What You Need to Know About RV Insurance

RV insurance is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind while on the road. You’ll benefit from insurance whether you’re a full-time RVer or the occasional weekend traveler. The right RV coverage can help protect you and your RV from accidents and weather you didn’t expect.

What is RV Insurance?

It’s a type of insurance that provides coverage for recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and camper vans. Just like car insurance, RV insurance protects you financially in case of an accident, theft, or other events. RV insurance policies typically offer several types of coverage, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and personal property coverage.

RV driving through Monument Valley on the road

Why is RV Insurance Important?

RV insurance is important for many reasons. Firstly, is a requirement in most states. RV owners must carry liability insurance, which can help cover the costs of property damage or injuries you may cause to others while driving your RV.

Secondly, it protects your investment. RVs can be expensive, and repairs or replacement costs can be devastating. Having the right coverage can help pay for repairs or for the replacement of your RV if it’s unrepairable, regardless of who’s at fault. Additionally, comprehensive and collision coverage can protect you from non-collision events like theft, fire, or storm damage.

Finally, RV insurance can provide peace of mind while on the road. RV travel can be unpredictable, and the right coverage can help you feel secure knowing that you wont have to alone in case of unexpected events.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

These policies typically offer several types of coverage, including:

Liability Coverage

This coverage can help cover the costs of property damage or injuries you may cause to others while driving your RV. Most states require liability coverage, and it’s a crucial aspect of any camper insurance policy.

Collision Coverage

This coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement of your rig if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive RV coverage can protect you from non-collision events like damage from storms or fire, and other possible harm, such as theft.

Personal Property Coverage

This coverage can help protect your personal belongings while you’re on the road. It can cover things like electronics, furniture, clothing, and other personal items.

Full-Timer Coverage

This coverage is designed for those who live in their RV full-time and need extended liability and personal property coverage.

Roadside Assistance

Some insurance companies have optional RV insurance coverage that can provide peace of mind as you travel the country. Roadside coverage covers costs related to things like towing and lockout services. Plus, some policies even include mobile repairs and fuel delivery.

Vacation Liability Coverage

This optional coverage can help cover costs related to injuries or property damage that occur while you’re parked at a campground or RV park.

Couple signing insurance policy

How to Choose the Right RV Insurance Coverage

Choosing the right coverage for your camper can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the coverage you need. Here are some tips to help you choose the right RV insurance policies:

Determine Your Insurance Needs

Before you start shopping for RV insurance, it’s essential to determine your insurance needs. Consider factors like how often you use your RV, how long you plan to keep it, and how much coverage you need.

Shop Around

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping around for RV insurance. Get quotes from several providers and compare the coverage and pricing to find the best policy for your needs. Popular insurance companies like Progressive, Nationwide, Allstate, Geico and State Farm offer insurance policies for RVs. There are also RV-specific insurance options from groups like Good Sam and the RVer Insurance Exchange that are worth looking into!

Read the Fine Print

When you receive your insurance policy, be sure to read through the policy carefully. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not, as well as any limitations or exclusions.

Work with an Experienced Insurance Agent

Working with an experienced insurance agent can help you navigate the complexities of RV insurance and find the right policy for your needs.

RV Insurance Exclusions You Should Know

While RV insurance provides essential protection, it’s important to understand what’s not covered by most policies. Being aware of common exclusions and terms will help you find the best coverage. Fully understanding what your policy covers will prevent you from being surprised about claims that your insurance provider might decline.  Plus, you’ll need to know what coverage options to ask for while you shop around for RV insurance.

Here are a few key exclusions to consider:

1. RV Damages Due to Lack of Maintenance

Standard RV insurance policies don’t cover damage resulting from neglect or failure to properly maintain your RV. If your RV’s mechanical breakdown or structural damage is due to wear and tear, such as old tires, rust, or improper upkeep, you may be solely responsible for the repair costs. Your insurance provider will inspect the damage and obtain a service quote to assess the cause and repair cost before approving a claim.

2. Natural Disasters

Comprehensive RV coverage generally protects against non-collision damage, like theft, vandalism, fire, or storms. However, certain natural disasters, like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, may not be included. In areas where these natural disasters are common, most providers require additional coverage policies or add-ons to cover damage from these specific disasters. Always review your policy to see if you’re covered in these situations, and check if flood damage is excluded from comprehensive protection. Consider both the weather in your area and the conditions you’ll encounter while traveling. If you only have basic RV insurance, you might want to avoid traveling to Florida during hurricane season.

A couple meets with an insurance agent to discuss their RV coverage.

3. In-Transit or Towing Damage

Your RV insurance may cover damage caused by accidents while driving, but some policies don’t extend coverage to damages from towing your RV. You’ll need to keep this in mind if you ever need to tow your RV.   It’s important to confirm whether towing coverage is included or if you’ll need to add it separately. You can get Roadside Assistance coverage that includes towing to protect your RV in transit or only use reliable third parties. 

4. Intentional Damage or Negligence

Damage caused intentionally or by reckless behavior is not covered. If you cause an accident or damage while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurance company may deny your claim.  These stipulations are typically excluded from standard policies and in the fine print of your contract.

5. Personal Items Not Covered

Many RV policies have limited coverage for personal belongings inside the RV. Expensive items like electronics, jewelry, or high-end camping gear may not be covered unless you purchase additional personal property insurance. Check the policy’s coverage limit for personal belongings and compare it to the total value of your belongings. You can add additional coverage to cover the loss of expensive belongings, be mindful of what belongings you travel with, or up your RV security. 

RV insurance is an essential aspect of owning an RV. It provides peace of mind while on the road and protects your investment from unexpected events. When choosing the right RV insurance coverage, it’s essential to determine your insurance needs, shop around, and make decisions with care. You can enjoy your RV travels with confidence, knowing that you have protection with the right RV coverage.

Once your motorhome has coverage, you can invest in it more. Consider upgrading your RV with luxury furniture that you can count on. Our Bradd & Hall custom RV furniture is made to last. You can browse everything from RV sofas for sale to RV dinettes for sale on our website!

Get RV Repairs and Upgrades!

When the interior of your RV needs an upgrade, Bradd and Hall is here to help! We carry custom wood furniture products, and we’ll perform services from complete coach reflooring to simple wood window valence installation. We also carry RV furniture, including theater seating, sofas, captain’s chairs and more. Call Bradd and Hall for a custom RV interior renovation by our professionals!