Buying A Used Caravan

When you are looking to buy a touring caravan make sure you research the market place.  Compare prices between advertisements and your local dealer and don’t forget to budget for those little extra like routine maintenance 
 
Don’t deal in the dark.  If you decide to buy from a private individual, make sure you view the caravan in good daylight and don’t go alone.  Meet at the seller’s house and never agree to meet at a service station or lay-by 
 
Make sure you ask to see all the relevant documentation - Ask to see the caravan’s service history and CRiS* registration document.  Check the seller’s details, make sure the owner is who he says he is. Contact CRiS* with a description of the make and model of the touring caravan and the owner’s details and have them checked against the information on the CRiS* database 
 
Check if the caravan is on finance.  It is easy to find out if there is outstanding finance by checking through CRiS*.  If the caravan has not been paid for in full, it could still be the property of the finance house and they could reclaim it 
 
Don’t buy a write-off.  Find out if the caravan has been in an accident? Check panels closely for signs of repair and check the caravan’s history with CRiS* to ensure that an insurance company has not previously recorded it as a write-off.  Write-offs that are rebuilt may not be safe to return to the road 
 
Check the locks on the caravan and inspect the door and windows for signs of forced entry or replacement.  This may mean the caravan has been stolen and look very carefully at the CRiS* registration numbers on the windows for signs of alteration or removal 
 
And finally make sure you insure the caravan.  You wouldn’t want to go to all the trouble of buying one only to lose out if your caravan were to be damaged or stolen and you did not have caravan insurance

As with buying your caravan always do your homework, the cheapest caravan insurance policy is not necessarily the best.  In addition to the policy cover and benefits also check out the insurance provider, do they have a good record for paying claims?  Make sure that they are going to be there when you need help the most 
 
*CRiS is the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme, (almost like the DVLA for caravans). CRiS is operated by HPI, so as well as giving confirming ownership details, they can tell you if the van is on finance too. There are charges for these services, but they are very small in comparison with the purchase of a caravan and will be money well spent in providing peace of mind. Contact CRiS on 01722 411430