I'm in the same boat (camper trailer anyway). Did the ring around, surfed the net, responded to emails and have read so many threads here about Insurance for camper trailers my head hurts.
My situation is that I'm purchasing a new Ultimate Xplor for pickup next Feb/Mar 2014, live in the ACT, not impacted by age or driver experience excesses etc. Looking at the numerous threads on MySwag you end up seeing the most recommendations for CIL, TCIS, AAMI and State Motoring Associations - NRMA, RACV etc. So, I concentrated on those first three plus NRMA since I live in the ACT. All four companies understood what a camper trailer is and some even define them in their PDS. They still use the term caravan throughout the policies though.
I was going to attach a spreadsheet I compiled from the PDS' with the major areas of insurance concern from my perspective (which more than likely does not suit everybody); however, it looks like you cannot add those types of files. If anybody wants a copy just email me.
First, everybody will have differing priorities, campers and expectations regarding Insurance. So, my two bits worth applies to my situation.
My top priority is for coverage 'new for old' since I am purchasing a brand spanking new Xplor. This moved me towards the NRMA and CIL policies as they cover 'new for old' for two years compared to only one year for AAMI and TCIS.
NRMA and CIL both require optional cover for an Annex.
While CIL details their contents cover very well, there are a lot of limits. Both companies insured up to a maximum of $1000 total; however, CIL has limits in certain areas. A higher cover is available as an option for both.
Where CIL and NRMA differ markedly is in the area of Excesses (aside from age and experience). NRMA has two excesses - Basic $200 and Hail or Cyclone $200. However CIL has four types of excesses - Basic Caravan $200, Basic Annex $200, Off-road $200 and Transportation $100. So in the case of CIL if you are off-road (which is where we like to be), have a loss or damage to the camper and requires transportation, your starting excess totals $500!!
Emergency accommodation - CIL up to $100/day for a maximum of $500. NRMA is up to $100/day for a maximum of seven days ($700).
So for my situation the NRMA policy seems to provide more for what I require.
Finally, the policy costs for 12 months cover for my situation. CIL $920 and NRMA $850.
Once the Xplor is over two years old and the 'new for old' is no longer required, I'll probably go with either AAMI (have other policies with them) or TCIS. TCIS was $715 and AAMI $814.
Ready to receive inbound comments!!
Chookduck
