Static Caravan Warranties: Understanding Your Protection

Picture this scenario.

It's late November. You drive down to your new holiday home for a cosy weekend, unlock the door, and find the carpet is soaking wet.

The boiler has failed. A pipe has burst. The repair bill is staring you in the face.

Who pays? You, or the park?

Static caravan warranties are the practical part of buying a holiday home. Nobody wants to read the small print when they're falling in love with a castle view. But that piece of paper is the only thing standing between you and an unexpected bill.

Key Facts: Static Caravan & Lodge Warranties at a Glance

Before you commit to a purchase on the Mid Wales coast, you need to know exactly where you stand.

This guide cuts through the jargon to keep you informed.

1. Understanding Your Warranty Options

Protection comes in layers. You need to know which layer you are dealing with.

Depending on what you buy, you will have one of these three levels of cover.

Manufacturer Warranty (New Holiday Homes)

This is the gold standard. It comes directly from the factory (Willerby, ABI, Swift, etc.).

• Structure: Covers the chassis, roof, and walls (often 3–10 years).
• Interior: Covers doors, handles, and cupboards (usually 1 year).
• Appliances: Separate guarantees for the boiler, cooker, and fridge.

Worth noting: It only applies to manufacturing faults. If you break a cupboard door, that's on you.

Park Warranty (New and Used)

This is the agreement between you and the park operator.

If you buy a pre-owned caravan, the manufacturer's cover has often expired. A good park will step in with their own warranty (typically 3 to 12 months) to ensure you have protection from the start.

It covers the essentials: keeping the water out and the heat in.

Extended Warranty

Think of this like breakdown cover for your car.

You can sometimes pay extra to extend cover on boilers or white goods. It's optional, but worth considering if you are buying a high-spec lodge with expensive appliances.

2. How Protection Differs by Purchase Type

The age of the caravan dictates the safety net you get. Don't assume an older model has the same protection as a showroom unit.

Buying New: Maximum Protection

When you buy brand new, you are covered from every angle.

If the boiler plays up, it's covered. If the roof leaks, it's covered. You have the full weight of the manufacturer behind you.

Buying Pre-Owned: Park-Backed Cover

Used caravans offer excellent value, but the warranty is shorter.

Reputable parks will check the unit thoroughly before handing over the keys. They usually provide a 3-month or 12-month "major systems" warranty. This protects you against significant issues (like water ingress or gas leaks) immediately after purchase.

Private Sales: The "Sold as Seen" Risk

This is where buyers need to be careful.

If you buy privately from an individual, you have limited rights. It is "sold as seen." If the boiler fails the day after you hand over the cash, it is your responsibility.

Important: Many parks in the Mid Wales area do not allow "bring-ons" (caravans bought privately elsewhere). Always check you have a pitch before you buy the unit.

3. What You Need to Do to Stay Covered

A warranty is a contract. If you don't follow the rules, the contract may be void.

Most issues happen because the owner didn't understand the maintenance requirements.

The Annual Service

Just like a car needs an MOT, your caravan needs a health check.

• Gas Safe Certificate: Mandatory every year.
• Electrical Test: Usually every 3 years.
• Record Keeping: Keep every receipt. No receipt = no proof of maintenance.

The "Frost Damage" Clause

This is the most common reason warranty claims are not paid.

Static caravans are vulnerable to cold snaps. If water is left in the pipes over winter, it freezes, expands, and bursts the copper piping. The resulting flood can cause thousands of pounds of damage.

Important: Almost all warranties exclude frost damage if you did not professionally "drain down" the unit. Don't guess at this. Use the park's drain-down service.

4. Understanding What's Included

Let's look at the breakdown. What exactly are you getting for your money?

Typical Duration by Area

Common Exclusions

You need to know what you are not covered for.

5. Making a Claim: Step by Step

So, something has gone wrong. Don't panic.

Follow this simple process to get it sorted:

1. Safety First: If you smell gas, turn it off outside and leave the unit.
2. Check Your Coverage: Is this a fault (warranty) or an accident (insurance)?
3. Gather Evidence: Take clear photos of the issue immediately.
4. Contact the Park: If you bought through the park, they are your first point of contact. They can often liaise with the manufacturer for you.

Consumer Rights Still Apply

Remember, a warranty is in addition to your legal rights.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be fit for purpose and as described. A warranty cannot remove these statutory rights.

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Watch out for these common issues when comparing parks.

The "Transport" Void

If you buy a caravan on one park and move it to another, the structural warranty is often voided instantly. The stress of craning and transporting the unit is too high for manufacturers to guarantee. Always buy where you intend to stay.

The "Park Transfer" Issue

If you sell your caravan privately to someone else on the same park, check if the warranty transfers. Often, it stays with the original owner unless you pay an admin fee to transfer it.

7. The Value of On-Site Support

A warranty is just a piece of paper. It's the people who support it that matter.

When you buy from a reputable operator on the Mid Wales coast, you aren't just buying a caravan. You are buying into a support network.

You want a team that:

• Knows the history of your specific pitch.
• Has on-site maintenance staff for emergencies.
• Offers winter drain-down services to protect your investment.

If you buy from a faceless dealer miles away, who comes out when the heating fails on a Sunday night?

8. Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Don't be afraid to ask the important questions. Use this checklist:

9. Common Questions Answered

How long do warranties last on used caravans?
It varies, but typically you can expect 3 to 12 months of cover from a reputable park. This gives you time to use the caravan in all seasons and identify any issues.

Does my warranty cover storm damage?
No. Storm, wind, and fire damage are insurance matters. The warranty only covers mechanical or structural issues due to manufacturing or workmanship.

Can I use my own plumber for warranty work?
Usually, no. To keep the warranty valid, work must normally be carried out by the park's approved engineers or the manufacturer's agents.

What happens if the park is closed when something goes wrong?
Parks with a long season (like 9 months) have staff available most of the year. For the short closed period, security or maintenance teams are often still on site for emergencies.

Peace of Mind, Sorted

Buying a holiday home is a dream for many. The practical details are there to protect that dream.

The rules are actually quite straightforward.

Buy from a reputable park. Keep up with your servicing. Drain down every winter. Do those three things, and your warranty will do its job.

Then you can get back to what really matters: watching the sun set over Cardigan Bay and planning your next weekend away.

Glan Y Don at a Glance

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and reflects typical industry practice as of 2025/2026. While we aim for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information provided, and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Costs, policies, licence terms, and facilities vary between parks and manufacturers and may change without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk — always confirm details directly with the park manager before making any purchase decision. This content does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a qualified professional.