Leisuredays warn dealing with damage now can save thousands in the long run

Holiday caravan insurance specialists Leisuredays receive claims for burst pipes, escape of water and storm damage caused during the winter months right up until the end of the following summer, and in many cases the issue has arisen out of something which would have been much less serious if caught early on.

Teresa Eastwood, Leisuredays Claims Liaison Manager, explains more; “Even a small amount of water leaking from a cracked pipe can gradually cause a huge amount of damage over the course of weeks or months, even if from the outside the holiday caravan appears fine.”

Severe cases, such as where a large amount of water has escaped or there is structural damage, can be spotted easily, but it’s important holiday home owners understand the other types of damage which they need to check for, as catching the problem now rather than later could massively reduce the repair cost.

The main types of claim are:

• Water damage. Sometimes caused by burst pipes but also caused by storm damage e.g. a damaged skylight lets water in whilst the holiday caravan is unoccupied 
• Storm damage. Causing damage to the panels, roof, guttering or sky lights.
• Boiler damage and failure
• Vermin damage flooring, cupboards or furniture
• Snow damage. Units can be completely destroyed by the weight of the snow on roofs

Leisuredays report that 53% of their claims during 2010 and 2011 were for broken boilers, escape of water and burst pipes. The average cost of repairing an escape of water claim is over £2000, but in cases where water has been left to leak into a holiday home over a long period of time the damage can be much more extensive as floors, walls and kitchen units can be completely ruined. In cases where the floor has started to bow due to water damage the unit could be an insurance write off, but again it’s something which if caught early on can be avoided.

These stats show the importance of having cover in place as even with the best of precautions accidents can occur.

Leisuredays have recently issued advice on how to check for damage in spring, visit www.leisuredays.co.uk/news for more info, or alternatively call and speak to an insurance adviser on 01422 396 888.

News