Caravan Guard has announced the death of its founder and chairman, Peter Wilby (pictured), at the age of 78. He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in June 2023.
Wilby established Wilby Insurance Brokers in Halifax in 1984 with his wife. The commercial brokerage built a presence in sectors such as caravan dealers and parks, social care, and motorcycle dealers and construction. It was acquired by PIB Group in 2018.
In 1995, the Wilby spouses launched Caravan Guard as a leisure vehicle insurance brand, initially as a division of Wilby Insurance Brokers. Caravan Guard became a standalone limited company in 2001.
Aside from being known in the segment, Wilby’s influence extended beyond his commercial activities. He was a long‑standing supporter of health and community charities, including funding for cancer treatment equipment and hospice projects in Yorkshire, and backing for Heart Research UK. Under his leadership, Caravan Guard introduced initiatives such as charity-linked donations for paperless policies, aligning operational changes with fundraising for health causes.
Wilby also took part in numerous Great Yorkshire Bike Rides, raising money for regional and national charities, often involving colleagues and industry partners in fundraising efforts. Beyond charity work, the business has supported a range of local and sporting initiatives, including partnerships with hospice appeals and para‑sport, reflecting a sustained focus on community engagement that pre-dates the current emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks in the insurance sector.
Ownership and leadership unchanged
According to an announcement, the Halifax-based intermediary remains 100% family-owned and continues to be led by Peter's son, Ryan, who has served as managing director since 2014. The senior leadership team, which also includes Peter's two other children, remains in place, with no changes to day-to-day operations or to the company's strategic focus on the UK leisure vehicle segment.
Caravan Guard is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It distributes across the UK as an insurance intermediary, with core schemes underwritten by RSA Insurance for risks including touring caravans, motorhomes, campervans and static caravans.
The business’s expansion has also reflected wider shifts in UK leisure patterns. The growth of “staycations” and increased investment in touring caravans and motorhomes in the early 2020s helped to support demand for specialist cover, while rising vehicle values and more complex on‑board technology have contributed to higher sums insured and a greater focus on cover design. Within that environment, Caravan Guard has continued to operate as a single‑segment specialist rather than diversifying into unrelated personal lines.
Wilby’s career mirrors several developments in the modern UK insurance market, including the growth of broker‑led schemes in specialist niches, the consolidation of regional commercial brokers into larger groups – illustrated by the sale of Wilby Insurance Brokers to PIB in April 2018 – and the importance of long-term carrier partnerships in classes where risk characteristics differ from standard motor or household business.
Wilby's funeral will be held on March 9.
