Recreational vehicles, or RVs, are our homes away from home. To many, RVs are a way to get out and about, while still maintaining a sense of comfort. You can travel in style without the hassle of finding hotels and constantly packing and re-packing at different locations.
Of course, RVs can be expensive. They can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $300,000, depending on the style and what features they have. If something were to happen to that costly investment, you’d want it to be protected. That’s why you need RV insurance.
Key Takeaways
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- RV insurance provides protection if you cause injury or damage to others in your RV.
- The type of coverage will differ depending on if you use your RV recreationally or as a full-time home.
- RV insurance covers motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers.
- Most states require you to have bodily injury and property damage liability insurance on your RV.
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What is RV insurance?
RV insurance provides protection if you cause injury or damage to others in your RV. It can also help cover the damage to your own vehicle.
There are different types of coverages. They differ depending on how you use your vehicle. If you use your vehicle recreationally, the policy will differ from if you use your vehicle as a full-time home. Recreational insurance will cover your vehicle when on the road or parked in a recreational area, like a campsite. A full-time RV insurance policy is needed if you use your RV as your primary residence. It is similar to a recreational insurance policy, but you can add coverages more tailored to a “home.”
Customizing the RV insurance policy to cover different scenarios is part of the fun! What your individual policy covers is up to you.
Generally, an RV insurance policy will cover a motorhome, but travel trailers are trickier. If you have a travel trailer, the policy that covers the vehicle that pulls it (your auto insurance policy) typically will already cover the travel trailer; however, you may want to get an RV insurance policy to fill in the gaps your auto insurance policy might leave.
What exactly counts as an RV?
RV insurance covers seven different types of “RV”s.
- Class A Motorhomes
- Class B Motorhomes
- Class C Motorhomes
- Conventional Travel Trailers
- Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailers
- Pop-Up Campers
- Truck Campers
RV insurance does NOT cover boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. You will need separate policies for these other vehicles.
What is a Class A Motorhome?
These are heavy-duty motorhomes that often look like buses. They are on large frames and offer lots of room inside, providing a comfortable living space and “luxury” accommodations. They are generally 8.5 ft wide (the maximum in many states), but can be larger. These can be heavier, and if they weigh more than 26,000 pounds, you may need a special license.
What is a Class B Motorhome?
Class B motorhomes, also called “camper vans,” are a small type of RV. Most camper vans are 21 ft long or less. They generally can comfortably sleep four people and contain a kitchenette and bathroom, though they are not considered “luxury.”
What is a Class C Motorhome?
This type of motorhome falls between Class A and B motorhomes in size, at around 20-33 ft long. Class raised s C motorhomes can also be known as “mini-motorhomes” or “cabovers” because they often include a raised area that extends over the cab of the RV. Most fit around six people comfortably.
What is a Conventional Travel Trailer?
This is a travel trailer that is designed to be pulled by your personal vehicle, with a bumper/frame hitch. Your auto insurance should cover your travel trailer for liability claims, but it won’t pay if your trailer is damaged. With travel trailer insurance, you can be covered for damages. Additionally, some homeowners insurance policies will protect your belongings in the camping trailer, but not the trailer itself. You can customize an RV policy to cover both.
What is a Fifth-Wheel Travel Trailer?
A fifth-wheel travel trailer generally is 21-38 ft long and mounted to a pickup truck bed. The “fifth-wheel” in the name refers to a raised, U-shaped section above a coupling device on the cargo bed of the truck that offers more space inside and a unique outside look. This coupling device is vertically connected, whereas a regular travel trailer couples horizontally, meaning there is more maneuverability with a fifth-wheel trailer. You can detach your fifth-wheel trailer from your truck.
A fifth-wheel travel trailer must have a liability insurance policy, required by law. Once again, however, you might need separate travel trailer insurance to cover any physical damage to your fifth-wheel vehicle.
What is a Pop-Up Camper?
A pop-up camper is also known as a pop-up tent trailer. It can “pop-up” — it is easily stowed and transported because it is designed to collapse. Most have basic amenities.
Your auto insurance may provide liability coverage for this type of trailer, but you may want a customized RV coverage policy so you’re protected if you need repairs or a replacement after an accident.
What is a Truck Camper?
Truck campers are right at that RV-defined edge. This is an RV that rests inside the bed of the truck, providing extra space that can serve as a “little room” on the inside of the camper. These are the smallest RVs of the bunch, so many count these as cargo rather than an RV.
If I have one of these RVs, is RV Insurance required?
Many states only require you to have bodily injury and property damage liability insurance on any RV you might have. Motorhomes must be insured by most state laws. Of course, many individuals want additional coverage, like protection against theft, natural storm damage, and flat tires.
With travel trailers, because they’re not self-motorized and are attached behind your vehicle, insurance is optional. Sometimes your lender will require you to have physical damage coverage. For a conventional travel trailer, your auto or homeowners insurance may already cover some aspects of your travel trailer, but you will need to check. If necessary, you can customize an RV insurance policy to fill in the gaps that are leftover.
Insurance for pop-up campers is not required unless you’ve financed or leased it.
For a truck camper, states do not require insurance by law. However, you will want coverage on your truck, and you may want an RV insurance policy to cover your camper and the belongings inside.
What does RV insurance cover?
Common coverages within RV insurance policies include:
- Physical damage coverage: This can include protection from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, accidents, collisions, and more.
- Bodily injury and property damage liability: This is generally required for motorhomes in most states. It covers you for any damage/injury you cause while driving.
- Uninsured/underinsured property damage and bodily injury: You may need this if your RV is damaged by another driver who does not have insurance.
- Medical payments
- Roof protection
- Pest protection: This would offer protection from damage to your RV from insects, birds, vermin, and other animals.
RV insurance typically will NOT COVER general wear-and-tear or damage from mold, rot, or fungi.
How can I learn more?
RV insurance is necessary, but often overlooked in discussion. Reach out to us so you can learn more about what you need to keep your RV protected.