extreme weather

WHY WILDFIRE RISK IS THE NEW CHALLENGE FOR UK CARAVAN PARKS

Posted on May 6, 2026

For decades, UK holiday park operators have focused on water-based risks such as flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Most have robust flood evacuation plans and invest in drainage and coastal defences. However, a new threat is emerging at the opposite end of the spectrum: wildfire.

The Summer of 2025 highlighted the danger. Following England’s driest Spring since 1893, the UK recorded 117 wildfires – more than double 2023’s total. One near-miss occurred at Grouse Hill Caravan Park on the edge of the North York Moors, where a wildfire spread rapidly toward the site.

Only a change in wind direction and the heroic efforts of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue prevented a catastrophe. Caravans are particularly vulnerable. Plastic and thin cladding, close proximity of units, and LPG cylinders create a “domino effect” risk.

Many parks are surrounded by forests, heathland, or long grass, which become fuel beds during dry spells. Compass Insurance data shows fire claims peaked at over £165,000 between June 2022 and May 2023 – a six-fold increase from the previous year.

PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT IS NOW ESSENTIAL:
1. Defensible space: Clear vegetation and maintain buffer zones to slow or stop fire spread.
2. LPG and safety equipment: Store gas bottles upright in shaded areas and equip units with fire blankets and extinguishers. Regularly check smoke alarms and fire equipment.
3. Infrastructure and access: Ensure roads allow fire service access, hydrants are clearly marked and tested, and evacuation routes are never blocked.
4. Evacuation planning: Establish rapid communication channels and plan for residents with mobility issues. Wildfires move fast – unlike floods, there may be no warning.
5. Resident responsibility: Preventable causes such as careless barbecue use, improper cigarette disposal, and electrical overloads remain a major risk.

Temporary bans or designated zones can help Climate change is intensifying these risks. As insurers, we see that prevention is the most effective protection. By treating wildfire risk with the same attention as flooding, parks can remain safe for visitors and residents. Proactive planning, careful site management, and clear safety communication are essential to protecting property, people, and peace of mind in an era of extreme weather.

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
www.compassparks.co.uk

OWNERS SHOULD BRACE THEMSELVES

Posted on February 12, 2025

Owners encouraged to take suitable steps to protect their investments...

Following a record number of storms during the last 12 months, static caravan and holiday lodge owners should prepare for an increased risk of storm damage, according to Compass, a specialist provider of caravan and leisure insurance. Strong winds, falling debris and flooding can cause severe structural damage, leaving owners facing costly repairs or replacements.

Recent weather events, such as Storm Ashley and Storm Bert, underscore the importance of taking preventative measures and securing comprehensive insurance coverage, particularly in coastal and rural areas popular with caravan owners.

Kevin Minnear, Head of Underwriting at Compass, said: “Static caravans are vulnerable to extreme weather, due to their fixed nature and exposed locations. We’ve already seen significant amounts of storm damage in 2024, with insurance claims currently exceeding £430,000. *Now that we are entering storm season, caravan owners should take appropriate preventative measures.”

The UK weather is hard to predict and, with flood and storm damage accounting for around 62% of all the claims Compass has received this year**, the company is keen to stress the importance of preparing for all eventualities. To prepare for the unpredictable UK weather, Compass is encouraging static caravan owners to review their insurance policies.

In addition, the company recommends taking steps such as securing the exterior and reinforcing anchoring systems to keep caravans firmly in place during high winds. Loose items, such as garden furniture or decorations, should be removed to prevent them from becoming projectiles in stormy conditions.

Roofs, windows, sidings and seals should be checked for vulnerabilities, with barriers also fitted in areas prone to flooding. Minnear continued: “Unlike bricks and mortar holiday homes, static caravans are particularly susceptible to damage from storms, so being suitably prepared can make all the difference.

As a result, caravan owners should make sure they have adequate insurance in place, as this can significantly reduce stress and financial burden. On top of offering vital protection against storm damage, other benefits can include emergency assistance for repairs, as well as support for alternative accommodation during repair periods.

