Summer in Australia is the peak season for caravanning. From coastal road trips to outback escapes, thousands of families and travellers hitch up their caravans, camper trailers to explore the best of Australia. But with busy highways, unpredictable weather, and increased theft risks, caravan insurance becomes more important than ever, especially going into the Summer 2025/26 season.
This updated guide explains what caravan owners should expect, the risks to be aware of, and the key insurance features worth considering before setting off on your next adventure.
Why Summer 2025/26 Is a High-Risk Season
Australian summers are beautiful. But, they also bring conditions that increase the likelihood of caravan insurance claims. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Extreme Weather Events Are Becoming More Frequent
Summer storms can bring:
- Hail
- Strong winds
- Flash flooding
- Falling trees
- Cyclone activity in northern states
Caravans, especially those with lightweight walls, roofs and annexes, are particularly vulnerable.
2. Increased Traffic and Towing Incidents
Highways and coastal routes fill with caravans in December – February. This leads to more:
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- Reversing damage
- Accidents when entering or leaving caravan parks
Towing also places extra strain on tyres, brakes and suspension, increasing the risk of mechanical issues.
3. Caravans Become Theft Targets
Caravan theft typically spikes during summer, affecting:
- Box trailers
- Camper trailers
- Full-size caravans
- Annexes and personal contents
Unsecured vehicles left at campgrounds or road side are especially vulnerable.
What Caravan Insurance Typically Covers in Australia
Caravan insurance varies by insurer, but most comprehensive policies in Australia include the following common cover features:
Accidental Damage
Cover for damage caused by collisions, impacts, or unexpected physical accidents.
Weather-Related Damage
Many policies include cover for:
Coverage and limits can vary, so checking the PDS is essential.
Theft & Attempted Theft
Protects your caravan whether it’s:
- At home
- In storage
- On the road
- At a caravan park
Security devices (hitch locks, wheel clamps) may be required.
Annex & Awning Cover (Often Limited or Optional)
Awnings are frequently damaged in storms and high winds.
However:
- Some insurers include awning/annex cover automatically
- Others treat it as an optional extra
- Certain policies only cover an awning when retracted (not while in use)
Contents Cover (Varies Widely)
Covers items stored inside the caravan.
Note:
Limits to a certain price range depend on the policy.
High-value items (laptops, cameras, jewellery, e-bikes) covers depend on the policy, may require additional insurance
Emergency Accommodation or Towing Costs
If your caravan becomes uninhabitable after an insured event, some policies help with:
- Temporary accommodation
- Transporting the caravan to repairers
- Storage costs
Legal Liability
Covers damage your caravan causes to other people’s property, often $10 - $20 million depending on the policy .
What Caravan Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to understand exclusions to avoid surprises:
- Wear and tear
- Rust, mould or corrosion
- Mechanical breakdown or failure
- Poor maintenance
- Damage from overloading or unsafe towing
- Off-road use (unless covered in the policy)
- Damage during illegal or unsafe use
This is why pre-trip inspections are essential.
Summer 2025/26 Caravan Preparation Checklist
Before heading out, make sure you’ve reviewed:
1. Your Caravan’s Current Value
Caravan prices have changed in recent years, ensuring your sum insured reflects today’s market value.
2. Your Policy’s Limits
Know your policy limits to avoid surprises.
- Awnings
- Contents
- Accessories
- Off-road cover
- Storm/hail cover
3. Your Security Setup
Most insurers strongly recommend (or require):
- Wheel clamps
- Hitch locks
- GPS trackers
- Enclosed/secure storage at home
4. Pre-Travel Safety Inspection
Check the essentials:
- Wheel bearings
- Lights & brakes
- Roof seals
- Gas & electrical systems
- Awning condition
- Tyres & spares
5. Towing Conditions
Ensure you are covered for:
- Accidents caused during towing
- Damage to the caravan while being towed
- Off-road travel if that’s part of your trip
Top Summer 2025/26 Caravan Destinations
Some of Australia’s most popular caravan routes this summer include:
- Noosa & Sunshine Coast, QLD
- Great Ocean Road, VIC
- Jervis Bay, NSW
- Tasmania’s East Coast
- Margaret River & Esperance, WA
- Eyre Peninsula, SA
Why Caravan Insurance Matters This Summer
With more Aussies choosing caravan travel, 2025/26 is expected to be one of the busiest summers on record. Caravan insurance helps protect you from:
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Unexpected accidents
- High repair costs
- Total loss after a major incident
Whether you own a caravan, camper trailer, travel trailer, the right insurance keeps your summer adventure stress-free.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended as general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or specific needs. Read the PDS for more information.