TOP TIPS FOR CARAVAN STORAGE SITE OWNERS - PART 2

In part one of our Top Tips for Site Owners, we looked at security aspects to consider when setting up a caravan storage site. In part 2 we will look at the administrative elements to think about.

An efficient administration system that complements security aspects will ensure that a site runs smoothly.

Caravan Storage Records
Accurate records should be kept of all plot holders and should be updated as and when necessary. All details provided should, wherever possible, be verified either by driving license or passport.
If possible, ask for evidence of address such as a utility bill.

Insurance Details
The caravan owner’s insurance documents should be requested prior to a storage contract being exchanged. Check that the insurance will be valid for the term of the storage contract, and that it applies to the caravan or motorhome being stored.
Where applicable, make sure that the CRiS reference number on the caravan matches that on the insurance documents.

Damage Description
When a caravan first arrives onto the site it should be examined and any damage noted on a damage description form, which should be signed by the caravan owner and the site owner.
Ideally a check should be made each time the caravan is returned.

Site Fees
Site fees will be influenced by the quality of the site, its geographical location, and the economics of the area. On average, a year’s storage for a single axle caravan will be around £350.00*.
Undercover storage will usually generate a higher fee, and twin axle caravans are usually larger and therefore can also attract a higher fee.

Business Rates
As a business you will be required to pay business rates and the amount will be determined by the rateable value of the property. For more data on business rates check the Valuation Office Agency.

VAT
If the gross income from the site exceeds the current threshold of £82,000 then it is likely that VAT will have to be paid at the standard rate of 20%.

Storage Contract
A written contract is strongly recommended, as in the event of a dispute it can be invaluable.
All contracts must be fair and reasonable in their terms, and meet the requirements of Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations 1999.
Terms must also be in plain language and if not, the interpretation which favours the consumer will apply. Site owners need to be aware that plot holders may take advantage of a site where there is no written contract.

Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance is essential when the nature of the business allows people onto the site for a specific purpose.
There will always be the potential for an accident, and therefore insurance should be in place for such eventualities.

For more information, please download our Guide to SecureCaravan Storage. 

*Representative costs based on sample data taken from Bronze, Silver & Gold CaSSOA storage facilities across the UK. Price is based on
average yearly cost for the storage of a single axle caravan. Prices will vary from site to site depending on location and security level awarded.

The Caravan Industry & Security – Protecting Your Caravan

The caravan industry is an ever changing market, and with that comes developments in security as well as trends in caravan crime. Tim Booth, from the Caravan Safety and Security Group gives us a run down on what’s happening at the moment.

Looking at recent press reports it is very apparent that the Leisure Market is currently very buoyant, with both caravan and motorhome manufacturers reporting  high levels of sales. There is also a marked increase in the number of sales of European manufactured caravans.

Whenever a buoyant market for sales exists in any industry this is often seen by criminal groups as an opportunity to take advantage of a ‘high demand’ by seeking to meet this demand themselves. Of course, they achieve this supply at the expense of the current keeper or even the dealership, by stealing the caravans that they supply.

This then, is an important time of the year to make sure that you do everything you can to protect your caravan or motorhome.

Make sure that your caravan insurance cover is up to date and that you are meeting the requirements of the policy.

Of course it is not always possible to store your caravan or motorhome at your home address, due to planning conditions, and for some a lack of space – so owners increasingly turn to storage site providers.

It is a fact that many of the caravans being stolen are actually being taken from ‘informal’ storage sites – where caravans and motorhomes are just ‘parked up’ for the winter period. There are no inspections made by the site owner, or even the consumer. Many of the tracking systems fitted at time of manufacture only actually activate once the owner discovers that their property has been stolen, and then notifies the tracking company – the property can be long gone by then and chances of recovery are generally very low.

A ‘pro-active’ system will notify you if there are any issues that need to be addressed, so it is worth checking whether this is the type of system that you have – if your caravan or motorhome is fitted with such a system are you subscribed to their monitoring service?

Certificated storage sites, like the CASSOA scheme, offer the consumer a level of protection that is recognised by many insurers as a ‘positive deterrent’ to opportunist thieves. Some even offer insurance benefits for using such a facility.

Of course – if you are considering buying a caravan or motorhome, then make sure that you carry out a CRiS check on any caravan – this can tell you whether the caravan is currently stolen, or if there is finance outstanding. A HPI check can provide you with similar information about a motorhome. 

The cost of these checks could prevent you from becoming a victim of those people who choose to steal caravans and motorhomes, and then look to target unsuspecting consumers.

These straight forward measures can serve to protect your caravan or motorhome from being targeted by thieves.

Tim Booth provides specialist security advice to the caravan and leisure industry. He also works to support the National Caravan Council, The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravan Club by delivering an industry group called the Caravan Safety and Security Group.

Tim Booth Consultancy Services Ltd

Caravan Safety & Security Group