Minnear continued: “Time is critical when dealing with storm damage. Fortunately, our policies are designed to provide swift support, helping our customers get back to enjoying their static caravans again as soon as possible.”

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
www.compass.co.uk

*Data collected from Compass static caravan/park home claims in the past 12 months

** Figure calculated from Compass static caravan/park home claims from 1 January 2024 to 22 November 2024

On top of offering vital protection against storm damage, other benefits can include emergency assistance for repairs.

BRACE FOR INCREASED STORM DAMAGE

Posted on October 26, 2023

BRACE FOR INCREASED STORM DAMAGE

CLAIMS FOR STORM damage is increasing due to climate change impacts on UK weather.

Static caravan and lodge owners should prepare for the likelihood of increased storm damage due to climate change, according to Compass, a specialist provider of caravan and leisure insurance.

The company saw a 16% increase in total claims caused by storm damage between 2021 and 2022. The insurer is warning owners to ensure their caravan is storm-ready and also to check they have comprehensive insurance.

During 2022, 32% of Compass’ static caravan claims were due to storm damage. In one such instance, an entire static caravan was destroyed during a storm, resulting in a £148,590 claim.

CLIMATE CHANGE
Due to the effects of climate change, claims for storm and flood damage have the potential to increase in the coming years, making it even more important that static caravan owners purchase insurance to protect their home-away-from-home as extreme weather events become more frequent.

According to the Met Office 2, July 2023 was one of the wettest on record, with many parks across the country also being impacted by unseasonably windy weather, with gusts of up to 55mph recorded in Devon, Gwynedd, and Northumberland.

Analysis of claims data highlights how unpredictable UK weather can be. As a result of Storms Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin 3, February 2022 saw a significant increase in the number of claims for storm damage, up more than 2,000% on the previous year.

BEYOND REPAIR
In the UK, it is not a legal requirement to insure a static caravan. However, it is a condition of many caravan parks that caravan owners have adequate insurance to cover damage to their property when it is on-site. This insurance will also ensure a safe and efficient removal of the unit, should it be destroyed beyond repair.

Even if not completely destroyed, storm and flood damage can make a static caravan completely uninhabitable. “Unlike bricks and mortar holiday homes, static caravans are particularly susceptible to damage from storms or floods,” points out Karen Stacey, Managing Director of Compass.

“Unpredictable weather events, especially flash floods caused by heavy rain on parched ground during the summer, can cause a significant amount of damage to static caravans. “We know caravan parks do everything they can to protect the units on their site all year round but freak storms and the damage they cause are somewhat out of their control.

“Caravan owners should make sure that they have adequate insurance for their unit and take the time to do regular maintenance to ensure any damage is kept to a minimum.” For more information on specialist caravan and leisure insurance, visit compass.co.uk

HOORAY! IT’S RAINING!

Posted on April 27, 2022

HOORAY! IT’S RAINING!

Emily Martin presents top tips for weather-proof play…

INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Pic. Hendra

In 2021, temperatures hit an unseasonable 24 degrees Celsius in March, followed by the wettest every May on record. In 2020 (or as we call it, ‘the year we do not mention’) we had the wettest February ever recorded followed by a gloriously sunny spring. There’s nothing more unpredictable than a British summer and with extreme weather becoming increasingly the norm, savvy holiday parks are advised to be ready for anything.

Unpredictable weather can sometimes a deterrent for holidaymakers who don’t want to waste their precious annual leave (or money) on a holiday that might be a wash-out. But for cunning holiday park owners, when it comes to indoor play there are ways you can reassure prospective bookers and stand out from the crowd. “British weather can be unpredictable, so it’s really important to provide plenty of indoor entertainment, as well as opportunities to eat and dine in the same area,” advises Helen Scott a Director at Cofton Holidays where indoor play is held in high regard.

