Nightly tourers and tents
Running Costs
As with owning a car or a home, there are some additional running costs that need budgeting for. The example below should help to give you an idea of the annual running costs you will need to consider before purchasing your holiday home.
What annual costs will I have to pay?
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Pitch Fees
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Insurance
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Rates
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Electricity
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Gas
A breakdown of each running cost is detailed below, showing what is covered and how each cost is charged for individually.
Can I choose how I pay for these running costs?
You can choose to pay your annual pitch fees in one lump sum at the basic invoice price. All invoices are payable within 14 days. Or, you can take advantage of our Direct Debit Payment Plan* and spread the cost over 12 months – a real benefit for those on a budget. All other running costs are invoiced separately as detailed below.
Annual Pitch Fees - These fees are inclusive of winter storage and are payable in advance. The annual Pitch Fees do vary according to the size, location and level of services supplied to any particular pitch. Pitch fees are reviewed annually and our owners are notified in September/October each year for the following season. As mentioned above, you can choose to pay your annual pitch fees in one lump sum or spread the cost with a Standing order Payment Plan*.
Other running costs for your holiday home include:
Insurance - All owners must be adequately covered by a suitable insurance policy. Most owners choose our recommended scheme as it is specifically designed for owners of holiday homes. You are however free to choose your own insurer, provided that the cover meets certain criteria and that we hold a copy of the policy document. We charge a fee of £40 to hold your own insurance policy on file
Rates – General, Water & Sewerage - The charge for Rates is based upon the average rateable value of each holiday home and the charges levied by the Local Water Authority. Rates are billed to owners in April/May.
Electricity – Meter Supply - Electricity is supplied to the holiday home by a meter and the availability charge and electrical units consumed are then charged at the price paid to the electric provider by the Park. Electricity charges and administration invoices are billed periodically in arrears.
Bottled Gas - Bottled Gas is available for purchase in various sizes at the Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price, with free delivery. Current prices are available at the Park Office. Bottled Gas will be paid for when it is ordered.
A typical example of running costs
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Annual Pitch Fee £1600.00
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Annual Insurance from £140.00 to £540.00
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Average cost of electricity for 2007/08 is £43.00+VAT (As charged by the electricity provider)
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Bottled Gas - Depends on usage
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FREE Facilities and Entertainment is included up to the number of berths of the caravan, to allow FREE entrance into the facilities, bars .
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Please ask on Park for detailed information about the running costs that will apply.
Park Rules, Warranty & Insurance
We have a number of important rules to ensure the well being of both customers and team members alike. As a family Park operator, we must ensure that the terms and conditions of ownership together with Park Rules are strictly adhered to at all times.
But, don't worry, they are there to protect you as much as us...
All caravan holiday homes purchased are covered by a 12-month warranty. The cover differs slightly between new and used models as detailed below:
NEW CARAVANS - The following are covered for 12 months from purchase date:
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Chassis
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‘A’ Frame Floor
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Water Heater
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Cooker
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Fridge
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Electric’s
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Plumbing
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Wheels
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Gas Fire
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Shower
USED CARAVANS - The following are covered for 12 months from purchase date:
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Chassis
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‘A’ Frame
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Floor (Shower and Bathroom Floor - 3 months warranty)
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The safety certificate is put on the gas appliances by a corgi engineer
All holiday homes receive a pre-delivery inspection to ensure that it is complete and in good working order. This pre-delivery inspection includes checking that the water and gas joints are tight and not leaking.
What does the insurance cover?
The cover includes damage or loss to both the structure and contents of the caravan, however there are limitations. Please refer to the Summary of Cover for detailed information. This document is available can be e mailed to you on request.
Do we have to insure through the site insurance company?
No, every customer has a choice to select his or her own insurance cover. Our agreement with our customers, entered into at the time of purchase, stipulates that insurance is a requirement and that should customers choose their own, we will require proof of cover.
As we are able to negotiate a group policy, we believe the cover, premium and prompt/fair settlement of claims will be difficult to beat so please make sure that any alternative policy provides the same levels of cover for your holiday home.
If I claim, will my annual premium go up?
There is no penalty for making a claim; whilst all insurance companies look at the over-all claims they receive in a year, the annual premiums are negotiated on a group basis, not on individual claims.
What happens if I make a claim?
The Park team will help you obtain any quotes or estimates for any work that may be needed and these are sent, together with a claim form, to the Park office who will then pass it to the insurers.
Insurers will contact the caravan owner and the contractor within 2 weeks to advise what will happen next and give authority for the work to be carried out. Once the contractor has completed the work, the contractor should then send the invoice for the work direct to the insurers who will pay the contractor direct, less the £50 excess. The owner must pay the excess direct to the contractor.
How much is the excess?
The excess on every claim made is £50.
Ways to Pay
Whilst some customers use their savings or bank loans to pay for their new caravan holiday home, the majority of our owners take advantage of specialised caravan funding plans, backed by major financial institutions. Although there are several plans available, most will require a cash deposit of approximately 10% of the purchase price (minimum deposit of £1000).
Loans are available for most purchases between £10,000 and £50,000.
Some of your questions answered...
What are the advantages of using specialised finance rather than my local bank?
Because these companies specialise in providing finance for holiday homes, they have tailored their plans specifically to your needs. In fact, your Sales Advisor will complete all of the documentation for you. Also, unlike a High Street Bank, who may require the loan to be secured on your home, specialised providers only take security on your holiday home.
How soon will I get a decision?
A formal quotation will be available within a couple of hours, followed by approval within a matter of days.
Will I find a cheaper deal if I shop around?
We ensure the finance packages available to our customers are highly competitive in terms of both cost and availability. We are very confident of offering a highly suitable and cost effective plan for all of our customers. But always look around.
How many years will I have to repay the loan?
We would recommend you choose a period where you are comfortable with the monthly repayments and are able to offer terms up to a maximum of 7 years.
What happens if I want to upgrade my holiday home in the future?
Any existing finance would be settled and a new finance agreement would be made for your new holiday home, making it much more affordable and convenient.