Caravan Insurance

The surge in demand for second-hand caravans is resulting in a shortage of stock, figures suggest.

Used units are in short supply as caravan insurance policyholders take advantage of bargains and escape credit crunch holidays by taking a break in a mobile home instead.

According to Glass's Guide to Caravan Values, the demand for touring models has come earlier and been stronger than forecast for the spring, leading to a shortage of single-axle tourers, especially those with four, five or six berths.

Guide editor Randal Thomas commented: "Those that were anticipating being able to acquire the stock they needed from cash-strapped owners in early 2009 have been sorely disappointed."

He added that the stock shortage has been exacerbated by many retailers and wholesalers being happier to have money in the bank than units in the yard towards the end of last year.

Glass's states that dealers face the double challenge of reduced numbers of units available for part-exchange as well as having to bid against retail buyers at auctions, where prices can often be pushed up to levels they find unattainable.

According to recent findings by the Confederation of Passenger Transport, twice the number of Britons plan to take a holiday at home this year compared to last year, with many potentially opting for a caravan break.

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