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Update: preventing motorhome and campervan theft

Our Safety & Security newsletter is here to support you with many things, one of which is how to avoid the theft of your motorhome or campervan. Here’s the latest update on on how you can do this, courtesy of our claims team.

Motorhomes and campervans will always be desirable items for thieves and high-value and well-maintained motorhomes seem especially targeted. 

Having your motorhome or campervan stolen is always traumatic - not only do you lose a prized possession, but the contents of your outfit (or the vehicle itself) may hold sentimental value for you. And that's not to mention the hassle (however minimal) in making a claim and the challenges of sourcing a new outfit. So, there’s never a wrong time to offer up some reminders on how to reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.

1. Make it harder to steal

Use good quality security products, such as an accredited wheel lock or clamp. Ideally, fit an alarm and tracker to your outfit too. The more deterrents the better! 

2. Use secure storage

Club storage or other storage sites accredited by CaSSOA (especially their ‘Gold’ or ‘Platinum’ sites) are usually the most secure. Remember that availability near to you could be limited. Check what security the site you choose has (e.g. barriers, CCTV and on-site personnel for instance) and be sure to check the features listed for that site are working too. 

3. Home storage

If you store your motorhome at your home, try to keep it out of sight of the main road and difficult to access; for example keep it in a back garden behind a locked gate, as thieves tend to target what they can see. In addition to the security devices already mentioned, if possible use a security post and consider installing automatic security lights and CCTV on the outside of your home. A cover may also help disguise your motorhome’s attractiveness too.

4. Stay vigilant

Make sure security devices are fitted properly, even if you are only making a short stop en route, such as at motorway services. Many thefts are opportunistic, so don’t give them the chance, and watch out for any suspicious behaviour.

5. Help with recovery

Report any theft to the police and your insurance claims team as soon as possible. Ensure alarms and tracking subscriptions are active and that your registration details are kept separate to your outfit. The first 24 hours after a theft are often key.

For more information on security and storage please visit our Advice and training web pages. 

Be prepared

There are a few things you can do to help should you have to make a claim (and may even help recover your vehicle) should the worst happen:

  • Keep a list of items you regularly leave in your motorhome or campervan - it will help your claim. Try not to leave items of high or sentimental value behind.
  • Take pictures of what’s in your vehicle, especially older items, and keep hold of receipts wherever possible.
  • Make sure you check that the sums for which you are covered are sufficient to replace your motorhome or campervan, equipment and contents if they are stolen.

 

Published September 2024