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How to Find the Best RV Insurance

How to Find the Best RV Insurance
Latest posts by RV Pioneers Team (see all)

You’ve purchased your RV, now what? One of the most important things you must do before you hit the road is get insurance. It doesn’t matter if you’re full-timing or just going out on the occasional weekend, you must be insured legally and otherwise.

An RV is not just a vehicle, but it is also a home. Specialized RV insurance covers both. You could add it to your existing car insurance policy, but an RV has potential problems that are unique and should be treated as such with RV insurance companies.

RV’s are valuable and you could stand to lose a lot if something ever happened to your RV with underinsured motorist coverage.

Standard Types of RV Insurance Coverage Include:

  • Collision

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if you say back into a tree with your RV; comes with a deductible insurance cover

  • Comprehensive Coverage Options

Covers things like theft of your RV, property damage caused by animals, vandalism and falling objects; comes with a deductible

  • Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist

Covers you and your passengers bodily injury if hit by an uninsured motorist, or someone who doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover all your bills

  • Personal Liability Policy

If you cause an accident, liability covers other’s injury and property damage

  • Property damage

Covers you if you cause damage to another’s property

  • Bodily injury

Covers you if you cause injury to another

  • Personal injury

Covers medical bills and related expenses, lost wages and other damages; also known as “no-fault” disability insurance

Type of RV Insurance Coverage Options:

  • Full replacement costs

If your RV is stolen or totaled you can get back what you paid for the RV from the insurance agency, full value, not the depreciated value.

  • Storage options to suspend coverage

You can suspend coverage while your RV is in storage and not in use.

  • Full-time coverage

Coverage that is similar to homeowner’s insurance; also covers injuries to visitors and belongings kept in storage.

  • Multi-vehicle discount: RV plus vehicle

Covering both your RV and vehicle on the same insurance policy can save you money.

  • Emergency expense

Covers temporary living expenses such as hotel and rental car if your RV is in an accident more than 50 miles from home.

  • Personal effects

Optional coverage for personal items inside the RV; pays replacement costs.

  • Renters insurance

If you use a service like Outdoorsy or RVshare to rent out your RV when not in use, renters insurance might be a good option to look at (note: check the fine print, because sometimes renters insurance is included in the third-party rental agreement – but the coverage might be limited).

  • Vacation liability

Covers injury to a non-family member at your campsite or in your RV while it is parked

  • Travel expenses

Covers you if your RV breaks down; pays for lodging and a vehicle

  • Roadside assistance

Covers towing and servicing of your RV

  • Coverage for lodging

Covers hotel expenses if your RV is in an accident or needs repairs

  • Coverage for RV attachments:

Covers damage to things like awnings, satellite dishes and such

  • Mexico Coverage

Covers for damage while in Mexico, but repairs must made in the US

RV Insurance: Understanding the Coverages

To Qualify for RV Insurance these must be permanently attached:

  • Cooking appliances
  • Refrigeration
  • Bathroom
  • Heating/Air conditioning
  • Drinkable water system
  • 110-125 volt electrical system
  • Cooking facility
  • Sleeping area

How Much Insurance You Need Depends On These Factors

  • What your residential state requires
  • The class of your RV
  • Where you will be traveling; across state lines and international borders
  • Whether you are living full or part-time in your RV
  • Whether or not you have custom(high priced) features on your RV
  • Bank requirements when taking out a loan

Different Types of RV Insurance

  • Class A

Class A RV or Motorhome units have luxury amenities and come with the highest price tag. Luxury is what they are known for. They are also known for costing more to maintain. You can get them with or without slides and with a gas (front/pull engine) or diesel (rear/push engine).

You can full-time in a Class A or part-time. They also come with a generator system so boon docking is not a problem. If you get caught up in inclement weather or are unable to reach your destination, pulling over and parking is easy. They come with tow systems in order to tow a vehicle for transportation when you are parked.

  • Class B

Easy to drive and is self-contained. Also know as a van camper. They come with raised roofs and are expensive. These come with sinks, hot water, shower and a fridge.

  • Class C

Class C Motorhomes are on a smaller scale than a Class A. These units come with slide outs to increase space. These are less expensive than the Class A’s and come with nice amenities.

