A second-hand caravan might be an easily affordable way to join in the UK's number one holiday activity, but Safeguard today warns holidaymakers of a surge of flood-damaged 'write-offs' being passed off on an unsuspecting market by unscrupulous second-hand sellers.

2007 saw unprecedented levels of flooding throughout the UK, causing millions of pounds worth of damage to property, leaving many of the flood damaged caravans total 'write-offs'. But once these caravans have been paid out on by insurers, many rogue sellers have chosen to sell these 'write-offs' for an additional illegal profit making just a few cosmetic adjustments

A new carpet here and the replacement of a new board there might seem the perfect quick fix for flood damage but Safeguard warn that a write off is a write off for a reason.

"It's both heartbreaking and dangerous to see people spending their money on a caravan that's not fit for the road," says Safeguard manager Rita Sadler. I could not agree more. Safeguard are now insisting that all potential buyers beware and check with the Caravan Registration and Identification Scheme (CRIS) to make sure their new tourer has not been classified a write-off.

So if you see the caravan Jeremy Clarkson and co. annihilated on Top Gear being offered for a song, do not touch it with a barge pole. Believe me it was a right off.

Jackie Violet Female First