CARAVAN
INSURANCE
Caravan owners in Northern
Ireland have been an unhappy breed for a number of years now.
Concerns that have been brought
to On Your Behalf’s attention include the imbalance of
power between caravan owners and some site operators.
Some caravanners are made
to take compulsory insurance; forced to upgrade after 10 years
and have to use site
operators’ contractors
for many services.
Are some trading practices unfair?
The General Consumer Council explains: "Over the years the General
Consumer Council has found that some caravan sites present a
significant problem in Northern Ireland. Many consumers have
complained about the following:
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The imbalance of power between
caravan owners and some site operators. |
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The tying-in of insurance to compulsory block
schemes. |
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The offer of an unfair market value upon resale
of caravans to some site operators. |
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Having to upgrade after ten years at considerable
expense. |
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Having to use site operators’ contractors
for many services. |
"We produced a report (Static
Holiday Caravans) in 1995 detailing consumer concerns and outlining
the
lack of consumer protection
in this area. We have contributed to two reports on BBC Northern
Ireland’s Fair Play programme.
We remain very concerned about
the conditions, which are imposed by some park owners. We continue
to liase with Trading Standards
Service to investigate the issues."
The General Consumer Council wants to see caravan owners given
the basic rights to which they are entitled. It also wants an industry
that encourages choice, competition and a fair deal backed by effective
protection.
Contacts
The General Consumer Council
encourages dissatisfied or concerned caravan owners to contact
Sinead Furey on
Tel: 028 9067 2488, Fax: 028 9065 7701 or why not visit their website. If a caravan owner has a complaint
they can contact their local Trading Standards Office on 028
9025 3916 or if you are a member
of the National Association of Caravan Owners call on Tel: 01255
820 321.
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