18Sep

Packed, Primed & Into the Wild: A Guide to RV Insurance Coverage and Pricing

As families nationwide prepare to hit the road and enjoy recreation opportunities and peace of the wild, motorized RVs are frequently the choice to get the show on the road! A motorized RV acts as both a form of transportation and a source of lodging, and now offers more luxury features than ever before. Huge TVs, larger sleeping areas, and very comfortable overnight quarters are luring more new explorers than ever before to experience the calling of the open world.

What Is RV Insurance?

RV insurance will cover financial losses when your RV is involved in an accident that causes damage to property or sustained injury. The familiar bunch of Allstate, Farmers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, and State Farm all offer RV insurance, offering their various forms of coverage to protect you while you embark on your next adventure. Even though RVs are large and sturdy, drivers can undergo some unexpected circumstances on winding roads and in many holiday situations. 

Here are two common forms of RV insurance:

Full-time RV Insurance: full -time RV insurance is for those who enjoy taking up permanent residence while on the road. This technically means living in a motorhome or travel trailer for at least six months out of the year. This type of coverage will typically provide: 

  • Comprehensive Coverage and Collision Coverage for your RV. These two types of coverage are usually paired together and will assist with paying for repair or vehicle replacement if it is damaged or stolen. Falling objects, floods, fire, acts of vandalism, and hail are some of the elements you will thankfully be protected from.
  • Personal Liability Protection will protect you from property damage and bodily injury you accidentally cause to others. RV campgrounds and state parks can be very busy locations, and it’s best to always have peace of mind for any freak accidents.
  • Medical Payments Coverage will help with covering the often-exorbitant bills for injuries that happen inside or close to your RV.
  • Loss Assessment Coverage will cover association fees if you happen to park in a location within an association that suddenly needs to make necessary repairs within the commons area.

Part-time RV Insurance is an excellent option for those who don’t call their RV home for six months a year or more. This type of policy includes vacation liability coverage that assists with damage and injuries in and around your RV during shorter trips. You can also purchase additional optional coverage that is considered a feature of full-time RV insurance.

Do I Have to Have RV Insurance? If your RV is officially considered a motorhome, you are mandated to purchase coverage in every US state except Virginia and New Hampshire. Even though these two states do not mandate coverage, it’s still a good idea to prepare sufficiently for anything that could happen to you while on the road.

If your RV can be towed behind your vehicle with the trailer, this could alleviate the need for separate RV insurance coverage. In this very common situation, as you’re preparing the tackle box and delicious foods for grilling, your car insurance policy may kick in and provide coverage for the RV. In some instances, you may even be able to locate cheaper car insurance options that will offer a form of RV coverage. If you’re financing your motor home purchase, your lender will mandate that you have comprehensive and collision coverage, as well as a solid liability auto insurance plan.

What are Some Forms of Optional RV Coverage?

  • Total loss replacement coverage pays to replace your RV with a similar make and model if it is completely destroyed. 
  • Actual cash value coverage will offer the replacement value minus depreciation. 
  • Coverage of Injuries will cover medical expenses for injuries caused by underinsured and uninsured motorists.
  • Campsite and vacation coverage will pay for injuries after incidents you cause to property or individuals when you are using your RV for leisure travel. This can happen during bad weather, or even in close quarters when personal items can be backed over or hurt when the departing party is in a rush.
  • Emergency expenses will allow for reimbursement for a hotel stay if your RV winds up seriously damaged. This can prove to be incredibly useful, as losing your sleeping quarters in a split second can provide a fair amount of duress!
  • Roadside assistance helps with towing, jump-starts, and the sinister + plan-sabotaging random flat tire!

How can I Enjoy Discounts on RV Insurance?

Here are some of the ways that discounts can become available for RV insurance:

  • Bundling Policies: if you can purchase multiple types of insurance, you will surely see significant savings. You can include auto and RV insurance with home insurance, condo insurance, or renters’ insurance. This is also a great way to save time every month and just deal with one easy payment.
  • Keeping a Good Driving Record: if you’re fortunate enough to have no accidents at all on your driving record, you could be eligible for a very welcome discount. As is common with auto insurance as well, this gives the company insuring you a clear picture of what they can expect.
  • Paying in Full: since so many covered individuals choose to divide up their payments over the cumulative year, insurance companies gladly offer discounts for paying the lump sum in full.
  • RV Safety Courses: this is an excellent way to learn more about the medium that will provide you so many future hours of enjoyment on vacation and reduce your costs after completion. Each year more Americans are choosing to excitedly hit the road in an RV, and these classes provide a way to get a handle on unique driving challenges.

With the rising trend of families enjoying the great outdoors in RVs, safety and precautions have never been more critical. At the Alexander Insurance of St Charles, we understand the value of your family’s well-being and your investment in your RV. Contact us now to find out more about your RV insurance options, and secure your future of adventuresome open-road exploration!

28Jun

Pointers for Getting Summer Done Right RV Style: The Enjoyment of Modern Mobility for Ultimate Exploration

After the nation has endured more than two years of feeling locked down in so many ways, the chance to see soul-stirring locations such as the Grand Canyon and other amazing national parks are just a start of what you can do with a well-equipped RV. There’s nothing quite as freedom-inducing as having a place to spend the entire evening on wheels, and the “Winnebago Warrior” spirit has been around for decades. Many people right here in Missouri are asking us about the different types of coverage that they will need to do the job right and feel as if they are protected in all ways once they hit the road. 