  • Fifth Wheel

Fifth wheels are preferred by RVers who live full-time in their RV’s. It has split level living and has more room in the living area than any other model/class.

You can have up to six slide outs which expands space to 400-plus square feet, which is the size of a small apartment. Very comfortable with all the luxury amenities of a Class A Motorhome.

  • Toy Hauler

RV’s with rear garages for toys such as ATV’s and motorcycles. The garage ramp lowers into a patio in many RV’s. A wall divides the garage from the living area.. There are beds and couches in garage along with half-baths in many units. There is a loft area for extra sleeping and storage. Great for sporting events and parties.

  • Travel Trailer

Travel trailers are the most popular model of RV. For a lower cost you can get many sizes and floorplan options. You can also use an SUV or smaller truck to tow it with eliminating escalating costs of a heavy duty truck.

You have the option of a full kitchen and bathroom and extra bedrooms like a bunkhouse which also comes with an extra bathroom. Also comes with slides and two entrance doors.

  • Truck Camper

A self-contained RV that fits in the bed of any pickup truck. It comes with or without slides. Slides increase not only space but the price. The prices depend on amenities and build quality. These are not built for full-timing.

  • Pop-Up Trailer

A cross between a tent and a travel trailer: The bottom half is the trailer and the top half is the tent. This is the least expensive of all RV’s. These have the same basic amenities as a travel trailer. These are great for weekend camping trips. They have a kitchen area with appliances and fresh/waste water tanks. They also have pull-out beds and can sleep up to eight; great for the family for short trips.

  • Park Model

Park model RV’s can be moved, but are usually planted in RV Resorts. They are popular with snowbirds that use them as winter time housing. There is more living space than in an RV. They need to be externally hooked-up to electric, sewer and water like an RV. Many come with loft areas for more space. More like house living than a typical RV.

  • Sleeper Unit

Bed, kitchen, bath and heating/cooling for semi-truck drivers.

  • Teardrop Trailer

Off-road, pull behind trailers. Compact, easy towing with a car or SUV. Sleeps 2-3 people.

  • Horse Trailer

Specialty trailer for getting to equestrian events. Economical and convenient. Rear is for a secure stall for horses and front is the living area. This unit contains a kitchen, bath and bed.

  • Ice Fish House

 Built for sub-zero weather conditions. Keeps you sheltered from the elements when out in nature ice fishing. Some come with bed, bath, kitchen, heat and satellite television.

Who Needs RV Insurance:

  • Full-timers

People who live full-time/year round in an RV

  • Retiree’s

Also known as snowbirds who live part of the year in their RV’s. Usually northerner’s going south for the winter months

  • Traveler’s

People who travel place to place looking for a new job or new area to live

  • Vacationer’s

Travel weeks or months at a time on vacation

  • Dealer’s

Dealer’s protecting their inventory

  • RV Park Manager’s

Protection from damages from customers and liable suits

  • RV Homeowner’s Associations

Same as RV park managers

How Much is RV Insurance?

On average full-time RV insurance costs about $1500 per year.

There are obviously MANY variables that go into this (some of which is discussed about), but this is a general average. The full range is between $1000 and $2000 per year.

  • How Much is Class A RV Insurance? Expect to pay $2000+ for full-time Class A RV insurance.
  • How Much is Class B RV Insurance? Expect to pay $1500 to $1800 for full-time Class B RV insurance.
  • How Much is Class C RV Insurance? Expect to pay around $1000 for full-time Class C RV insurance.

Finding the Best RV Insurance Coverage

Finding the best insurance takes a bit of research and knowing exactly what you want and need. From liability to personal effects to storage to full replacement, each RV insurance company is different; coverage and options differ greatly.

Following are the ten best RV insurance companies for 2018 with what they are known for. The lists are non-inclusive and the links are provided for you to follow to learn exactly what each company offers.

