What type of insurance does an RV need?
RV insurance is required for self-powered motorhomes and campers in most states.
Drivable motorhomes require a separate RV insurance policy. Because they have a motor and are considered a vehicle, most states require you to purchase the same liability insurance you would for a car or truck.
You can add a motorhome to your homeowner’s policy, but this only covers it against damage while parked or stored at your house. You're better off with specialized RV insurance that protects all aspects of the RV. You may be able to request an RV insurance quote from your homeowners or car insurance carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims..
What kind of insurance do travel trailers need?
Travel trailers do not need a separate insurance policy, but you must have a valid auto liability policy when towing. Since they do not have a motor, they are considered an extension of your vehicle, and your liability coverage extends to the trailer.
It’s essential to understand that this coverage does not pay for damage to the actual trailer – it pays for injuries and damages you cause to another person or their property.
If you want to protect the trailer from dings, glass breakage, water damage, etc., you should purchase a separate RV insurance policy that includes comprehensive and collision coverage. Your auto insurance doesn’t cover damage to the trailer. So, while there are no legal travel trailer insurance requirements, you may want to buy RV insurance coverage to protect your investment.
People ask
Does my car insurance cover my travel trailer?
Yes, but only for liability. It won't cover any damage to your trailer or anything in it.
What's the difference between motorhome and travel trailer insurance?
The main difference between motorhome and travel trailer insurance is that a motorhome requires a separate policy no matter what. Motorhomes are self-powered vehicles and are subject to state minimum liability laws just like a car or truck. Camper vans also fit into this RV insurance category.
Your auto policy covers travel trailers because they are considered an extension of your vehicle. The liability coverage on your car or truck extends to whatever you are towing behind it.
For both types of RVs, additional coverage is a good idea. The liability minimums only cover damage to another person or their property – not your RV. You can add more options to the basic RV policy, such as collision and comprehensive coverageComprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. It is subject to a deductible. for your motorhome. For your trailer, you need to purchase an RV policy for the additional coverage.
How much does RV insurance cost?
According to Progressive, the average cost of RV insurance ranges from just $125 a year (for a liability-only policy) to $1.052 a year for a full coverage policy on a motorhome. A travel trailer policy falls in between, at about $594 a year. Rates will vary by carrier, so compare motor home or travel trailer insurance quotes before you buy.
The cost of RV insurance depends on the coverage you choose and the value and type of your RV. Motorhome insurance will cost more than a travel trailer due to the fact that it's a motorized vehicle require its own liability coverage. Shop around to find affordable RV insurance.
“It's smart to shop around after your insurance company gives you a quote because the companies that specialize in RV insurance could be less expensive,” says Sheri Fuller of Fuller RV in West Boylston, Massachusetts. "Some examples of these companies are Good Sam, Foremost, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, A-Affordable, GEICO, American Adventure Insurance."
She adds that RV dealerships can help you find the right place for an RV insurance quote.
“Depending on the coverage you personally require it will typically run between $300 - $1,200 per year,” Fuller says. Costs run higher the bigger and fancier your RV and the more coverage options you add. It also depends if you live in your RV full-time or just vacation in it.
Is insurance required for a travel trailer or RV?
Insurance is required for any vehicle on the road. Technically, you aren’t required to have insurance on a travel trailer when it’s not being towed. A motorhome, however, is a vehicle and, as noted above, must be insured.
The amount of coverage you need to carry will depend on a combination of your state’s minimum liability laws and the added protections you want for your RV.
You can add these RVs to your homeowners policy, but keep in mind they will only be covered when parked or stored at home – and they aren’t covered 100%. They are often listed as “other structures” on your homeowners policy.
Once you take the RV on the road, you will need additional insurance. Living in an RV full-time has added considerations and additional coverage might be necessary.
What do travel trailer and RV insurance cover?
What's covered by your RV policy depends on the type of policy and the coverage you choose.
If you have a full coverage policy on a motorhome, you can expect it to cover:
- Liability for bodily injury and property damage
- Anything else legally required in your state, like personal injury protection
- Collision damage to your RV
- Non-collision damage to your RV with comprehensive coverage
- Roadside assistance
If you have a travel trailer, your policy will only include the last two. Note that if your RV is financed, your lender will likely require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverageCollision coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of your car if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault and is subject to a deductible..
RV insurance doesn't usually include personal effects coverage; instead, your personal property is covered by your home insurance.
Insurance for living in an RV full-time
If you plan on living in your RV for six months of the year or more, you should consider additional insurance. You can add your RV to your homeowners insurance if you still have an insured home. True full-timers should consider specialized RV insurance for:
- Personal property (the contents inside the RV) to protect any valuables you bring on the road.
- Loss of use coverage, so you have a place to stay if your RV is out of commission.
- Vacation liability to protect from anything that happens in or around your RV when parked.
How does insurance work with a rental RV?
The most serious insurance-related issue these days is the number of RV owners renting (peer to peer) their unit and not communicating the fact to their insurance company, Fuller says.
“Because they accepted money for the rental, the insurance coverage must now be commercial instead of [a] private policy, and most peer-to-peer rentals either don't realize this or simply do not add the extra coverage because of the cost,” Fuller says. “The difference between personal RV insurance and commercial RV insurance is usually 800% more and [if] a serious issue occurs– both the peer-to-peer owner and renter could lose all their assets because they tried to save money.”
Frequently asked questions
What kind of insurance does a truck camper need?
Truck campers are not motorized and are generally covered by your auto liability policy when on the truck. However, you will need an RV policy to cover damage to the camper and to cover it when it's not on the truck.
What company insures RVs with rebuilt titles?
Companies that have been known to insure rebuilt title vehicles include Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO, but you'll need to shop around to find that type of RV insurance coverage in your area.
Do pull-behind campers need insurance?
Pull-behind campers are travel trailers, and they do not require liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people.. However, to cover damage to the trailer itself you should purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.
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