RV insurance is necessary for owners of recreational vehicles who want to keep their investments protected. But it can also be a complicated, confusing coverage. That's why it's helpful to understand the details about this coverage before you even start searching for a policy.
No matter how you use your RV, the answers to the web's most frequently asked questions about RV insurance can provide helpful guidance. A local independent insurance agent can also answer your remaining questions and help you find the right RV insurance for your needs. But first, here's a big list of all the questions you might want answered about RV insurance.
What is RV insurance?
Recreational vehicles, or RVs, include a wide range of motorhomes, from camper vans to bus conversions, organized by Class A, B, or C. Your RV insurance will depend on the class of your vehicle, how often you use it, whether you live in it full time, and other factors. The classes of RV include:
- Class A: This class includes models such as the luxury coach, converted bus, and motor coach. These vehicles can be up to 75 feet long.
- Class B: This is the smallest class of recreational vehicles. These vehicles do not have a cab-over, and can also include cargo van type designs, travel trailers, and camper vans.
- Class C: This group includes vehicles that use a standard cargo van as the driving portion of the RV, and the camper portion extends over the cab area. This class covers fifth-wheel vehicles.
What does RV insurance cover?
RV insurance covers many similar risks to auto insurance, including collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage. You can also get additional protection for your personal belongings on board for equipment and attached accessories such as awnings and satellite dishes. Depending on the insurance company you choose, your additional coverage options may include:
- Total loss replacement coverage
- Campsite and vacation coverage
- Emergency expenses coverage
- Towing and roadside coverage
- Full-timer coverage if your RV is your full-time residence
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
You can find out much more about the most common RV insurance coverage types before you start shopping for a policy.
How does RV insurance work?
RV insurance protects you, as a recreational vehicle owner, from excessive out-of-pocket costs after a loss or if you're at fault for an accident that causes bodily injury or property damage to others. It can also provide compensation if you have a roadside breakdown. Your RV insurance could cover you in the following ways if you took your vehicle on vacation:
- If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and another driver collides with you but is not insured, your insurance company could compensate you for the damages. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the amount of damage, your deductible amount, and the limits set on your policy.
- If you're at fault for an accident that causes third-party property damage or bodily injury, the other driver could file a claim with your insurance company. Your insurer would pay the claim up to the limits of your liability coverage. You'd pay the costs of any damage, injuries, or legal fees yourself beyond the limits set on your policy.
- If you have towing and roadside assistance coverage and your RV got disabled after a crash and had to be towed, your insurance would cover some or all of the towing costs up to your policy's limits.
- If your RV got stolen, an animal damaged it, or it got damaged in a hail storm, your comprehensive insurance could cover your losses after your deductible had been met, up to the limits in your policy.
How much does RV insurance cost?
The cost of RV insurance varies widely. Your RV insurance policy's premiums can depend on several key factors, like:
- Whether your RV is a Class A, B, or C model (Class A is the most expensive coverage followed by Class C, while Class B RVs are the least costly to insure)
- Whether you use your RV occasionally or if you live in the RV full-time
- Your driving history and record of accidents or past RV insurance claims
- The limits you set on your policy, as well as the deductible amount
- Any additional riders or added coverage you add, such as coverage for your personal belongings, towing and roadside assistance coverage, etc.
You can find out more exact estimates for RV insurance costs in your area by contacting a local independent insurance agent.
Why is RV insurance important?
RV insurance is an important coverage because of the large investment you’ve made in your motorhome, and the amount you could stand to lose without it. It's also important because RVs are large vehicles that could cause major injuries and significant damage to other vehicles and property in an accident. If you bought a new RV costing anywhere from $30,000 to over $200,000 and hadn't purchased full replacement cost coverage, you could be hit with significant costs if it got totaled in an accident.
Is RV insurance required?
Like car insurance, at least minimum RV insurance is required in most states. Most states require a minimum amount of liability insurance before you can take your RV out on the road. In addition, some states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Collision and comprehensive insurance limits are chosen by you, the policyholder. Be sure to consider how you'll cover your costs if you get into an accident and don't have adequate coverage. You might experience additional coverage requirements if:
- You rent an RV
- You live in your RV full-time, in which case you'd need full-timer insurance policy for your RV, which offers coverage similar to homeowners insurance
- You finance your RV — because most lenders require you to have insurance
How much RV insurance do I need?
The amount of RV insurance you need depends on several factors, such as:
- The requirements of the state you live in
- The class of motorhome you own
- Where you'll be traveling, and if you'll cross state or country borders
- Whether you only use your RV part-time or live in it full-time
- Whether you have custom features on your motorhome, which can result in higher repair costs
Additionally, the amount of RV coverage you need depends on the assets you want to protect in case of a lawsuit. For help determining how much RV insurance you need, contact an independent insurance agent. An independent insurance agent can help you learn about the requirements in your state as well as the specific risks you may face.
Where can I get RV insurance?
RV insurance is available through independent insurance agents, who underwrite your policy through an insurance company. If you work with an independent insurance agent, you'll get the help you need to review several RV insurance quotes in one place. Find a local independent insurance agent today for help finding the right RV coverage to protect you wherever you go.
Which companies sell RV insurance?
RV insurance is available through many carriers, but finding coverage can also depend on your specific area. Here are just a few of our top picks for RV insurance:
| Top RV Insurance Companies | Overall Carrier Star Rating |
| Foremost | |
| Central Insurance Companies | |
| The Hanover | |
| Travelers | |
| Progressive | |
| Safeco | |
| State Auto |
Independent Insurance Agents Can Help You Find the Right RV Insurance
Independent insurance agents simplify the process by shopping and comparing RV insurance quotes for you. They have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best RV coverage, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you. And down the road, your agent will be there to help you update your coverage as necessary.
Sources
https://www.irmi.com/term/insurance-definitions/vacation-liability

