Quote Caravan Insurance: Best Providers & Cost Tips in Ireland

Owning a caravan in Ireland is a wonderful way to explore the countryside, but finding the right insurance can feel like a puzzle. Between the different types of cover, the 10-year rule, and the 85 rule, it’s easy to get lost, but this guide walks through the key facts and cost-saving strategies so you can get a quote caravan insurance that actually fits your budget.

Average annual caravan insurance cost in Ireland: €250–€500 for touring, €500–€1,200 for static (CompareInsuranceIreland.ie) ·
10-year rule impact: Static caravans over 10 years old may face limited coverage or higher premiums ·
85 rule for caravans: Maximum occupancy is 85% of rated capacity ·
Key providers in Ireland: OBF, AXA, Arachas, Britton, Paddy Compare

The following table outlines key caravan insurance facts.

Who is the best for caravan insurance?

Top Irish caravan insurance providers

• OBF Insurance – Over 50 years of specialist caravan insurance expertise in Ireland (OBF Insurance)
• AXA Insurance – Large provider with online quoting and a wide network of local brokers (AXA Ireland)
• Arachas – Expert team for touring caravan cover; quick quote by phone (014869775) (Arachas Insurance)
• Britton Insurance – Competitive quotes, especially for over-50s (Britton Insurance)
• Dolmen Insurance – Specialist touring caravan cover including contents and awnings (Dolmen Insurance)

How to compare quotes effectively

• Use comparison platforms like Paddy Compare to see multiple providers side by side
• Prepare your caravan details: make, model, year, length, width, security features, and claims history
• Check optional extras – contents cover, European travel, legal cover – and decide what you actually need

The implication: No single “best” provider exists – the right choice depends on your caravan type, age, and usage. Use a comparison site to narrow down options quickly.

What is the average cost of caravan insurance?

Average cost for touring caravans in Ireland

• Most touring caravan owners in Ireland can expect to pay between €250 and €500 per year
• In the UK, median touring caravan insurance is £143 per year (GoCompare) and 51% of Compare the Market customers were quoted less than £145.04 (Compare the Market)
• Countryfile reports a typical range of £80–£500 for touring caravans in the UK (Countryfile)

Average cost for static caravans in Ireland

• Static caravan insurance in Ireland typically ranges from €500 to €1,200 per year
• For comparison, UK static caravan insurance median is £134 per year (GoCompare), and 51% of Compare the Market customers paid less than £127.89 (Compare the Market)

What this means: If you own a static caravan, budget at least twice as much for insurance compared to a touring caravan. The variation within each type depends on your caravan’s age, security, and location.

What is the 10 year rule for caravans?

How the 10 year rule affects static caravan insurance

• Many Irish insurers restrict or decline coverage for static caravans over 10 years old
• Some providers require evidence of recent refurbishment (new roof, re-wiring, etc.) to offer cover
• Older caravans may face higher premiums or only get third-party cover

Exemptions and alternatives for older caravans

• If your static caravan is older than 10 years, ask insurers about refurbishment or specialist policies
• Some insurers (e.g., OBF) may still insure older models with additional conditions

Why this matters: The 10-year rule is not a hard legal limit – it’s an insurer guideline. A well-maintained older caravan can still be insured, but you’ll need to prove its condition.

How can I lower my caravan insurance costs?

Security upgrades that reduce premiums

• Fit wheel clamps, hitch locks, and approved alarms
• Install a tracking device for static caravans
• Store your touring caravan in a locked, secure compound when not in use

Bundling policies for discounts

• Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts if you combine caravan insurance with home or car insurance
• Check with your existing home insurer – they may already provide caravan cover

Choosing a higher excess

• Increasing your voluntary excess from €100 to €500 can lower your premium noticeably
• Just make sure you can afford the excess in case of a claim

• Limiting your annual mileage (for touring caravans) can reduce costs
• Paying annually rather than monthly avoids interest charges

The trade-off: Every saving tactic involves some trade-off – higher excess means more out-of-pocket risk, bundling locks you into one provider. Weigh the savings against your personal situation.

What is the 85 rule for caravans?

What the 85 rule means for static caravan occupancy

• The 85 rule limits occupancy of a static caravan to 85% of the manufacturer’s rated bed capacity
• For example, a 4-berth caravan can only legally accommodate up to 3.4 (rounded to 3) occupants

Why the 85 rule matters for insurance

• Exceeding the 85 rule may void your insurance coverage in the event of an accident or fire
• Insurers consider this a risk management standard – over-occupancy increases liability

The pattern: The 85 rule exists to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety. Always know your caravan’s rated bed capacity and stick to the limit.

Can I drive with my caravan fridge on gas?

Legal requirements for gas appliances while towing

• It is illegal to operate any gas appliance while a caravan is being towed in Ireland and most other jurisdictions
• Gas bottles must be turned off at the cylinder before setting off

Safety risks and insurance implications

• Driving with the fridge on gas creates a major fire and explosion risk
• If an accident occurs and the gas was on, your insurance may be invalidated
• Always cool your fridge before departure and use 12V or electric mode while driving

The implication: This isn’t just a tip – it’s a safety and insurance requirement. A small habit check before every trip can prevent a catastrophic loss.

Where can I find the cheapest caravan insurance in Ireland?

Comparison of cheapest providers

• AXA often quotes competitive rates among major insurers (AXA Ireland)
• OBF offers specialist discounts for members (OBF Insurance)
• Paddy Compare allows side-by-side quote comparisons
• Britton Insurance provides competitive rates for over-50s (Britton Insurance)
• CompareNI works with UK providers for Northern Ireland residents (CompareNI)

Hidden fees to watch for

• Some policies charge an administration fee for mid-term changes
• Watch for compulsory excess amounts that vary by provider
• Read the policy document for exclusions – especially around storm damage for static caravans

The catch: Cheapest upfront may not be cheapest overall if the policy has high compulsory excesses or limited cover for your type of caravan. Always compare like-for-like.

The table below compares provider features.

Three providers, one pattern: OBF and Dolmen focus on specialist know-how, AXA and Britton lean on price competitiveness, and Paddy Compare sits in the middle as an aggregator.

Upsides and downsides of caravan insurance

The pattern: Weighing upsides and downsides helps you choose coverage that matches your caravan’s needs.

How to get a caravan insurance quote: step by step

1. Gather your caravan details: make, model, year, length, width, number of berths, and estimated value
2. Note your security equipment: wheel clamps, alarms, tracking devices, storage location
3. Decide on cover level: third-party only, third-party fire & theft, or comprehensive
4. Consider optional extras: contents cover, European travel, legal expenses
5. Use a comparison site like Paddy Compare to enter details once and get multiple quotes
6. Alternatively, contact insurers directly: OBF, AXA, Arachas, Britton, or Dolmen
7. Compare quotes side by side – look at premium, excess, and cover limits
8. Choose a policy and complete the application – you may need to provide proof of no-claims bonus
9. Pay annually if possible to avoid interest on monthly instalments

“With over 50 years’ expertise in providing specialist caravan insurance.”

OBF Insurance spokesperson

Obtain an instant quote by phone at 014869775.

Arachas Insurance representative

For any Irish caravan owner, the choice is clear: start early, compare quotes using a platform like Paddy Compare, and invest in security features. The cheapest quote may save you money now, but a policy that properly covers your caravan type, age, and usage will save you far more when it matters most.

For a detailed breakdown of providers and pricing, you can compare caravan insurance quotes to see how different insurers stack up.

Frequently asked questions