Are you Holding the Best Type of RV Insurance Possible For Your Needs? There are several different types of recreational vehicles that offer tons of sleeping space, outdoor and indoor cooking options, and the means for the whole family to escape and enjoy the great outdoors on your own terms. Here it is important to note that you may not just want to rent it, cover it, and put it in drive before you go: there are many things that you may want to learn about the handling and overall performance of your RV before hitting a place such as the Ozarks with a recreation-bound fervor! 

The main differences that we can go over with you here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles depend on whether you have a camper, motorhome, or trailer. In most states as a rule, you’ll need liability, property damage, and bodily injury as your minimum requirements for coverage. If your RV motorhome is not completely paid for by you, the lending party will want you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage to provide your due diligence protecting their property while waiting for the title transfer process to be completed in its entirety. 

Is RV Insurance Required During all Times of Operation? If you happen to damage your RV or impose injuries upon another party, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. Depending on the type of incident that occurred, your insurance policy may kick in and pay for the losses or injuries up to your coverage amount. One of the most important things to consider while looking at your options for RV coverage is that your premium is determined by how often you use it, and if it is just used occasionally or if you are using it as a full-time place of residence. 

Comprehensive Coverage will protect your RV from outright theft, vandalism, windshield damage, rocks and debris that may be kicked up, and sudden impact with animals. Collision coverage takes care of damage to your RV if an accident takes place no matter which driver was ruled at fault. Both coverages will include a deductible, which is paid out of pocket before coverage much like forms of health care coverage. 

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability is the coverage type that is usually the predominant one being required for motorhomes. It will act to pay for damage or injuries that you cause while driving your motorhome and will thankfully cover legal fees that could occur after any type of accident. Travel trailers do not require liability coverage because it is usually provided by the vehicle that is in place with the necessary muscle and horsepower to keep the load movin’ at all costs. 

Uninsured/Underinsured Property Damage and Bodily Injury: if your motorhome is hit and damaged by someone who is not carrying insurance at all or does not have enough to properly cover the damage they’ve caused, the uninsured and uninsured motorist property damage coverage type will pay to repair for replacement, or for any injuries that happen during the incident. 

It has been exhilarating to know that all our valued customers here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles are able to get back out and enjoy everything the fresh air and stoking challenges the wild can offer. Having a moving space in tow allows for the freedom to come back from the lake and chill out for a bit, have a movie night if the weather takes a drastic turn, or even bunk up properly with some of the extra family fun-seekers that came along for the ride. If you are just heading out for a few weeks or want to consider roving around in an RV permanently, come sit down with us and plan for being well-protected from loss, accidents, and damage: There is too much time you’ll want to spend enjoying open spaces instead of worrying about any trouble that will arise from not properly covering your necessary insurance bases!

09Mar

Recreational Vehicle Insurance Coverage: Is Your RV Covered?

Before you know it, spring will be here, tempting you to hit the road for an adventure. Maybe you already own an RV, or perhaps it’s on your bucket list to rent or buy. Whether you’re exploring Missouri or elsewhere, make sure your recreational vehicle has the right protection needed for all your adventures. Confused about which policy is right for you? Alexander Insurance agency has got your back when it comes to insurance coverage for your RV. It is required in every state to have RV insurance. However, depending on what type of recreational vehicle you own will determine what coverage you will need. 

RV Classes Explained

Not all RVs are the same. Take a look at the different vehicle classes below to help you find the right policy for you.

Class A 

The largest and most luxurious RV specifications, Class A, includes converted buses or motorhomes typically sleeping up to eight people comfortably. These vehicles can be up to 75 feet long and are commonly used for those who travel several times of the year.

Class B

Relatively smaller than Class A vehicles, Class B accommodates up to four people in the sleeping compartment. These vehicles include cargo van-type designs, travel trailers, and camper vans. Class B vehicles do not have a cab-over.

Class C

Class C vehicles are a more compact version of larger Class A vehicles. These options are typically built on a van frame or truck chassis. This includes vehicles that use a standard cargo van as the driving portion with the camper portion extending over the cab. Fifth wheel vehicles are also included in this class.

What Does Recreational Vehicle Insurance cover?

Like auto insurance, RV insurance may cover typical risks, including collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage. Additional protection for personal belongings, accessories like awnings, and satellites are available. If your RV is your full-time residence, full-timer coverage is also available.

Additional Coverage Options May Include:

  • Emergency expenses
  • Medical and emergency payments
  • Property damage liability
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage
  • Bodily injury liability
  • Vacation liability
  • Towing and roadside assistance coverage

Whether you rent, own or are looking to rent or own an RV, be sure to do your research to find quality insurance that will cover you in case of an accident or other circumstances. Keep in mind, even if you rent an RV, you are still required to have RV insurance. 
If you live in St.Charles County, St.Louis, or surrounding areas and are looking for a Recreational Vehicle insurance policy that suits your needs, speak with one of our team members at Alexander Insurance today. Call (636)949-9525.