storm damage

THE SUNNY SIDE UP

Posted on May 5, 2025

With more holiday parks embracing photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems to cut energy bills and lower their carbon footprint, protecting that investment is more important than ever.
While solar energy can provide long-term savings and environmental benefits, it also introduces new risks that require careful insurance planning.

COVER FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE
PV systems are vulnerable to damage from weather events, vandalism, and accidental impacts.
Parks should speak with their insurer to confirm that their existing property policy includes cover for storm damage (including hail and high winds), fire, electrical faults, theft, vandalism, and accidental damage from incidents like falling branches or vehicle collisions.

MITIGATING BUSINESS INTERRUPTION
For parks that rely heavily on solar power, a damaged system can impact operations.
Business interruption insurance can protect against loss of income while repairs are underway, helping to minimise disruption to guests and maintain cash flow.

LIABILITY AND COMPLIANCE
Public liability insurance is crucial for protecting against claims arising from solar panel-related injuries or property damage—such as falling panels or electrical fires from faulty installations.
It’s also essential to work with an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified installer who carries appropriate liability cover. This helps ensure installations meet strict safety and compliance standards.

BEVERLEY HOLIDAYS CARAVAN PARK, nestled in the English Riviera, unveils the brand-new Solar Signature Eco and leads the way in eco-tourism

SECURITY AND THEFT PREVENTION
Because solar panels can be attractive to thieves, insurance should include theft protection. Parks can reduce risk by installing CCTV and motion-sensor lighting.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND FIRE HAZARDS
PV solar systems include materials—like lithium-ion batteries—that may be hazardous if damaged. Pollution liability insurance offers added protection against environmental claims.
Fire risks can also arise due to moisture ingress, dirt buildup, or substandard components. The Fire Protection Association (FPA) recommends using non-combustible roof surfaces, appropriate fire-rated materials, and ensuring inverters are installed in safe, ventilated areas.

TOP TIPS FROM PIB INSURANCE
• Choose MCS-certified installers for design, installation, and maintenance
• Consult your local fire service to flag any firefighting challenges
• Fit fire switches that isolate both AC and DC sides of the system
• Keep inverters at least two metres from combustible materials Even in low light, solar panels can generate current—posing risks during emergency response.

Understanding the hazards and putting the right insurance and safety measures in place can ensure parks reap the rewards of solar power without the pitfalls.

PIB Insurance
0330 058 9863
Dave.Moffat@pib-insurance.com

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.

INSURANCE TEAM AWARD RECOGNITION

Posted on August 7, 2024

Leisuredays and its underwriter RSA were delighted to be finalists at the British Insurance Awards on July 3rd at the Royal Albert Hall London.

The insurance specialist was shortlisted under the category of Risk and Resilience for its work to help holiday parks protect themselves against flood and storm events, ultimately making sure that the customers on those parks could continue to obtain full cover for their caravans and lodges at an affordable premium.

Over the years Leisuredays, RSA and a dedicated flood consultant have been involved in the planning of many flood and storm measures on holiday parks. Due to the nature of holiday parks many are located by the sea, rivers, lakes and lochs.

The flood mitigation measures have ranged from bunds to stop flood waters entering parks, raised bases or even specially designed shutters to protect caravans facing onto sea waters getting damaged by tidal surges.

On attending the glitzy awards bash Chris Nettleton, Director of Leisuredays commented, “We unfortunately didn’t win the award but were up against some of the UK’s largest insurance companies so it’s massive just to be recognised.

Without our help, customers on several caravan parks would likely have been left with no insurance cover for flooding or storm damage, and that could have threatened the future viability of those park businesses.”

To find out more about working with Leisuredays or for more information about their specialist insurance to protect your customers’ holiday caravans email their team at development@leisuredays.co.uk or visit www.leisuredays.co.uk/operators

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

Risky Business

Posted on January 26, 2016
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your insurance is to demonstrate that your business has a responsible health and safety practice in place.

One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your insurance is to demonstrate that your business has a responsible health and safety practice in place.

Risky Business

There’s no doubt about it, insurance is complicated. The amount of jargon associated with the subject can be off-putting for many, and can make finding the right insurance product a difficult and complex process.

However, choosing the right insurance partner can be the difference between success and failure in the event of a catastrophe.
Holiday parks offer a unique blend of risk to the insurance market. By their very nature, parks are exposed to the elements, presenting an accumulation of challenges to the insurer.
According to Compass Insurance, storm damage is the highest claimed peril on holiday and caravan parks, followed by accidental damage and escape of water or burst pipes. These perils make up 50 per cent of the company’s received claim volumes. The remaining 50 per cent is made up of theft, liability, fire, impact, and subsidence claims.

“We have discovered that although the needs of individual park owners vary, there are three distinct elements of essential park insurance to consider – material damage, liability cover and financial protection,” explains Dave Sheath, managing director at Compass.
“Essential holiday park insurance should cover buildings and structures, hire fleet and sales stock, underground services, contents, loss of rent or alternative accommodation, Business Interruption, Public Liability and Employer’s Liability.”

Holiday parks offer a unique blend of risk to the insurance market. By their very nature, parks are exposed to the elements, presenting an accumulation of challenges to the insurer.

Holiday parks offer a unique blend of risk to the insurance market. By their very nature, parks are exposed to the elements, presenting an accumulation of challenges to the insurer.

In addition to ensuring the essential areas of cover are in place, careful consideration should always be given to the sums insured declared. By under estimating sums insured, to potentially save on premium costs, park businesses could be exposed to risks by being underinsured.
Appointed by The British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) to serve the interests of its members, Compass offers two bespoke policies; a Compass General policy and a Compass Park Owned policy. As well as providing essential cover, the bespoke policies also of a range of products that can be tailored to meet the needs of the park, including Contractors All Risks, Fidelity Guarantee and Employment Practices Liability, Environmental Liability and Cyber Liability.
“Operating in a changing environment will mean your business is faced with new and emerging risks,” says Dave. “With this in mind, you may want to consider new policies. It is worth considering all options available as the cost of extending cover or purchasing new risks may not be as expensive as you think.”

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