Recreational Vehicle Coverage
Recreational vehicle (RV for short) insurance is a type of vehicle insurance and includes many of the same coverages you’d find on a standard auto policy. RV coverage also offers specialty options depending on how you use your RV. It covers a variety of different vehicles like motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, pop up campers and truck campers.
FAQs
Types of RVs
The type of RV you own will influence the coverages you need to properly protect your investment.
- Class A motorhome is the largest of the motorhomes and is between 21 to 40 feet long.
- Class B motorhome is the smallest in the motorhome category and vehicles that fall into this category are commonly referred to as campervans.
- Class C motorhome is a mid-sized motorhome that measures up to 33 feet in length
- Conventional travel trailers & fifth-wheels are pulled behind a vehicle. Separate coverage may not be required but should certainly be considered.
- Pop-up & campers contain expandable living spaces and are towed behind another vehicle. Because they aren’t motorized, coverage may not be required but should be considered to protect against damage to the trailer itself and any belonging inside of it.
- DIY campers refers to a campervan that is being customized and renovated. In recent years, this practice has become more popular and it is important to note that insurance for this type of vehicle can vary. Talking to your agent before you begin renovations is the best way to ensure you have the right coverage.
Standard coverages
RV insurance includes standard coverages just like auto insurance.
- Bodily injury & property damage liability pays for damage or injuries you cause while operating your RV and often covers legal fees as well. This coverage is usually required by the state but travel trailers typically don’t need this coverage as it is provided by the vehicle towing the travel trailer.
- Medical payments assists in covering medical costs for injuries to you and you passengers, regardless of fault. This coverage does not apply to travel trailers.
- Uninsured & underinsured motorists can help cover bodily injury and property damage if your RV is damaged or you are injured by a driver who isn’t insured or who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your loss. This coverage also applies to hit and run accidents. Travel trailers don’t need this coverage because they are not motorized vehicles.
- Physical damage refers to collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision refers to damage to your RV as the result of an accident, like hitting a guardrail, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage protects your RV from causes of loss like theft, vandalism, fire and animal collision. Both collision and comprehensive coverages usually include a deductible and may be required if you have financed your RV.
If you have a motorhome, you will be required to have your state’s minimum insurance limits. Colorado’s minimum limits are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
Keep in mind that the minimum limits are often inadequate for most accidents.
Optional coverages
Most insurance carriers offer specialized, optional coverages for RVs. The below list includes some of the common optional coverages.
- Pest protection provides coverage for damage to RVs from insects, rodents, vermin and birds.
- Roadside assistance can help if you need a tire change, fuel or a jumpstart while you’re on the road.
- Custom equipment is important to have if your RV has custom parts, significant upgrades, customizations or special features
- Towing & labor covers towing, labor and other trip interruption expenses like lodging, alternate transportation and meals.
- Personal effects covers your belongings (like camping equipment) while you are vacationing in your RV
- Vacation liability provides protection if an accident happens on the RV premises while it is being used a temporary residence. For example, if your friend slips on the step of your parked travel trailer and is injured, this coverage could help.
- Total loss replacement is usually only available for newer RVs. Other RVs are insured for agreed value or actual cash value.
- Glass can help pay to replace or repair the windshield of your RV.
RVs vs travel trailers
The main difference between insurance for RVs and insurance for campers comes down to if you tow the item or not. If you tow it, insurance may be optional. If you can get it from point A to point B without the help of another vehicle, you will likely be required to purchase insurance by the state. Keep in mind that if you took out a loan on your RV, you will probably be required to have coverage by the lender, even if the state doesn’t mandate coverage.
Recreational vs full-timers coverage
Recreational insurance will cover your RV while it is on the road or parked at a vacation spot, as long as it isn’t your primary residence. If you live in your RV full time, you’ll need full-timers coverage, which is combination of a recreational policy and homeowners insurance.
What doesn’t RV insurance cover?
If you plan to take your RV out of the country, it is wise to check with your agent to see if you have coverage. Coverage in Canada can vary between carriers but coverage in Mexico is usually excluded unless specifically added. Typically, RV insurance does not cover wear and tear or damage from mold and fungi.
What does RV coverage cost?
RV insurance rates, like other insurance, are calculated based on risk. Some factors carriers consider when pricing this coverage include: the type of RV, the value of the RV, the amount of use, the amount of driving experience and your driving history.