RV Insurance: Understand What Policy You Need
Are you excited about hopping into your RV and cruising to an unknown destination? Sounds wonderful, right? Now, before you step on that gas, you must understand that driving out there can be unpredictable. And there’s a crucial decision to make before getting started if you’re to make your journey seamless- RV insurance.
Typically, RV insurance shields you from financial worries after unexpected mishaps. It also offers legal protection if you cause damages or injuries. But with several insurance coverage options available, navigating the RV insurance maze can be overwhelming.
Luckily, this post will break it down for you, discussing what is RV insurance, the standard coverages for motorhomes and RVs, what is covered in RV insurance, and more!
What is RV Insurance?
Simply put, RV insurance provides you with financial peace of mind in case of incidents that cause injuries or property damage.
RV insurance protects you from the unexpected such as:
- Accidents: Oops, bumped a curb? Liability coverage steps in to pay for property damage to others.
- Mishaps: Tree branch scratches your paint? Comprehensive coverage has your back.
Is Insurance Required When I’m Renting an RV?
Any vehicle that includes motorhomes, driven on the road must be insured. And, yes, insurance is required in nearly all states, except Virginia and New Hampshire.
Still, even if vehicle coverage isn’t mandatory in these two states, it’s advisable to buy more than the minimum mandated coverage. Relying solely on liability coverage will not protect your RV in case of theft or if it crashes.
And with the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showing the number of crashes being on the rise over the past several years, it’s crucial to have more than the minimum coverage. For instance, you can have both comprehensive coverage that helps with other types of damages and theft, and collision coverage that will pay for repairs caused by accidents.
Note: When renting an RV, car insurance policies may include driving-related coverage. That’s why it’s advisable to check with your insurance company to see if your policy provides adequate protection, or if you require additional RV coverage.
What are the Standard Coverages for Motorhomes and RVs?
Below, we list a few RV insurance coverage options:
Required:
- Comprehensive: Theft, vandalism, fire, weather, animal collisions
- Collision: Repairs/replaces RV in accidents
- Liability: Pays for damages and injuries you cause (legal defense if you’re sued).
Optional:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Covers you if hit by someone with no/low insurance.
- Medical Payments: Covers your passengers’ medical bills (motorhomes only).
Extra RV Coverages
- Roadside Assistance: Towing, tire changes, battery jumps, fuel delivery.
- Total Loss Replacement: Replace the totaled RV with a new one
- Replacement Cost/Personal Effects: Covers personal items inside your RV.
- Vacation Liability: Liability coverage while on vacation (upgradeable).
- Full Timer’s Liability: For those using an RV as a permanent residence.
- Loss Assessment: Covers fees/charges from your RV association.
- Emergency Expense Coverage: Pays for food, hotels, etc. if your RV is disabled.
- Pet Injury Coverage: Covers vet bills for injured pets in your RV.
- Roof Protection Plus: Repairs/replaces damaged RV roof.
- Pest Damage Protection: Covers damage from non-domesticated animals.
Extra RV Coverages
These are a few necessary add-ons that every RV owner should consider. Just keep in mind that these add-ons depend on the specific company and policy you choose:
- Zero Depression
This comes in handy when you hit a bump. It ensures you get a full refund amount for totaled RVs, which minimizes financial fallouts.
- Consumables
This add-on covers essential filters, fluids, and lubricants required for regular maintenance, keeping your RV’s performance at its best.
- Engine Protect
As with all motor engines, expect trouble while on your journey. Such issues include engine overheating, electrical malfunctions, oil leaks, or transmission problems. Always stay vigilant and proactive with maintenance checks to avoid serious problems.
The Engine Protect add-on covers replacements or repairs that are not covered by standard warranties, hence safeguarding your RV’s engine and your adventure.
- Return to Invoice
This add-on plays another crucial part in your RV’s safety. Imagine if your RV gets totaled, without proper insurance: you will end up incurring massive losses. However, if you have Return to Invoice coverage, it reimburses not just the depreciated value, but the full purchase price, meaning you get back a brand-new RV. Pretty cool, right?
- Tire Protection
Flat tires happen all the time when you least expect them. The tire protection perk covers replacements, and that includes (mounting and balancing) for worn-out or damaged tires, and that alone is reason enough to have this add-on.
Remember, you need to choose add-ons based on your driving habits and needs for worry-free adventure.
How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?
On average, the cost of RV insurance is $1500 per year. If you opt for full-time RV insurance, expect to pay as much as $3000 annually and part-time RV insurance costs as little as $200 per year.
Factors that affect the cost of insurance include:
- Whether the RV is used or new
- Where you live
- Whether you’re using the RV for road trips or as a residence on the road
- Type of RV you own
An insurer will consider which class your RV falls into. Is it A, B, or C? Now Class A – includes the largest motorized RVs (those that look like tour buses), Class B – includes the smallest motorized RVs (the size of a van), and finally Class C – falls between the previous two.
“It costs less if your insurer can add an RV to your personal auto insurance, which is better than purchasing a special RV policy.
However, coverage for the RV is basic and less specialized than if you purchased a special RV policy, says Melanie Arnold, new business manager at Evans Ewan & Brady Insurance Agency in Georgetown, Texas”.
What Does RV Insurance Cover?
RV insurance is similar to the insurance options available for your car. For instance, the best RV insurance may include:
- Liability insurance covers costs for when you bump into another car, or cause property damage. It also covers your legal defense if you’re sued.
- Comprehensive insurance covers vehicle theft or weather-related damages like fire, vandalism, falling objects, and even wild animals.
- Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle caused by a crash or a run-in with an
object like a tree or utility pole.
Even if RV insurance isn’t mandatory in your state, it’s still a safety precaution you should consider. Insurance protects your finances if you get sued after, say an accident. On the other hand, coverage such as personal injury protection covers injuries you or your passengers sustain.
Get Your RV Insured and head for The Palms!
Experience the ultimate family-friendly RV resort destination at The Palms at Lake Whitney. As you plan your RV adventure, be sure to make The Palms your top choice. With its premier location in the Lake Whitney area, The Palms offers a welcoming atmosphere, with a multitude of amenities. Enjoy close proximity to Lake Whitney for fishing and lake recreation hotspots, convenient storage facilities, an on-site dog park for your furry friends, relaxing campfire gatherings, a refreshing swimming pool, and convenient on-site laundry facilities. Make The Palms at Lake Whitney your next stop for an unforgettable RV experience.