At Home Storage
☐ Drawbar facing away from the road — not toward it
☐ Quality coupling lock fitted every time van is left unattended
☐ Heavy-duty wheel clamp fitted — visible from the street
☐ Safety chains locked back so they cannot be looped over a tow ball
☐ Jockey wheel removed or positioned awkwardly
☐ GPS tracker installed and active
☐ Security camera covering the van — real or visible deterrent
☐ Drawbar positioned against a wall, fence, or vehicle if possible
In Storage Yards
☐ Confirm yard has monitored CCTV — not just recording cameras
☐ Ask where van will be parked — drawbar against wall preferred
☐ Fit coupling lock and wheel clamp regardless of yard security
☐ GPS tracker active and checked regularly via app
☐ Visit van unpredictably and regularly — do not leave it unvisited for months
☐ Remove all valuables before placing in storage
At Caravan Parks and Campsites
☐ Coupling lock fitted when van is unhitched
☐ Generator chained or locked to a fixed point — never left outside unlocked overnight
☐ Bikes locked through frame to van chassis or fixed object
☐ All valuables — cameras, laptops, phones — stored inside the van out of sight
☐ Portable solar panels stored inside or secured when not supervised
☐ Van locked when you are away from the site, including short walks
Insurance Checklist
☐ Policy is agreed value — not market value
☐ Policy covers long-term travel if you are a full-time or extended grey nomad
☐ Contents extension covers items taken outside the van
☐ PDS read for any security conditions that affect theft cover
☐ Policy number and claims number saved in your phone — not just in the van
☐ Serial numbers and photos of van and major contents stored in cloud — not just on a device inside the van
If Your Van Is Stolen
☐ Call Police Assistance Line: 131 444 — get an event number
☐ Call your insurer within 24 hours
☐ Provide GPS tracker data to police immediately
☐ Photograph all evidence at the scene before anything is moved
☐ Do not authorise any repairs without insurer approval
☐ Check insurer's emergency accommodation benefit — most policies include it