Learning the Basics of Motorhome Insurance

It can be such an experience to travel the countryside with your friends and family in a recreational vehicle (RV). Not many Canadians can say that they’ve had an opportunity to travel from coast to coast and sightsee some of Canada’s most popular attractions from the comfort of an RV. However, if you plan on taking a road trip in your RV then it is important to ensure that it’s properly insured. With each province requiring a certain level of coverage for recreational vehicles, it’s beneficial to learn what a typical motorhome insurance policy covers, if it’s the same for all RVs and how your motorhome insurance policy can help provide peace of mind.

What does a Typical Motorhome Insurance Policy Cover?

Like car insurance, a typical motorhome insurance policy may provide the following basic protection:

• Liability Coverage – Provides protection to you if you are held liable for the injury or loss of life of an individual because of a collision. This type of coverage can also help with the cost of damage to the impacted individual’s vehicle or property.
• Accident Benefits – Offers coverage for medical bills, rehabilitation, funeral costs, or loss of income due to a disability as a result of a collision.
• Direct Compensation Property Damage – If your RV is in a collision with another motorist insured in your province (and they are found to be at fault) this type of protection can help cover the cost of damage to your RV and certain items within it.

Is motorhome insurance coverage the same for all RVs?

The short answer is no. Depending on the type of RV you own; you may require different types of insurance. For example, if you have a moveable or towed trailer, it can be added to your home insurance policy. You could benefit from this coverage as some insurance companies (such as Allstate Canada) may offer all risk coverage and replacement cost if the trailer was bought new. If you have a stationary trailer (i.e., fixed on a piece of land and not often transferred), these types of structures would need to be added to your home insurance policy. If you have a traditional motorhome (class A, B, or C), you will need to get motorhome insurance. This type of insurance is designed to help protect the RV if it’s in a collision with another driver deemed to be at fault, or if you were not at fault for any damages incurred by your vehicle. Your insurance provider may be able to offer additional coverage options to protect your RV from all types of damage (e.g., fire, theft, windstorms, hail, explosion), protect the contents of your RV, offer alternative transportation if you can’t drive your RV, and more.

How does insurance work if I tow a car behind my motorhome?

If you plan on towing your car behind your RV, it’s important that your car insurance is up to date. Even if you have motorhome insurance, the coverage for your RV will not extend to your car. Therefore, if something were to happen to your car while hitched to your RV, your car’s insurance would kick in to provide the protection you need. Now that you have a basic understanding of the coverage options available for your RV, be sure to speak with your local insurance provider to learn which option is best for you. Interested in learning more? Find a dealer near you to inquire about the best insurance options available to you. This information has been provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice.