You can’t put a price on the freedom of the open road
But if an accident happens with your camper, you may find out that there are a lot of things that people put prices on – and that they expect you to pay. RV insurance keeps you protected.
Is RV Insurance Required?
Every state requires at a minimum coverage liability policy for recreational vehicles that drive under their own power – motorhomes, campervans, or anything with a steering wheel – and many states require you also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on top of it. Towed campers, like fifth wheels and travel trailers are generally not required to have insurance.
Whether insurance is required or not, an RV can be a big investment, and the people you invite in are those that are closest to you. Two reasons why carrying sufficient coverage can be so important.
What Does RV Insurance Cover?
Like a camper combines elements of a home and a vehicle, RV insurance has elements of car insurance policies and homeowner’s insurance policies, providing a combination of coverages that reimburse you for different costs. Most states requires liability coverage at the minimum, but other common offered coverages are below.
- General Liability Coverage pays for any covered damages to others you are found legally liable for if you are in an accident.
- Campsite Liability Coverage this coverage treats your RV like a temporary residence; this will pay legal bills and damages if someone is injured on site while your RV is parked and being used for vacation/recreational purposes. Even if your RV is a towable, you may disconnect your vehicle when you are camping.
- Collision Coverage pays to repair for damage done to your RV when in a wreck with a moving or parked vehicle, after a deductible is met.
- Comprehensive Coverage reimburses you for damage caused to your vehicle by theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, rain, and other specified non-collision incidents.
- Medical Payments Coverage will cover you or your passengers’ immediate medical bills due to an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Liability coverage only covers damages done to others, and your personal health insurance may have a high deductible, leaving you to pay for an ambulance or X-Rays out of pocket. Medical Payments Coverage can bridge that gap. Similar to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in no-fault states.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage even if you aren’t found at fault in a collision, the other party might be unable to pay all of your injuries. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run or the at-fault party has no insurance, this coverage will reimburse you for medical expenses. It is often combined with Underinsured Motorist Coverage, which will reimburse you for medical expenses beyond the other party’s insurance limits in cases of serious injury.
What if I live in my RV Full-time?
For some people, RV-ing isn’t just for vacation. If you live out of your RV as your permanent residence, or even if you just stay there RV over 150 nights each year, you need a full-timer’s policy. If you stay that often and don’t get a full-timer’s policy, your claim may be denied.
The types of coverage are similar to those in any RV policy, perhaps with more options for personal property coverage; but many of the specifics are more comprehensive in consideration of the additional time you are spending in your motorhome or trailer.
The bottom line is, if you are spending that much time in your RV, it’s worth it to have the best coverage you can.
The Bottom Line on RV and Motorhome Coverage
As you can see, RV and Travel Trailer Insurance can be complicated, and with the variety of camper sizes and options out there, no two plans are just the same. The insurance experts at Plummer Insurance can tailor a plan to whatever home away from home you choose.
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