If you’re someone who loves taking vacations in a motorhome or even lives in an RV full-time, then having RV insurance is an absolute necessity. RV insurance not only covers your financial responsibilities in case of an accident but also offers optional policies that protect your RV against damage, theft, and breakdowns.
What Does RV Insurance Cover?
Similar to personal auto insurance, RV insurance provides various types of coverage. At a minimum, it includes personal liability coverage, offering legal and financial protection if you cause an accident resulting in injury or damage to another driver or their vehicle. However, personal liability insurance only applies when the accident is deemed your fault.
In addition to personal liability coverage, many RV insurance companies offer optional endorsements that provide more comprehensive protection. Some of the common endorsements include:
- Collision insurance: Pays for repairing or replacing your RV in case of an accident where you’re at fault.
- Comprehensive insurance: Covers non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire damage, flood damage, hail damage, or accidents involving animals.
- Roadside assistance: Provides basic RV repairs like tire changes, fuel delivery, or battery replacements.
- Personal belongings coverage: Protects your belongings inside the RV if they are damaged or stolen.
- Permanent attachments coverage: Offers extra protection for permanent attachments like porches or awnings.
- Vacation liability insurance: Provides additional liability protection while your RV is parked in a campground or motor home park.
How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?
The cost of RV insurance varies for each individual and depends on multiple factors. According to Progressive, the average annual premium for a travel trailer is around $502, while for a motorhome, it’s approximately $848. However, minimum coverage RV insurance policies start as low as $125 per year.
Before purchasing an RV insurance policy, it’s a good idea to shop around and obtain quotes from different insurance companies. The cost of RV insurance can differ significantly for the same type and amount of coverage. By comparing quotes, you can find the most affordable policy for your personal situation.
What Affects Your RV Insurance Rate?
Insurance companies consider several criteria when calculating your RV insurance premium. Some of the factors that may affect your rate include:
- Location
- Type of RV
- Age of RV
- Types of coverage
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Claim history
- Driving history
- RV usage
- RV driving experience
Where to Get RV Insurance
Numerous national and regional insurance providers offer RV insurance coverage. Some of the major insurance companies that sell RV insurance are Progressive, State Farm, Geico, Allstate, The Hartford, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, and USAA.
Moreover, some insurance companies specialize in RV insurance and exclusively offer policies for RVs and motorhomes. Consider exploring RV America Insurance, Good Sam Insurance, Roamly, and Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) for specialized coverage.
How to Lower Your RV Insurance Premium
RV insurance premiums can be expensive, especially for newer motorhomes or full-time RV living. However, there are several ways to save money on your RV insurance costs. Consider the following savings opportunities:
- Ask about discounts: Many RV insurance companies offer discounts for having no recent claims, taking an RV safety course, maintaining continuous RV insurance, or having a clean claims record.
- Drive safely: Having no recent accidents or traffic violations can help you qualify for a discount.
- Bundle your policies: Purchasing RV insurance along with auto insurance or homeowners insurance from the same provider can often lead to a premium discount.
- Pay in full: Paying your annual RV insurance premium upfront and in full may qualify you for an automatic discount.
- Get multiple quotes: Shopping around and obtaining quotes from different RV insurance providers can help you find the most affordable rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does RV insurance include roadside coverage?
Most RV insurance policies do not automatically include roadside assistance. However, you can add it as an endorsement for an additional cost. While this will increase your premium, it provides valuable protection that may not be covered by services like AAA.
Does RV insurance cover theft of personal items?
Some RV insurance policies cover the theft of personal items, but coverage may vary. Certain insurance companies also offer separate endorsements that provide more extensive protection for stolen personal belongings. To know what is covered, it’s best to check with your RV insurance provider.
Is RV insurance more expensive than car insurance?
In general, RV insurance tends to be less expensive than car insurance. However, premiums can be higher for larger or newer RVs with a greater value. To determine the cost of your RV insurance, it’s recommended to obtain personalized quotes from different insurers and compare rates.
Do I really need RV insurance?
If you own an RV, having RV insurance is crucial. In nearly every state, it’s a legal requirement, regardless of how frequently you use the RV or the distance you travel. Without RV insurance, you could face severe legal and financial consequences if you cause an accident or get caught driving uninsured. While your personal car insurance policy may provide basic liability coverage for trailers attached to your vehicle’s hitch, many people opt for additional RV insurance to safeguard against potential theft, fire, or major damages not fully covered by their current auto insurance policy. When in doubt, always check your policy and shop around!
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