arrives, you might think it’s a good idea to remove the tyres from your motorhome for safety. However, this tactic might not stop an ambitious thief. A cunning thief will fit your motorhome with replacement wheels and ride off into the sunset. This practice could invalidate your van insurance if you're advised to use wheel clamps as part of your agreed level of cover. You can also buy lockable winter wheels to secure your motorhome for cold season storage. Always check with your insurance company making sure that this practice won’t annul your policy.

Motorhome Alarm Systems

Of course, an alarm system is an obvious choice for motorhome security. A reliable alarm with other devices is helpful for deterring thieves. An alarm system can give you an alert if a person tries to enter or move your motorhome. Although, it’s important to choose a quality alarm system. If your alarm goes off, often without reason, you’ll annoy your neighbours. More importantly, they’ll most likely ignore your alarm if someone actually tries to steal your motorhome. You’ll also need to consider alarm features. You might select an alarm system with internal sensors for intruder detection. Or, you may opt for an alarm that can connect to your home security system. You could also consider a system with an included tracker unit.

When All Else Fails: Choosing the Right Motorhome Cover

Sadly, there are situations when even your best security measures might not stop a determined thief. You must have motorhome insurance to drive your vehicle legally. But, it’s also important to make sure that you have comprehensive cover for peace of mind. In some cases, your insurance might not provide the desired amount of protection. Or, your insurance policy might become invalid if you take the wrong actions. For this reason, it’s important to understand your policy. You shouldn’t use your motorhome to drive paying passengers. Actions like these could make your motorhome insurance invalid. Still, you might wonder which motorhome insurance policy will afford you the best protection. If you choose the wrong insurance provider,or you try your car insurance provider. Their policy might not give you access to the right cover options. Even worse, you might end up paying expenses. Being out of pocket if you are in an accident, if someone steals your vehicle or its contents. It’s important to make sure you choose an insurer that will help you when things go wrong.

Motorhome Insurance Benefits

When shopping for motorhome insurance, online reviews are a great place to start. You want to look for an insurer that provides comprehensive protection for fire and theft, as well as standard accident cover. Comprehensive cover will protect you and your home from claims made by others. The right insurance will make all the difference if you have an emergency. It’s also helpful to keep track of your personal possessions. For example, you might make a list of things you keep in your motorhome. Record the value of those items on your list. You’ll find an asset list useful. Especially if you seek compensation for damaged or lost items in your motorhome. Always enquire about personal possessions cover on your motorhome insurance quotes. Check what’s covered within your policy for your type of vehicle, ask about:

• Windscreen damage

• Accidental damage

• Commuting

• European travel insurance

• No claims bonus

• Personal possessions

You might also want to consider camping insurance if you’re a connoisseur of the outdoors. Camping insurance might cover up to four tents and awnings from natural disasters, theft, and accidents. No matter your lifestyle, it’s important to choose an insurer that cares about your needs. You should never buy motorhome insurance from a company that just wants your money. Remember it's about the “what if” you have to put an insurance claim in - how will they handle it? It’s also a good idea to look for an insurer who knows about all types of vehicles in the motorhoming world. This includes A-class to self build, campervan insurance, and caravan insurance. These kinds of insurers understand your needs. They will guide you through the buying process and help you make an informed decision. A knowledgeable motorhome insurer will make buying a policy easy. More importantly, they’ll give you the confidence to travel anywhere you desire.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure different Types of Motorhome?

It’s challenging to answer the question “How much is motorhome insurance?” without an understanding of your unique circumstances. Motorhome insurance cost could start at as little as 70p a day. With a few add-ons, you may pay an extra £16 per year. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to look for the best prices around. But, price isn’t everything when it comes to motorhome insurance. You’ll also want to find the best service. For this reason, it’s important to work with a highly rated motorhome insurance provider. Motorhome emergencies never happen at a convenient time. You might find that breakdown cover for only £47.50 annually is more than worth it. In other instances, you may need extra space. In that case, you may add on trailer insurance for only £51.00 each year.

Getting the Best Deal on Motorhome Insurance

If you want a better rate on motorhome insurance, you could pay the entire year up-front. By doing it this way, you save on interest payments. You might also join a motorhome owner’s club. Some motorhome organisations enable you to access insurance discounts. Membership in a motorhome club may give you discounts on driving safety courses. More importantly, you can take advantage of these discounts. Learning how to make the most of security and safety systems for your motorhome.

Get Quotes for the Best Motorhome Insurance Policy!

Now you know more about motorhome insurance, wheel clamps, and other safety precautions. What you need now is a motorhome insurance company that specialises in the field. For nearly 30 years Shield Total Insurance has helped motorhome owners. We will answer all your motorhome insurance-related questions. Check out our FAQ’s section on our motorhome insurance page. Contact our helpline today on 0800 393 966 or contact us now online for a fast free quote.