We'll Help You Find the Best RV Insurance in Minutes

There's been a pretty big shift in the RV (or recreational vehicle) world in the past few years. On top of the large number of bucket-list-conquering retirees, more and more Gen-Xers and Millennials have begun exploring the country via RVs, motorhomes, and more.

And who can blame them? After all, with an RV, you get all the joys of the open road with the comforts of staying right on your couch. How perfect is that? 

But every new adventure requires the right protection to keep it rolling—that's where RV insurance enters the picture. A local independent insurance agent will help you shop multiple carriers to deliver a range of insurance options to meet your needs, from coverage to cost. Together, you and your agent will decide which is the right choice, and you'll be ready to go. Easy as that. But first, here are a few things about RV insurance you'll definitely want to know.

Types of RVs and Motorhomes

Before you can find out what type of insurance you need, you need to know how your vehicle is classified, for example:

• Class A motorhome: these are the largest RVs on the road—pretty much a home on wheels
• Class B motorhome: smaller-sized RVs, a Class B is more like a nice-sized van with amenities
• Class C motorhome: mid-sized models, these are also sometimes called mini-motorhomes
• Bus conversion: a unique creation, this is a bus that's been converted into an RV
• Travel trailers: towable motorhomes, these are typically attached by a trailer hitch
• Fifth wheels: towable motorhomes, these are attached to a truck with a fifth-wheel hitch
• Truck campers: Add-on campers attached to a truck bed

When you talk to your agent, you'll start here. Once you've discussed your plans and needs, you can move on to the coverages you need.

Why Do I Need RV Insurance?

An RV is a unique combo. Part home and part vehicle, it allows owners to enjoy the comforts and luxury of a home, with the mobility of a vehicle.  And despite being on wheels, it still includes homey comforts like a bed, dishes, a TV, and even a fridge. That means your policy coverage needs to be a bit more extensive, to reflect the protection you need. 

Now, you most likely financed your RV through a bank. And more often than not, the lender will require insurance for your RV in order to finalize the deal and protect their investment in you. So in this case, it is mandatory.

Beyond that, most US states require a liability policy at an absolute minimum to cover any property damage, medical costs, or legal fees that come along with an accident. 

Several states go even further, requiring uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in case you're hit by another driver who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn't have enough to pay for the damage. 

Just now, required or not, proper coverage is always recommended. After all, you never know what type of incidents you'll encounter out on the road. And without the right protection in place, you'll be paying it all out of pocket.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

Your RV insurance policy can cover a number of situations. In most cases, your coverage limits are typically up to you, with the exception of areas that have already put legal minimums in place. 

It’s important to take the time to go over how you plan to use your RV with an independent insurance agent so they can help make sure you have the coverage you need.

For convenience, some RV owners just add coverage to their personal auto policy (PAP). But beware, this can leave a significant number of coverage gaps in your personal property and liability. It’s recommended you have a higher limit on your coverage that's more inclusive of the specific incidents that occur with RVs.

One big factor in deciding the type of coverage you need is how you plan on using it. If you only use your RV occasionally for seasonal trips or as a permanent residence without moving it, you probably don't need a lot of protection. 

But if you're constantly traveling the roads, you'll need specialized coverage called full-timers coverage (See below.) 

Now that we have that established, let’s start with some standard coverage options available:

• Liability insurance: Covers the costs associated with any injuries or property damage you're responsible for due to an accident.
• Collision: Covers the costs to repair or replace your damaged or destroyed vehicle after an accident.
• Comprehensive: Formally known as "other than collision," this portion of your policy covers damage to your vehicle from things like theft and weather damage.
• Personal injury protection/medical payments: Pays medical bills and other expenses whether you’re at fault or not
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists: Protects you financially if the other driver doesn’t have any car insurance or not enough to pay for all expenses.

Additional coverage options worth considering include:

• Total loss replacement: Pays to replace your RV in the event of a total loss. This is usually only available for brand-new RVs that have never had a previous owner. 
• Physical damage coverage: Covers physical damage or theft.
• Pet injury coverage: Covers vet fees for an injury to an animal or replacement costs for death.
• Towing and roadside assistance: Covers the cost to help fix problems or tow your vehicle to a repair shop.
• Attached accessories: Coverage to repair or replace things like antennas and awnings.
• Personal effects coverage: Covers personal property like dishes and sporting equipment.
• Vacation liability: Covers the cost of bodily injury or property damage that occurs when the RV is being used as a temporary residence.

