RV insurance provides coverage for motorhomes and towables. This type of insurance will protect you from risks that auto insurance usually covers, like liability and collision coverage, if your RV gets damaged or causes damage during an accident. There are other coverage options you can choose to help suit your needs. For example, in addition to standard liability and collision coverage, you may opt to add roadside, loss replacement, or comprehensive coverage for a higher premium.
RV types are often separated into four groups:
Class A motorhomes: The largest and most expensive, acting more as a home than a vehicle.
Class B motorhomes: Often called camper vans, they are smaller than Class A and act more as vehicles.
Class C motorhomes: Moderate size with the amenities of a Class A motorhome.
Towables: Travel trailers, 5th wheels, trucker campers, teardrops, and more fall into this category. However, some towables, like park models, would require their coverage.
Coverage differs between these types of RVs and how you use them. If you use your RV primarily for trips and don’t use it as a home, your insurance should include liability coverage for accidents that happen on vacation. On some policies, liability is an optional coverage but not always included. Consult an insurance agent to determine where your specific towable type falls with coverage options.
If you’re a full-timer and use your RV as a home, you’ll need insurance that covers your vehicle while parked. You may also opt for more coverage for your personal belongings and equipment. Because of this, full-time RV insurance is more expensive and difficult to obtain on an extended basis.
Auto insurance may stretch liability coverage to a towed travel trailer but won’t provide additional coverage unless you opt for separate insurance. If you’re renting an RV, you’ll most likely need to purchase insurance through the rental company or a third-party provider to be fully covered on your travels.
Ultimately, RV insurance protects you from high costs for injuries or damages sustained while in your vehicle. If your RV gets damaged or you cause damages to others or their property, call your insurance provider and file a claim. From there, your insurance provider will look at the details of the accident and can cover any injuries or damages up to your coverage amount. You can decide your coverage limit through your insurer to find what works best for you.
For example, if you pay a higher premium for comprehensive coverage and your RV was damaged by a fire or other natural disaster, your insurer would cover the costs up to the limit decided in your plan. Alternatively, if you do not have uninsured coverage, you would not be protected from costs if your vehicle suffers from a collision with an uninsured driver.
As coverage varies, so do costs.
Motorhome premium costs are driven by the unit’s value, not the unit’s class. The higher value attached to your RV, the higher your premium cost will be. In addition, if you choose optional coverage, you’ll pay a higher premium. Liability-only insurance is less expensive but may not suit you if you want to protect personal belongings.
Other factors go into the final cost of insurance, such as your history of accidents, if you use the RV full-time or part-time, age or sell price of the vehicle, additional policies or bundles, and the size of the RV.
If you own or are buying an RV, try reaching out to an independent insurance agent. An agent will be able to quote you on different plans or limits while ensuring your policy will work best with you by underwriting it. There are many types of agents, companies, and bundles available. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and research.
If you are leasing or renting an RV, the renter will likely offer insurance through them to eliminate the need to go to a company or an independent agent.
If you own or are buying an RV, try reaching out to an independent insurance agent. An agent will be able to quote you on different plans or limits while ensuring your policy will work best with you by underwriting it. There are many types of agents, companies, and bundles available. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and research.
If you are leasing or renting an RV, the renter will likely offer insurance through them to eliminate the need to go to a company or an independent agent.
Like any other vehicle, you’ll need to get insurance for your RV to protect you in case of an accident. However, there is a distinct difference between most insurance policies and RV insurance. This comes from the array of uses, models, and the various liabilities that are specific to RVs. Are you driving a motorhome or are you towing? Do you live in it all year round? What about coverage inside the RV? Or what if someone trips and breaks their leg while visiting your RV?
Some RV insurance policies will cover the contents of your RV inside and outside as part of the standard policy coverage. However, you can typically pay an extra premium to cover your personal belongs inside the RV. Plus, here are some of the specializations your RV insurance could include:Total loss replacement
Applicable to buyers of new RV’s, it replaces the unit with a similar unit, even if the replacement costs more than the original.
Replacement cost of personal belongings
RV policies give you the option to specify a limit to include all of your personal belongings destroyed by most events.
Fulltimer liability
Offers liability coverage similar to homeowner’s insurance when the RV is parked and is used as a residence.
Campsite liability
Similar to fulltimer liability, but designed for short-term vacationers.
Emergency expenses
Reimburses expenses related to living outside the RV while it is being repaired
Higher liability limits
Because most RV’s are much larger than cars, they have the potential to cause a significant amount of damage in a mishap. Higher limits provide greater financial protection after an unfortunate incident.
Medium duty tow trucks
Covers trucks over one ton when used to tow a trailer or fifth wheel.
Suspend collision coverage when in storage
When the RV is in storage, you can suspend portions of the policy that apply only when the RV is moving on the road, such as collision coverage. This is a cost-saving option because you are not paying for unnecessary coverage.
No matter what RV class you own, or the insurance you desire, research multiple insurance plans and agents before deciding. We understand that figuring out insurance can get overwhelming, so remember prioritizing your needs and budget to make it the smoothest process possible.When in doubt, talk to your local dealer for the best advice when choosing insurance. We understand that figuring out insurance can get overwhelming, so remember prioritizing your needs and budget to make it the smoothest process possible. Want more useful RV tips, like this, sent straight to your inbox each month? Sign up to our newsletter here!
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