When it comes to registering your caravan in New South Wales, one of the most common questions people ask is whether they need a Green Slip. If you’re new to caravanning or registering a new rig, it can get a little confusing — especially with different rules applying to trailers, caravans, and the towing vehicles themselves. So let’s cut through the noise and get you a straight answer.
First things first: in NSW, you do not need a Green Slip for the caravan itself. But the towing vehicle absolutely does. The caravan is registered separately as a trailer and carries its own registration requirements, but no CTP insurance (which is what the Green Slip provides) is needed for it to be legally towed.
If you’re unsure about how that affects your setup, or if you’re upgrading, downsizing, or buying your first caravan, it’s worth speaking with a local expert who understands the ins and outs of caravans in Heatherbrae.
What Is A Green Slip?
A Green Slip is the term commonly used in New South Wales for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. This insurance is mandatory and covers personal injury liability if you cause an accident. In NSW, every motor vehicle must have a Green Slip before it can be registered. The cost can vary depending on your vehicle, location, driving history, and other factors.
Caravans, however, are considered trailers — and trailers aren’t classified as motor vehicles. That’s the key distinction. Because they aren’t powered on their own, they don’t fall under the same CTP insurance requirement. It’s the registered towing vehicle that holds the responsibility for any third-party injury liability while the caravan is being towed.
Are There Any Exceptions To The Rule?
There are very few exceptions to the rule. In most cases, you don’t need a Green Slip for your caravan. The only time you’d need to take out some kind of additional insurance is if your caravan is used commercially in a way that changes its classification — which is extremely rare for recreational users.
For example, if your caravan is being towed as part of a commercial operation or hired out independently, then you may need to look at different registration or insurance requirements, possibly even commercial insurance. But for everyday use — even long-distance touring — a Green Slip is not necessary for the caravan itself.
So What Insurance Do You Actually Need For A Caravan?
While you don’t need a Green Slip, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t insure your caravan. CTP insurance doesn’t cover damage to your caravan, nor does it cover damage your caravan might cause to other vehicles or property. That’s where a comprehensive caravan insurance policy comes in.
Comprehensive caravan insurance can cover:
- Damage to the caravan in accidents
- Theft or vandalism
- Storm or hail damage
- Contents inside the caravan
- Damage caused by the caravan to third-party property
Without this type of coverage, you’re exposed if anything goes wrong. So while it’s not legally required, comprehensive insurance is a smart move.
What Happens If I Don’t Insure My Caravan?
Legally, you can still register and tow your caravan in NSW without insurance beyond the basic trailer registration. But financially, it’s a risk. If you’re involved in an accident — even if you’re not at fault — and your caravan is damaged or stolen, you’re on the hook for the replacement or repair costs.
Worse still, if your caravan swings out in high wind and clips another car, or causes damage to someone’s property, you could be liable. Without third-party property insurance on the caravan itself, that’s coming out of your pocket.
Does The Caravan Need To Be Registered Separately?
Yes, caravans in NSW must be registered as trailers. That means:
- You’ll need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- The caravan must pass a safety check (usually a pink slip)
- You’ll need to pay the trailer registration fee
But again, there’s no Green Slip required for the trailer registration. The system assumes that your towing vehicle’s Green Slip will provide necessary personal injury coverage when towing.
Can I Transfer My Green Slip To My Caravan?
No. Green Slips are registered to individual motor vehicles only. They are not transferrable and do not cover caravans. Even though the Green Slip on your car provides the liability coverage while towing, it’s not a shared policy — it’s just that the law assumes coverage is sufficient through the towing vehicle’s insurance.
Do Camper Trailers And Pop-Tops Follow The Same Rules?
Yes. All unpowered trailers — including camper trailers, pop-tops, and hybrid off-road rigs — follow the same registration logic. They don’t need their own CTP insurance. As long as they are classified as trailers, they do not require a Green Slip.
Again, if a trailer becomes powered or commercialised (like a food truck or mobile workshop), it may shift into a different insurance category. But for caravans, pop-tops, and similar recreational setups, you’re safe under the standard trailer framework.
What’s The Best Way To Protect My Caravan?
Beyond the legal requirements, protecting your caravan comes down to smart choices:
- Register it properly as a trailer
- Make sure your towing vehicle has an active Green Slip
- Insure your caravan with a comprehensive policy
- Maintain it regularly to avoid roadside issues
- Store it securely when not in use
Just because it’s not required by law doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. Insurance gives you peace of mind and financial protection.
