Caravan insurance experts have noted a significant increase across the UK in searches for Caravan holidays, with over 60,000 searches so far in 2024.
Whilst some families will opt to take a caravan holiday in the UK, others will be planning to take their caravan across the pond to various European countries.
So, do people know exactly what they need to do to take their caravan abroad? The team have put together a helpful guide to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Documents you will require
When travelling through any part of Europe it is always worth carrying your documents with you to ensure that you are prepared should they be required. Typically, it is recommended that you keep the following paperwork with you wherever you travel:
Vehicle registration document
Driving licence
Passport
Insurance certificate (car, caravan/towing caravan insurance)
Spain
In Spain it is law to have a warning triangle in your vehicle when driving, this however increases to two warning triangles when towing. Along with this you also have to have high-visibility vests for everyone in the car.
If your combined vehicle and caravan measure over twelve metres, it is also compulsory to use a marker board to indicate your outfit length the board needs to indicate your caravan length, including your A-frame, but not including your vehicle.
Equipment required by law: Two warning triangles, spare tyres, reflective jackets for each passenger, spare bulbs and a nationality sticker. Overhanging loads such as bike racks need to have marker boards attached. Two external towing mirrors are required on your vehicle.
Croatia
Laws in Croatia aren’t too dissimilar from their European neighbours. Their laws state that you must have high-visibility vests for each person in your vehicle. They also state you must carry a warning triangle in your car, two when you are towing.
Their laws on headlights differ, however, as you are required to drive with your lights on during the daytime, but only between October and March. They also have an extra stipulation that many other countries don’t have, that you must carry a first aid kit at all times in the car.
Equipment required by law: Two warning triangles, a reflective jacket, a first aid kit, spare bulbs, and a nationality sticker.
Italy
When it comes to the Italian laws for driving, they are seemingly less strict than Spain and France. When driving in Italy you must have a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest. Another key law to note is you must also keep your headlights on when driving through tunnels.
Equipment required by law: Warning triangle; a first aid kit; nationality sticker.
France
The French authorities do have strict laws for driving through France with your Caravan. When towing a caravan in France you must have a high-visibility vest and warning triangle in your vehicle. It is also French law that you switch your headlights on during the day when towing, a rule that may not be known by most British drivers.
Equipment required by law: Warning triangle, first aid kit, reflective jackets for every passenger, nationality sticker and breathalyser kit.