ALL-YEAR ROUND

“We’re proud to be an all year round, all-weather holiday destination in South Devon. Come rain or shine, there’s always something to keep families entertained and we’ve worked hard to provide a rich and varied range of indoor entertainment experiences, mixing activities and play so there’s always something for the whole family to enjoy.”

Cofton have indoor play covered or the children and the adults too as Helen explains: “Our indoor play offering includes a heated indoor swimming pool with hydrotherapy loungers, bubbling water jets and splash pad area, sauna, steam room and gym. “Also fitness and cycling studios, a bowling alley an amusement arcade and soft play area. Having all our indoor play facilities in one central complex works really well for our guests,” says Helen.

“When it’s raining, you don’t want to be running from one end of the site to the other, ducking from the wet weather.” Helen continues: “Our indoor pool is perfectly located next to our café so guests can enjoy a morning swim and recharge afterwards with a fresh coffee and fluffy slice of cake. Many of our guests regularly spend half of their day in our indoor complex.” The Cofton Holidays indoor play facilities have been carefully chosen so that they meet the needs of all age groups.

Helen says: “The soft play area is aimed at children under the age of eight, and has been carefully located with plenty of seating nearby, so that adults can keep an eye on their young ones, while they enjoy light refreshments.” Helen flags up: “Something that we have adopted recently is a pre booking system for our indoor pool. This is something we introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure we complied with social distancing rules, but it has worked really well for us.

“Our indoor pool is incredibly popular and can get busy, particularly during the school holidays, so we have decided to keep this booking system in place for the foreseeable future. It allows us to control how busy the pool gets without disappointing customers so it is definitely something I would recommend other park owners think about.” Tony Clish, is the Director at Park Holidays UK. We asked him about indoor play facilities and how important the planning and preparation of those areas are to a Park Holidays site. Tony says: “As a family-focussed holiday parks group, we recognise the importance of providing play facilities for all ages – and in all weathers.

“That’s why many of our 40-plus parks make provision for indoor play areas suitable for toddler-age upwards, with the obvious provision that parental supervision is required at all times in the case of smaller children. Tony continues: “Soft play areas are especially popular as they provide a safe environment in which youngsters can let off steam for an hour or two – and, of course, give mum and dad a breather. “Seating and café areas are often located nearby which give parents an opportunity to view their children at play, and park staff keep a regular eye open to check on aspects such as cleanliness and the number of youngsters using the amenity.

“Children are also well provided for in other indoor areas such as swimming pools where smaller slides and other water features mean that all ages can make use of the facility. Customer comments from younger families often pay tribute to our indoor play zones, and they represent a significant part of the investment we make in activities at our parks.” Whether you’re singing in the rain or walking on sunshine, having plenty to do inside and undercover is a must if you want to ensure happy guests and consistent income all your round.

ADVICE ON TAP

For those who incorporate a gaming, play or adventure zone within your visitor attraction within your resort, the InterFun Expo is a great opportunity to find out about the latest product innovations and learn about current trends and new tech to help you drive more visitors to your attraction. The InterFun Expo will take place on 26-27 April, 2022, at New Dock Hall in the Royal Armouries complex in Leeds. The opening hours are 10am-5pm on 26 April and 10am – 4pm on 27 April. A huge range of products will be represented:

• Aerial adventure
• Soft play
• Arcade games
• Edutainment
• Mini sports
• Inflatables
• Family and kiddie rides
• Playground equipment
• Laser tag & paintball
• Table games

The exhibition is supported by an eye-catching seminar timetable that are all free to attend and do not have to be pre-booked; you simply drop in and out of those of interest to you and your organisation. Michael Harrison kicks off the schedule with a look at Trends In the UK Leisure Sector with other subjects including Attracting Visitors Through Mixed Marketing Techniques, The Soft Play Sector Post Covid and Immersive Tech – turning Visitors Into Players. Simply register to attend and you will gain access to the exhibition and seminars via www.interfunexpo.com