Insuring Your RV: What You Need to Know About RV Insurance

Is Insurance for My RV Required?

One of the first questions many new RV owners ask is:

“Is insurance for my RV required?”

The answer is, yes. Similar to car insurance, RV insurance is a legal requirement in every state in the United States. At a minimum, you will need liability insurance, and in some states, you will need uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage as well. It is best to check with each state or talk to an insurance agent before traveling across state lines.

Any additional coverage, such as collision and comprehensive insurance limits is up to your own discretion.

Understanding Coverage

When you speak with an insurance agent or fill out a form online, the total cost of your RV insurance will be determined by the types of coverage you choose.

The type of coverage you will need depends on the requirements of the states you plan to visit, the class of motorhome you have, and whether you use the RV full-time or part-time. The rate also depends on the custom features your RV has.

When deciding between plans, you’ll be choosing between four types of coverage, each outlined below:

• Liability Coverage: In every state, you must carry liability coverage which protects you from legal liability for bodily injury and property damage that you cause to others. The amount of liability coverage you need varies based on the state. Ask about what your state's minimum requirement is by law when comparing coverage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists: In many states, uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage is required. This coverage protects you and your passengers when someone else who is uninsured or underinsured collides with your RV. Check with local laws to determine whether or not this is a requirement.
• Collision: For those who want more than the baseline protection, collision coverage will pay for the damages that occur to your RV when you collide with another vehicle or an object. This coverage will pay for damages regardless of who was at fault. Note that this will not cover a collision with an animal.
• Comprehensive: For the most complete coverage, consider comprehensive coverage. This will cover damages to your RV beyond just collision damage, including damages caused by vandalism, theft, hail, flooding, fire, or collisions with animals. It is important to note that not all comprehensive coverage plans will offer the same amount of protection. Be sure to inquire about the specific coverage offered by the insurance company you’re getting a quote from.

In addition to the type of coverage you choose, the total value of your RV, as well as the year, make, and model will determine the cost of your insurance premium.

Bonus Tips

When shopping for insurance for your RV, it is important to make sure you fully understand what your insurance will cover, so you have exactly what you need. The following tips can help you choose the ideal coverage for your needs from the right insurance agency.

Pull Multiple Quotes

In many cases, the cost of your insurance premium will vary widely between insurance companies. The process is similar to shopping for car insurance, so be sure and take the time to pull multiple quotes.

Additionally, there are many companies, such as Good Sam, that specialize in RV insurance. These companies often offer additional services and discounts at RV campgrounds that can make them a better choice.

Choose for Customer Service

During the process of shopping around for RV insurance, take time to pay attention to the quality of customer service received. While almost any insurance agency will be quick to sell you services, be sure that they will also be there when you need them.

Think about it like this: if an emergency occurs while you are on your next trip, how easy will it be to contact an agent and get help? If it is hard to reach your agent, or a company is slow to respond to your requests, think twice about purchasing your insurance through them.

Ask About Roadside Assistance

As an added bonus, many RV insurance policies offer roadside assistance for no additional cost. This can be extremely beneficial in the case of an unexpected breakdown, roadside flat, or if you lock yourself out of your motorhome.

Even if you already have roadside assistance for your car through a company such as AAA, it might be worth investing in additional roadside assistance for your RV as towing requirements are different for a Class A or Class C, compared to a passenger vehicle.

Talk to Transwest about Your Next RV

Purchasing a new RV is a great way to explore the country. At Transwest, we are passionate about helping travelers find the perfect motorhome for their needs. Whether you have a large family and plan to all travel together, or you are a solo adventurer hoping to leave the crowds behind, we have the perfect RV for your needs. 

Come visit one of our locations to shop our premium inventory of Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, as well as luxury bus conversions and Super C RVs. We look forward to assisting you soon.