The boring (but essential) guide to protecting your static caravan or lodge if you're buying in the Mid Wales area.
Key Facts: Insurance at a Glance
| Question |
The Reality |
| Is it legally required? |
No (unlike car insurance). But the park Licence Agreement requires it. |
| Does it cover storm damage? |
Yes. Standard policies cover storm, flood, and falling trees. |
| Are contents included? |
Usually optional. You need to specify a "sum insured" for your belongings. |
| What about liability? |
Yes. If a visitor trips on your step, this covers the legal costs. |
| Does it cover frost damage? |
Only if you drain down. Leaving water in pipes over winter voids most policies. |
| Can I use any insurer? |
Yes. We can recommend specialists, but the choice is yours. |
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Quick Takeaways
- Don't skimp on storm cover: Mid Wales weather is beautiful but wild.
- Winterisation is non-negotiable: One burst pipe can cause £10k+ of damage.
- New for Old vs Market Value: Know the difference before you sign.
- One point of contact: Buying through the park makes claims easier.
What This Guide Covers
- The difference between "New for Old" and "Market Value"
- Why the "Frost Damage Trap" catches so many new owners out
- Specific considerations for the Dyfi Valley (floods/storms)
- How to make a claim without the headache
- A checklist for comparing policies
1. The Safety Net You Need
You've found the park. You can picture the weekends already.
Now someone mentions insurance — and suddenly it feels like homework.
Fair enough. Nobody buys a holiday home because they are excited about policy wording.
But getting this bit right means you can relax when the weather turns in November, knowing your investment is safe.
Insurance sits alongside your pitch licence and your site fees. It is the third pillar of ownership.
Why Buy at Morben Isaf?
- On-Site Team: Ben & Sarah are here to help if something happens when you're away.
- Secure: An owners-only community with no transient rental traffic reduces theft risk.
- Drain Down Service: We offer professional winterisation to keep your warranty and insurance valid.
2. How Static Caravan Insurance Works
It isn't the same as your home insurance. Nor is it car insurance.
It is a specialist product designed for timber-framed structures that sit in the countryside.
Two Types of Cover
1. New for Old
If your caravan is destroyed (e.g. by fire or storm), the insurer replaces it with a brand new equivalent model. This is the gold standard.
2. Market Value
The insurer pays what the caravan was worth on the day it was destroyed. If you bought it for £40k but it's now worth £25k, you get £25k. This leaves you with a shortfall if you want to buy a new one.
Is it mandatory?
Legally? No.
Contractually? Yes. Your Licence Agreement at Morben Isaf requires you to hold adequate insurance (Public Liability of £5m is standard). If you don't have it, you are in breach of your contract.
3. Static vs. Lodge: Does it Matter?
Insurers often bundle them together, but there are differences.
Lodges are often built to residential standard (BS 3632). They are robust, heavy, and valuable. Insurers may offer "New for Old" cover for longer periods on lodges (up to 20 years) compared to statics (often capped at 10 or 15 years).
Replacement Cost: Remember to insure for the replacement cost, including the decking, skirting, and siting fees. If a storm destroys your lodge, you need to pay to clear the pitch and site the new one. Ensure your policy covers "debris removal and resiting."
4. What is Actually Covered?
The Big Risks
Most policies cover:
- Storm & Flood: Essential in Mid Wales. We are in a beautiful valley, and nature does its thing.
- Fire & Theft: Standard cover.
- Malicious Damage: Vandalism cover.
- Public Liability: If a delivery driver trips on your decking, you are covered.
The Optional Extras
- Contents: Your TVs, clothes, and gadgets.
- Loss of Use: Pays for a hotel if your caravan is uninhabitable (useful if you had a holiday planned).
- Legal Expenses: For disputes.
5. The Price Drivers in 2026
What makes your premium go up or down?
Location
The Dyfi Valley is scenic, but insurers look at flood maps. Parks near rivers or the coast often have slightly higher premiums than inland parks on high ground.
Usage
If you rent out your caravan, premiums are higher because the risk of damage is higher. At Morben Isaf, we do not allow commercial subletting, which can sometimes help lower your premium as insurers view "owners-only" parks as lower risk.
Security
Alarms, monitored CCTV, and barriers help. Mention that Morben Isaf has a secure barrier entry system and on-site managers.
Typical Cost?
For a standard static in 2026, expect to pay £300–£550 per year depending on the value.
6. The "Drain Down" Trap
This catches people out every single year.
Most insurance policies have a clause: "Between Nov 1st and March 15th (dates vary), water systems must be drained down if the unit is unoccupied."
If you leave for two weeks in January, leave the water on, and a pipe bursts... you are not covered.
It is classed as owner negligence.
The Fix: Morben Isaf offers a drain-down service. We turn off the water, blow out the pipes, and put antifreeze in the traps. It costs a fraction of an insurance excess and guarantees you are compliant.
7. How to Claim Without the Stress
If the worst happens:
- Stop the damage: Turn off the water/gas if safe.
- Call us: Let Ben or Sarah know immediately so we can secure the pitch.
- Take photos: Document everything before cleaning up.
- Call the insurer: Have your policy number ready.
Top Tip: Keep digital copies of your policy documents and receipts for expensive items (TVs, furniture) in a cloud folder (like Google Drive) so you can access them even if the paperwork in the caravan is damaged.
8. The "No Surprises" Checklist
Before you buy a policy, ask these 5 questions:
☐ Is this New for Old or Market Value?
☐ What are the exact dates for the "Winter Drain Down" requirement?
☐ Is "Debris Removal and Resiting" included in the sum insured?
☐ Does it cover my decking? (Decking can cost £10k+ to replace).
☐ Is there a flood excess?
9. FAQs
Do I have to use the park's insurer?
No. You are free to shop around. We can recommend specialists like Leisuredays or Compass who understand our park, but the choice is yours. We just need to see a copy of the certificate.
What happens if I forget to drain down?
If a pipe bursts, you will likely have to pay for the repairs yourself. This can involve ripping up floors and replacing carpets. It's expensive. Don't risk it.
Does my home insurance cover it?
Almost certainly not. Main residence policies exclude second homes. You need specialist "Static Caravan Insurance".
I rent my caravan out to friends. Are they covered?
Check your policy. Most "family and friends" use is fine, but if money changes hands, it might be classed as hiring, which requires different cover (and is not allowed at Morben Isaf).
10. Conclusion
Insurance allows you to enjoy the view without worrying about the "what ifs."
Get a "New for Old" policy if you can. Include the decking value. And for the love of all things holy, let us drain it down in winter.
Do those three things, and you can sleep soundly.
Talk to Morben Isaf
If you're thinking about buying a holiday home in the Dyfi Valley, come and see how we do things.
We believe in transparency—from the pitch fees to the insurance requirements.
