5 Reasons to Store your Caravan with CaSSOA

1) Reduced Risk of Theft 
It’s been statistically proven that a caravan stored at a CaSSOA approved site is less likely to be stolen or suffer damage by vandals. Insurance claim data shows that caravans and motorhomes are far more vulnerable to theft then they’re kept at home, so it makes sense to store your vehicle at a dedicated storage site.

2) All sites have been surveyed 

All CaSSOA sites are required to undergo a comprehensive site survey on a regular basis. That way, we can be sure that the security and site facilities meet our required standards for Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation.

3) Reduced insurance premium

Because of our commitment to reducing caravan theft, many insurance companies will offer a discount on your caravan insurance premium if you store at a CaSSOA approved storage site. You could save up to 25%.

4) Over 400 locations across the country

There are over 400 CaSSOA accredited caravan storage sites across the country so there’s sure to be one near to you. You can search for a CaSSOA site using our site finder. Search by postcode, or by town or county.

5) On-Site Facilities

Not only can you get peace of mind that your caravan is being kept safe and secure, but if you store on a CaSSOA caravan storage site, you’re likely to be able to access additional facilities like caravan servicing, valeting and tyre pressure checking.


With approved storage sites nationwide, we have a wide range of accredited caravan storage sites to choose from, so you won’t have to travel far to find your nearest site. Click here to find your nearest CaSSOA approved leisure vehicle storage site.

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.

TOP TIPS FOR CARAVAN STORAGE SITE OWNERS - PART 1

There are so many things to consider when setting up a caravan storage business. Here’s our rundown of the most important elements to bear in mind.

Planning Permission

First things first. You’ll need to make sure you have the necessary planning permission in place. In the majority of cases planning permission for change of use will be required, and this will usually be “B8 - Storage and Distribution” to include outside storage.

Plot Spacing

As a rough guide, each caravan should be given around 30 square metres of space. CaSSOA recommends that the space between each caravan (hitch post to hitch post) is 3.5 metres.

You will need to decide whether you as the site owner will be moving caravans in and out of spaces, or whether you will allow your customers to do this themselves.

You’ll need to consider the following threats:

•          Criminal Damage
•      Theft
•          Fire
•          Flood
•          Falling Trees
•          Storm Damage
•          Vermin

Security

Here are the key areas of security you’ll need to look at:

• Perimeter Protection – to prevent access and secure an area, we recommend that fencing is over 3m in height.

• Access Control should:
• Deny access
• Record access
• Have anti-pass back control that prevents tailgating.
• Activate CCTV (if in use)
• CCTV
• Should you decide to use CCTV, signs should be prominently displayed warning that CCTV is in operation.
• Where personal data is processed, The Data Protection Act 1998 requires that CCTV systems are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
• Security Lighting should: 
• Complement physical and electronic security features.
• Illuminate an intruder
• Illuminate protected premises.
• Operate from dusk to dawn
• Be mounted out of reach of intruders and protected.

Fire Protection

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to caravan storage sites and stipulates that a fire risk assessment be carried out, and any recommendations implemented. The site owner can do this.

In part 2, we’ll look at the administration aspects of setting up a caravan storage business.

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

Setting up a Caravan Storage Site

Setting Up A Storage Site

Do you have empty land and are unsure of how to use it? Caravan storage might be worth considering.

Whether you’ve got space for 10 caravans or 1000, caravan storage could help you maximise your land and bring in new revenue.

Here’s our quick guide to what you need to consider:

Planning

Initially, you’ll need to submit a planning application. In the majority of cases this will be for change of use for B8 Storage or Distribution. For any questions about what you need to submit in your application or which application type you should use, you should contact your local planning authority. 

If you need contact details or are unsure which planning authority you should contact, you can use the Planning Portal’s search tool. 

Security

There are a number of factors CaSSOA will consider when surveying and assessing a storage site in order to grant an accreditation. These include:

• Perimeter Protection
• Access Control
• Lighting
• Alarm Systems
• CCTV
• Administrative Procedures

As a minimum, CaSSOA sites must have full perimeter protection and access control.

Layout

As a rough guide each stored caravan should be allocated around 30 square metres of space, with the respective caravan jockey wheels set at a distance of at least 3 meter centres.

Individual parking bays should be approximately 8 metres in length, with the access roads at least 8 meters wide.  The space recommended between each caravan (hitch post to hitch post) is 3.5 meters.

Fire Protection

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to caravan storage sites and stipulates that a fire risk assessment be carried out. A fire risk assessment can be carried out quite easily by the site owner and CaSSOA can provide assistance with the process.

Administration

Additional things to consider:

• Site records, customer information & contracts – for these you will need to consider Data Protection Laws, and there are also programmes available which can assist with this, like Caravan Storage Manager.  
• Insurance
• Site fees – It is always worthwhile, having a look into the rates of sites in similar areas, with a similar level of security.
• Business Rates – For more information click here.
• VAT – For more information click here. 

Working towards the mantra ‘Together We Can Beat Caravan Theft’, CaSSOA has over 400 members nationwide actively promoting our ethos and providing superior caravan and motorhome storage facilities.


If you do decide to venture into caravan storage, show your commitment to the security standard of the caravan and motorhome storage industry by becoming a 
member of CaSSOA.

If you’d like to join CaSSOA or would like more information please email CaSSOA on enquiries@cassoa.co.uk or call us on 0843 216 5802.