FAQs
Do I need a Green Slip if I live outside NSW but travel into it with my caravan?
No, you don’t need a Green Slip specifically for your caravan if you’re visiting NSW from another state. The towing vehicle’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance — which is the Green Slip equivalent in other states — generally extends to cover trailers or caravans while being towed. This rule is uniform across all Australian states and territories, as caravans are legally classified as trailers and don’t require separate CTP insurance. However, this assumes your vehicle is registered and legally compliant in your home state. That said, it’s still essential to check your insurance provider’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), as policy inclusions for interstate travel can vary. If you’re storing your caravan long-term in NSW, using it for commercial purposes, or leaving it parked unhitched on public roads, different laws may come into play — including registration and parking restrictions. When in doubt, contact your insurer or Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for current local regulations.
What happens if my caravan is involved in an accident but I have no insurance?
If your caravan is uninsured and involved in an accident, you’re exposing yourself to significant financial risk. A Green Slip (CTP) on your towing vehicle only covers personal injury liability — not damage to property, vehicles, or the caravan itself. This means if your caravan causes damage — such as hitting another car, a fence, or a building — you could be personally liable for all repairs. Likewise, if the caravan is damaged or destroyed, you’ll have to cover repair or replacement costs out of pocket. Towing and recovery fees can also be substantial, particularly if the incident occurs in a remote location or during a holiday period. Some caravan-related accidents also involve damage to contents — like appliances, camping gear, or personal items — none of which are protected without caravan-specific insurance. At the very least, a basic comprehensive policy can offer protection against fire, theft, and accidental damage, which could ultimately save you thousands.
Can I get fined for not having a Green Slip for my caravan?
No, you cannot be fined for not having a Green Slip for your caravan, because caravans — like all trailers — do not require one in NSW or any other state in Australia. The Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, also known as a Green Slip, only applies to registered motor vehicles. Since caravans don’t have engines or pose the same on-road risks when unhitched, the towing vehicle’s Green Slip automatically covers liability for personal injury when the caravan is attached and in motion. However, it’s critical that your caravan is properly registered and meets all roadworthy requirements, including lighting, brakes (if over 750kg), and towing capacity compliance. If you’re caught towing an unregistered caravan, you can be fined heavily and may also be liable for any resulting damages. Keep in mind, though, that registration does not include damage coverage — only legal compliance. For full protection, you’ll need a dedicated caravan insurance policy.
Do caravans need registration stickers or labels in NSW?
No, registration stickers or labels are no longer required for caravans — or any light vehicles or trailers — in NSW. This change came into effect in 2018 when the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) phased out physical rego labels in favour of a digital system. Enforcement is now handled via number plate recognition technology, which allows authorities to scan and verify registration status on the spot. However, your caravan must still be registered and roadworthy to be legally towed on NSW roads. You’ll still receive a renewal notice and registration certificate, and you must carry out annual safety checks if your caravan exceeds a certain weight threshold. If your caravan is unregistered and you’re towing it, you risk heavy fines and potential liability in the event of an accident. So while there’s no longer a sticker to display, registration compliance is still very much enforced — just managed with smarter, tech-driven systems.
Will my car insurance cover the caravan when towing?
In most cases, no — your standard car insurance policy won’t comprehensively cover your caravan while towing. Some policies include limited third-party liability extensions for trailers or caravans, but these rarely cover damage to the caravan itself or its contents. That means if your caravan is damaged in a collision, sideswipes something on the road, or gets vandalised while hitched, you’ll likely be left footing the bill unless you have separate caravan insurance. Even more importantly, internal items — like fridges, solar panels, awnings, or personal gear — are not covered under car insurance. Policies also differ in how they handle responsibility if the caravan causes an accident. For full protection, it’s wise to invest in standalone caravan insurance that covers both accidental damage and theft, as well as legal liability. Some insurers also offer coverage for annexes and modifications. Bottom line: don’t assume your car policy is enough — read the fine print and insure separately.
Why Caravan Insurance Matters — Even Without A Green Slip
The fact that you don’t need a Green Slip for your caravan doesn’t mean you should skip insurance altogether. Protecting your investment, ensuring peace of mind, and staying road-ready are all part of being a responsible caravan owner.
Start your journey with confidence — visit 7th Street Caravans or give our team a call on 02 4012 6009 for friendly, local advice.