For full-timers, though, coverage options will typically require higher liability limits, closer to those of a homeowners policy.

Extend Your Coverage with Add-on RV Endorsements

Policies can carry a number of different coverages, which can typically be added through an endorsement. An insurance endorsement is an addition to your insurance contract that provides unique coverage not listed in your original policy and can include:

• Emergency expense
• Rental reimbursement
• Miscellaneous vehicles
• Loan/Lease payoff
• Coverage suspension

Understanding Bus Conversion Coverage

If you've got big dreams of converting an old bus into a new home on the road, it's important to know in advance that finding coverage can be difficult for a number of reasons, like:

• Some companies will accept only commercial buses, but will not offer insurance for a school bus.
• Some insurers only cover professional conversion jobs, not if you did the modifications yourself.
• The age, make, and model are important. Some carriers will not insure buses over 20 years old.
• The motor type, transmission, and condition are also factors.
• In many instances, an appraisal is required before they will consider providing insurance.

Insurance coverage will vary from company to company, and so will their requirements. Make sure you consult with an agent to determine if your bus conversion qualifies for coverage, or if there are adjustments you may need to make in order to be approved.

Your agent can also talk with you about whether it is possible to combine your bus conversion insurance with other policies in order to get discounts and savings.

Ins and Outs of Travel Trailer Coverage

Maybe a big RV or converted bus isn't your style and you'd rather tow behind a travel trailer instead. That can be just as enjoyable, as they can come in a variety of different models and can be equipped with everything from basic accommodations to elaborate living quarters with a small sleeping area, a kitchen, and even a bathroom. 

As for protecting your travel trailer, in some cases, your auto insurance policy will, or can, cover you, but it depends on both the trailer and the insurance carrier. Many auto policies provide some limited coverage or may completely exclude a travel trailer. Some insurance companies require that you add provisions to your existing auto coverage to include a travel trailer.

By purchasing separate conventional trailer insurance, you can rest assured you'll be protected from liability lawsuits and other mishaps. Additionally, this form of insurance will also cover your contents and provide coverage in case you have a mechanical breakdown.

Even if your insurance company does extend your auto coverage to a conventional trailer, it's still a good idea to review the benefits of a separate policy. An independent agent is a great place to start to compare policy rates and options of multiple companies that carry travel trailer insurance.

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?

Because no two RVs and their drivers are the same, no two policies are the same. Which means it's impossible to say exactly what your RV insurance will cost. 

But basically, your RV or motorhome insurance premiums will depend on the type of coverage you choose, your state’s requirements, and a few other key factors, like: 

• Where you travel: A full-timer will need different coverage than a recreational motorist. How far you travel and where also matters, since areas with more risk will need additional protections.
• What you ride: The type of motorhome you're driving will make a big difference, too. A truck camper or travel trailer doesn’t have the same luxe amenities as a Class A motorhome, so it’s usually cheaper to repair or replace after an accident.
• How you ride: Your driving history is important. It tells an insurance company whether you're a risk-taker or a more cautious driver. If your driving record is full of traffic tickets and accidents, you’ll be considered higher-risk and typically pay higher premiums.

Get Lower Rates When You Bundle Your RV Insurance

Unless you live completely out of your RV, you'll most likely already have multiple insurance policies—car, home, or maybe even a boat.  If you take those existing policies and bundle them with your RV policy, you should get a nice little discount. Your carrier appreciates you investing all your business in one place, and they reward you with a great little discount.

When you work with an independent insurance agent, they can help you find the perfect carrier to provide the right coverage for your home and all your outdoor toys, simplify your insurance payments, and make filing claims easy and efficient. And who couldn't use a little more efficiency in their lives?Your independent insurance agent has your answers

Your Independent Insurance Agent Has Your Answers

Whatever you need, your agent has your back. With a brief intro into the terms, discounts, and process of your RV insurance, you know the kinds of questions to be asking. Your agent will ask you all about your RV, its use and your goals and help find the perfect blend of coverage at the right cost for you.