Suffering a robbery in your motorhome is unpleasant: the feeling of insecurity, the loss of belongings, the trip cut short. Although travelling by camper is generally very safe, it helps to know how to react if it happens, to minimise the damage and sort it out as best as possible. And, above all, how to prevent it happening again. Here are the steps.
If you're robbed: how to react
- Your safety first: if the robbery is happening or someone is there, don't confront them; your safety matters more than any object.
- Check what's missing and make a list of what was stolen (with photos, serial numbers, value).
- Report it as soon as possible to the police. The report is essential for insurance and any other procedure.
- Notify your insurer and follow their instructions; keep the report and any evidence.
- Block what's needed: if your phone, cards or documents were stolen, block them and report it.
- If the whole vehicle was stolen, a hidden GPS tracker can help recover it.
The role of insurance
This is where choosing the right insurance shows. Check what yours covers: the vehicle, fitted equipment (solar panels, awning), personal belongings... and with what limits and excess. The right camper insurance, with any conversions declared, is what makes the difference after a robbery. We cover this in insurance.
The best defence: prevention
Most robberies are avoided through prevention. A recap of the essentials:
- Choose where you park and sleep carefully: official sites and campsites over isolated spots.
- Don't leave valuables in sight or advertise what you're carrying.
- Physical measures: wheel or steering-wheel locks, extra locks, an alarm.
- A safe for documents and cash, plus digital copies of your papers.
We go into more detail in security and anti-theft.
In summary
If you're robbed, put your safety first, make a list of what was stolen, report it as soon as possible and notify your insurer; and to stop it happening again, strengthen your prevention. The step to take today: keep digital copies of your documents and a photo list of your valuables; if you ever suffer a robbery, having them to hand hugely speeds up the report and the insurance claim.
