At our agency, we’ve helped tons of RV owners figure out the ins and outs of getting the right coverage for their home on wheels. RV insurance is a lot like auto or renters insurance in some ways, but it also has its own quirks—and that’s where we come in.

Understanding RV Insurance Essentials

Standard RV insurance policies typically encompass:

• Liability Coverage: Protects you if you’re responsible for injuries or damages to others.
  
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: Covers damages to your RV from various incidents, whether it’s a collision or unforeseen events like theft or natural disasters.
  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Safeguards you against drivers who lack adequate insurance.
  

Delving Deeper into Coverage Types

• Liability Coverage: This is bifurcated into bodily injury and property damage. For instance, a policy with 30/60/25 limits offers $30,000 per person for injuries, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
  
• Comprehensive and Collision: While collision covers damages from accidents, comprehensive addresses non-collision incidents like vandalism or weather-related damages. Deductibles apply, and adjusting them can influence your premium.
  
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Essential for protection against inadequately insured drivers, this coverage ensures you’re not left bearing the full cost after an accident.
  

Liability Coverage Example

Scenario:

While backing into a tight campsite at a state park, Mark accidentally sideswipes another camper’s picnic table setup and hits a fellow camper who was sitting nearby.

Result:

• The injured camper is taken to the hospital and incurs $18,000 in medical bills.
  
• The damaged picnic setup, including a portable grill and outdoor furniture, totals $4,000 in replacement costs.
  

Coverage Applied: Mark’s RV insurance has 30/60/25 liability limits. His bodily injury coverage pays the $18,000 in medical bills (under the $30,000 per person limit), and the property damage coverage pays the $4,000 for the broken items (well within the $25,000 limit). No out-of-pocket costs for Mark.

Comprehensive and Collision Example

Scenario:

Rachel parks her RV in a storage lot during the off-season. A powerful hailstorm rolls through, cracking her skylight and denting the roof and body panels. Two months earlier, she had also clipped a guardrail, leaving a long scrape down the side.

Result:

• The hailstorm damage is covered under comprehensive coverage.
  
• The scrape from hitting the guardrail falls under collision coverage.
  
• Her policy includes a $500 deductible for each type of coverage.
  

Coverage Applied:

Rachel files two claims. She pays $500 out-of-pocket for each, and her insurer covers the remaining $6,000 in repairs.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Example

Scenario:

Sam is driving his RV through rural Texas when a pickup truck runs a stop sign and slams into his side. The other driver has only state-minimum coverage, which doesn’t come close to covering Sam’s $40,000 in damages and $12,000 in medical bills.

Result:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance only covers $10,000 of Sam’s total losses.
  
• Sam’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage kicks in and covers the remaining $42,000.
  

Coverage Applied: Thanks to his coverage, Sam is fully reimbursed for both vehicle repairs and medical costs—without needing to sue the other driver.

Enhancing Your Policy with Additional Coverages

Depending on your RV usage, consider these supplementary options:

• Personal Property Coverage: Covers belongings inside your RV, from electronics to camping gear.
  
• Roadside Assistance: Offers services like towing, fuel delivery, and tire changes, ensuring you’re never stranded.
  
• Full-Time RV Coverage: Tailored for those who live in their RVs year-round, this provides protections akin to homeowners insurance.
  

Recognizing Policy Exclusions

It’s crucial to note that certain scenarios might not be covered:

• Towed Vehicles: Often require separate policies.
  
• International Travel: Venturing into countries like Mexico might necessitate additional coverage.
  

Tailoring Coverage to Your RV Type

Different RVs have distinct insurance needs:

• Class A: Large motorhomes, often luxurious.
  
• Class B: Compact campervans, ideal for solo travelers or couples.
  
• Class C: Mid-sized RVs, balancing space and maneuverability.
  
• Fifth-Wheel Trailers & Pop-Up Campers: Towed units that might require specialized coverage.
  

Insuring DIY Camper Conversions

For those who’ve transformed vans into cozy homes-on-wheels:

• Initial Coverage: Secure insurance before commencing modifications.
  
• Documentation: Maintain records of all upgrades, including receipts and photos.
  
• Honesty is Key: Always disclose modifications to ensure proper coverage.
  

Full-Time vs. Recreational Use: Choosing the Right Policy

Your RV usage dictates your insurance needs:

• Full-Time: If your RV is your primary residence, opt for comprehensive coverage that includes personal liability and property protection.
  
• Recreational: For occasional travelers, standard policies with options like vacation liability might suffice.
  

Partnering with the Right Insurance Provider

Several reputable companies offer RV insurance, including Progressive, Nationwide, GEICO, and State Farm. Some specialize in RV coverage, such as Good Sam Insurance.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on RV adventures is exhilarating, but ensuring you’re adequately protected is paramount. Our agency is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of RV insurance, tailoring policies to fit your unique journey. New to RV life? We’ll guide you through the insurance essentials step by step, helping you build a policy that fits your rig, your budget, and your travel plans—no guesswork required.