When you have an RV or camper, you have two sets of insurance needs. One is for accidents while driving just like any other vehicle. The other is what happens when your RV or camper is parked, whether that’s at home or at your destination. RV and camper insurance will cover all of your needs as long as you choose the right options.
What is RV/Camper Insurance?
RV/camper insurance is a special insurance policy for RVs and campers that combines the different coverages that you need. Like auto insurance or any other type of insurance, you can select from different coverage options to match your individual situation, risk tolerance, and any other insurance you may have.
Do You Have to Have RV/Camper Insurance?
Insurance is always a good idea to protect the investment in your recreational vehicle as well as to protect yourself from other liability. Also, there are three specific times you may be required to carry insurance.
- When you drive your RV or camper on public roads, you have the same legal requirement to carry state minimum insurance coverage as any other driver. Keep in mind that your car insurance may not extend to your RV or camper.
- If you took out a loan to buy your RV or camper, your lender will typically require you to carry insurance to guarantee that you’d be able to pay off the loan if your RV gets totaled in an accident or stolen.
- A campground or any other location you bring your RV to has the right to require that you carry insurance, such as liability coverage, as a condition of entering.
Does the Class of RV or Camper Matter?
RV/camper insurance is similar to auto insurance in that the coverage options are the same for most classes of vehicles, but the pricing will vary. Larger and heavier vehicles often have a higher chance of getting into accidents that cause more damage and are typically more expensive to insure. The value of the RV or camper itself also affects your insurance cost when you buy replacement coverage.
Class A, B, and C motorhomes will almost always need their own complete insurance policies. For trailers or campers that you tow, your auto insurance may cover your accident liability. However, you’d still want to insure the trailer or camper itself plus consider other types of liability that can happen at your campsite.
What Are Your RV/Camper Insurance Options?
There are several different types of coverage you can include in your RV/camper insurance.
Accident Liability Coverage
Accident liability protects you if you cause an accident while driving on the road. You will typically select separate limits for personal injuries and property damage. In addition to paying any claims, your insurance company may also cover your legal defense if you’re sued for an accident.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
There are several different names for coverages that protect your RV or camper itself. In addition to collision and comprehensive coverage, you might see total loss replacement or property damage. There are different options to protect your RV from accident damage and non-accident damage both on the road, at your destination, and in storage back at home. Depending on the age of your RV, you may be eligible to extend your coverage to include the cost of buying a new replacement RV instead of only receiving its depreciated value. Work with your insurance agent to pick the options you need to cover all situations.
Personal Effects Coverage
You probably fill your RV with clothes, toys or sports equipment, small appliances, and everything else you need for a vacation on the road. Personal effects coverage protects these items from accident damage, fires, theft, and other incidents. Home insurance sometimes covers some of your items, but there may be value limits, or it could depend on whether it’s something you use in your home or something that stays in your RV permanently. You’ll need to review your home insurance policy to see if it gives you any coverage.
Vacation Liability Coverage
Vacation liability coverage covers your property damage and injury liability at your destination. For example, your kid may hit a baseball through a window and injure someone. Your home insurance or umbrella insurance may provide some liability protection while you’re away from home, so this is another situation where you need to understand how your various insurance policies work together.
What if Your Leave Your RV or Camper Permanently Parked?
If you leave an RV or camper permanently parked as a primary home, guest house, or vacation home, you can skip the accident-related coverages. If you ever wanted to drive your RV or camper to a new location, you would need to reactivate these coverages. You’ll still want to maintain the other insurance coverages to protect your RV or camper from loss and to protect yourself against other types of liability claims.
What if I Don’t Use My RV or Camper a Lot?
Many insurance companies will base your rate based on how much you use your RV or camper. This might be based on the number of days per year or the miles that you drive. If you report lower usage, you can expect to see lower quotes. If you end up wanting to use your RV or camper more, you’ll have to adjust your policy.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Adam Johnston Insurance in Janesville, WI, can help you figure out what insurance coverage you need for your RV or camper. Contact us now to request more information or to start your quote.