Idyllic caravan camping can carry unexpected risks

During the summer months in Britain, the sight of caravans — or camper trailers — being pulled along highways by cars taking vacationers to picturesque destinations is a familiar one.

But while caravanning may appear as a sedate way to spend a holiday, there are risks to be taken into account, experts say.

Specialist insurer Saga P.L.C. told Thisismoney.co.uk that it received several unusual claims from caravan owners last year.

According to Roger Ramsden, CEO of Saga Services, one poor owner was dismayed to find his caravan had been broken into while it was in storage during the winter months.

The owner was even more horrified to discover that the thief had made off with the caravan's toilet — which resulted in a £500 ($710) $insurance claim.

Another caravanner, who diligently moved his vehicle onto the driveway over night in order to clean it the following day, awoke to find about £4,000 ($5,681) of damage to his caravan caused by a trash can crashing into it repeatedly.

And another caravan owner made a claim for about £2,000 ($2,840) after a pheasant hit the caravan causing damage.

“It's fair to say that owning a caravan and holidaying in one is more adventurous for some than others,” Mr. Ramsden told the website.