Whether you live in your RV or merely use it for vacationing, RV Insurance can be very helpful if something were to happen to your RV. And, more importantly, it is a requirement by law in most states.
Similar to car insurance, if you get in an accident or someone steals your RV, having RV insurance will help you take care of the costs. Since you already made an investment in your motorhome or whatever type of RV you own, it’s always smart to protect it.
As with any insurance, there are different kinds of coverage, companies that offer RV insurance and pricing.
Coverage
The kind of coverage and the dollar amount you decide to purchase depends on a few factors: the kind of RV you own, where you live or plan to reside with your RV, and whether your RV is your home or you just take it out on vacations.
If you own a motorhome, then you will need insurance that covers whatever the state’s minimum liability requirement is just as in auto insurance. The minimum liability requirements are typically around $50,000 in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage.
What about coverage for personal property?
Most of the RV insurance policies will also give you the option of covering any of the personal belongings that you keep in the RV or anything else that is of value to you. For example, if you live in your RV, your laptops, television and even satellite dish can be covered.
Car Insurance vs. RV Insurance
Car insurance is really just for cars and not RVs.
Some auto insurance policies might have the option of extending liability coverage for the towable RVs, but most auto policies aren’t enough coverage. RV insurance has better overall inclusive coverage which covers most of everything.
As long as you’re purchasing insurance, you want to make sure that you’re covered for any personal injury, theft or even sudden rain or tornados on the road. RV insurance will do that; auto insurance won’t.
Does RV Insurance included Converted Buses?
It depends on the kind of bus you own. Most of the RV insurance companies won’t cover school bus-converted homes since they have a bigger risk of rollover accidents.
Your bus-converted RV needs to be registered as a recreational vehicle to be able to purchase RV-insurance. Depending on what state you decide to register the bus, it could require various other things before getting insurance. Your local DMV can help you find out what the requirements are.
What else is included in RV insurance?
Once you decide on the type of RV insurance you would like to purchase, there are other coverage options that you can include.
The most common additional coverage options are the following:
1. Uninsured motorist
Uninsured motorist coverage will cover you in case a driver who causes your accident does not have the proper liability insurance to cover the damage from the accident or any medical expense that might occur.
2. Comprehensive and collision
Comprehensive and collision coverage will cover any damage caused by your vehicle whether it is an accident with another car, theft or even a natural disaster.
3. Vacation or campsite
Vacation or campsite coverage will be for anything that might occur at the campsite where your RV is stationed or for any injury or property damage at the site.
4. Personal Property
Personal property coverage is to replace any personal items that were stolen or any damage to these items including furniture, RV, clothing and laptops.
5. Roadside assistance or Towing
Roadside assistance or towing coverage is for the cost of any flat tire, mechanical breakdown, your battery dies or if you run out of gas on the road.
6. Total Loss or Replacement
The total loss or replacement coverage will cover the cost of your RV if it is stolen or even totaled.
7. Specialized coverage for your RV
Specialized or extra coverage includes additional protection for items that aren’t typically included in standard policies. Some examples are the replacement of water pumps, solar panels and even pets.
8. Emergency expense
Emergency expense coverage includes the cost of travel and/or living expenses that are needed when you are in an accident that is more than 100 miles from where you live.
9. Full Time Coverage for RV
Full time coverage includes extra medical coverage, liability coverage and even secured storage coverage for those that live in an RV for more than five months a year.
How To Choose the Best Policy
To choose the best RV insurance, it depends on if you’re using your RV on a part or fulltime basis.
If you plan to use your RV as your residence, than a full-time coverage policy is the best option. This will protect you against any loss or liability when your RV is stationary for a period of time. It will also cover the costs of any medical expense or emergency if anyone is hurt inside or even near your RV.
If you plan to use your RV as a vacation home or just seasonally, then a campsite liability coverage policy with an additional storage option is always a good choice. This will help you save money and protect you for any accident or occurrence when your RV is on the road or just parked at the camp site.
Once you decide on the type of insurance that works the best for your situation, make sure to get quotes from at least 3 different companies.
If you want more detailed information about RV insurance, this guide to the best RV insurance can give you some good information, as well as some of the best companies to purchase RV insurance.