Ten Best RV Insurance Companies (2019)

Good Sam Insurance Agency

  • Optional Full Replacement Cost Coverage
  • A Storage Option that allows you to suspend coverage’s you don’t need while not using your RV
  • Full-Time RV’er Coverage
  • Multi-Vehicle Discount for putting RVs and autos on one convenient insurance policy
  • Emergency Expense Coverage
  • Personal Effects Coverage

Check the full Good Sam Insurance Review here

RVInsurance.com

  • Specialized RV coverage
  • Replacement cost coverage
  • Storage Option
  • Class A Motorhome to Pop-up Camper

National General

  • “Turn Off” for liability & collision during storage
  • Cover your personal belongings or attachments
  • Full-timer coverage options
  • Mexico insurance options
  • Total Loss RV replacement

Progressive

  • Competitive RV insurance rates
  • Discounts (safe driver, pay-in-full, multi-car, multi-policy, quoting online & more)
  • Name your price Tool®
  • Comprehensive List of RV covered items
  • Roadside Assistance

Read Here Our Full Review Here

Blue Sky

  • Purchase price guarantee
  • Depreciation-free RV coverage
  • Deductible buy-back coverage
  • Diminishing Deductible Express program
  • Consignment coverage

RV America Insurance

  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Accessories Coverage
  • High liability limits
  • Guest passenger liability coverage

Esurance

  • Liability insurance
  • Rental coverage
  • Underinsured motorist
  • Personal effects coverage

SafeCo

  • Pet insurance
  • Custom equipment coverage
  • Diminishing deductible option
  • Anti-theft device discounts
  • Loan or lease protection (gap coverage)
  • Roadside assistance

National Interstate

  • Vacation liability
  • Personal property protection
  • Total cost replacement with no depreciation
  • Covers converted Motorhomes or commercial usage vehicles
  • Emergency vacation coverages
  • Windshield and awning replacement

Foremost

  • Widely available
  • Comprehensive, total loss and emergency expenses coverage
  • Roadside assistance
  • Liability coverage
  • Special Program coverage for your fifth-wheel as a seasonal or permanent residence

See How Some RV Insurance Company Compares to Each Other:

Guide to the best RV insurance

Best of RV Insurance Providers:

Best RV Insurance for Full Timers

As you can see from the above list, National General is an good option for full-time RV coverage. I would also add Good Sam RV Insurance as another top pick. Combined with it’s “best overall” coverage, Good Sam is the best bet to check first here.

RV Forums

The best advice on everything RV’s is found on online forums. Other RV’ers tell stories about their experiences good and bad on everything from buying an RV, to the best electronics to the best parks to the best RV insurance. Learning from other’s experience can save you a lot of time, money and headaches.

Here are a few forums dealing with RV insurance:

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid when Purchasing RV Insurance:

  • Selecting inadequate or insufficient insurance coverage

Along with choosing the proper comprehensive, collision and liability policy, you need to protect the contents, equipment and attached accessories.

  • Selecting the lowest priced insurance policy

You need to weigh what you can afford with what you need for sufficient coverage. Don’t sell yourself short with sketcy “fly-by-nite” insurance companies or policy coverage.

  • Overlooking potential discounts

Make sure you find exactly what you are eligible for.

Top RV insurance claims and how to avoid them

Shopping for RV Insurance Coverage

Factors that Determine your RV Insurance Rates:

  • Where you live and park
  • Your age (similar to life insurance)
  • Your gender
  • Whether you’re married or single
  • Your driving record
  • How much coverage you want
  • The class of RV
  • Mileage and Usage
  • Credit score

RV coverage mirrors car insurance coverage. RV insurance is a hybrid between car insurance and homeowners insurance.

Reasons why RV’s may not be Covered by Insurance:

  • RV is too expensive: Motorhomes in excess of one million dollars
  • Converted school buses can be ineligible for insurance coverage
  • RV’s that are not professionally built
  • Damaged RV’s that were not properly repaired (with clear physical damage and/or undrivable)

Gathering an insurance quote from several insurance companies, comparing them and choosing the best one for your class of RV and the one that fits your budget is the most important step to getting your RV out of the driveway/garage and on to the road.

RVing is a lifestyle, a lifestyle worth protecting. Shopping around and getting quotes for insuring your RV is an important step towards finding your best RV Insurance. No two RV’s or people are alike so you have to put yourself out there and do the research in order to select the best policy to go with.

Here are some other related articles you may be interested in: