How to choose a secure storage site
Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association, 9th November 2015, Caravan
For over 15 years, CaSSOA (The Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association) has been representing and accrediting secure caravan storage facilities. Most of the policies we offer give discount for using a CaSSOA-approved site and in this article they explain how to find the best site for your caravan.
As the nights are drawing in and the weather's getting colder, you may want to consider where you are going to store your caravan over the winter.
Whilst your driveway is an option, it can make your caravan an easy target for thieves. A secure accredited storage site has many benefits. If you are looking to put your caravan on a secure storage site over the winter, here are a few points you may want to consider before making a decision.
First things first
It's best not to agree to a storage facility without seeing it first. It could be very different to how it appears on a website or how it's been described over the phone. Take note of how easy it is to travel to the site and how helpful the staff are. Perhaps visit a few different sites before making your final decision.
Security
When visiting the storage site, take a quick look around to see whether the security features on site, such as CCTV, access control, and fencing are as advertised.
Find out how access is controlled on site. Some sites will be manned 24 hours a day, while others use personal key-fobs, smart cards or number-plate recognition systems and allow access throughout the day. Consider when you will need access, and whether the site will be able to cater to your needs.
CaSSOA accredited storage sites are independently assessed for security features, access and amenities to make sure they minimise the potential of theft.
There are three levels of CaSSOA accredited sites (Bronze, Silver and Gold), with awards based on a number of safety and security features including access control systems, perimeter fencing, CCTV and on-site facilities.
Sites are re-surveyed every five years to ensure that standards are being maintained.
Pricing
Remember the old saying "you get what you pay for". This can apply to caravan storage too, and the cheapest storage option may not always be the best decision. Cheaper options may not always provide the security facilities required for secure storage.
As a rough guide, CaSSOA storage sites charge between £250 and £450 per year. Prices will vary dependent on area, whether the storage facility is indoor or outdoor and the size of your caravan. Over the course of a year, that can work out at around £1 per day - which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind a secure storage facility delivers.
Site facilities & services
You may want to consider whether additional site amenities like vehicle cleaning and repair facilities are available. Some sites are able to offer both indoor and outdoor storage facilities, and pitches can vary from concrete and tarmac to hard standing.
Other points to consider:
- Do you want indoor or outdoor storage?
- Will you be issued with a contract?
- Does the site offer additional services such as vehicle cleaning or a visiting service engineer?
- Do you require insurance to store your caravan on the site?
- What happens in case of emergency?
ABOUT CaSSOA
For over 15 years, CaSSOA (The Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association) has been representing and accrediting secure caravan storage facilities. With over 400 secure storage sites across the UK, you're sure to find a secure location in your area.
Many insurance companies recognise the extra security of CaSSOA sites and offer discounts for caravans stored in them. This makes CaSSOA storage even more cost effective.
For more information about CaSSOA storage caravan and motorhome storage please call on 0843 216 5802 or email at at enquiries@cassoa.co.uk
