Compare RV Insurance

How to compare RV insurance

1. Figure out what kind of coverage you need based on how you use your RV.
2. Get quotes from multiple companies.
3. Compare coverage, perks, deductibles and customer reviews to decide.
4. Sign up for your policy, set up payments and keep an ID card in your RV.

How much does RV insurance cost?

The typical cost of RV insurance is $1,000 to $2,000 a year, or $83 to $167 a month. This cost is based on our analysis of insurers and information from the Virginia Bureau of Insurance.

However, a liability-only policy may start at only a few hundred dollars a year. RV insurance premiums vary based on your RV’s value, how you’re using it and which insurance company you choose.

How do I find cheap RV insurance?

The best way to save money on RV insurance is to get quotes from a range of insurers to compare prices. You can also bring down the cost with these tips:

1. Get the right coverage level. Only pay for coverage you need with limits that will replace your RV.
2. Shop for discounts. Save with discounts for safe driving, bundling or paying upfront.
3. Add security. Adding cameras, light sensors and alarms lead to less risk and lower premiums.
4. Reduce unnecessary trips. If you hit the road regularly, your premiums will cost more than seasonal road trippers who store their RVs during cold seasons.
5. Buy a less expensive RV. Big, shiny new RVs cost more to insure than an older or used RV.

How much RV coverage do I need?

Consider these factors when comparing RV or camper trailer insurance quotes.

• Your RV’s value. Estimate how much it would cost to repair or replace your RV, and opt for at least that amount of coverage.
• How much it’s used.Typically, more use means more risk of getting in an accident. You might have lower premiums if you use your RV seasonally or keep it parked while living in it. However, campgrounds pose other risks like theft or parking accidents.
• The type of RV you have. If your RV’s towed behind your car like a popup camper, you can add travel trailer coverage to your car insurance, instead of buying a separate, more expensive RV policy. However, drivable RVs need their own policy.
• What you need to cover. You probably need liability coverage. But you may add collision for your RV’s repairs, roadside service in case of breakdowns or comprehensive for fire, theft or vandalism.

What does RV insurance cover?

RV insurance can cover a variety of situations, including:

Is my trailer covered under my RV policy?

A trailer may be covered — or partly covered — by the insurance policy of the vehicle that tows it. Specifically, your RV or car insurance typically extends liability coverage to any damage caused by your trailer during a drive.

If the trailer isn’t covered or you want to protect the trailer itself from physical damage, you’ll need to add trailer insurance to your RV or car insurance policy. Trailer insurance is different from RV insurance.

Your personal belongings covered — if you pay extra

Like home insurance, RV insurance companies offer add-ons like contents coverage for wider protection, or they may increase the policy limit for some valuables.

Contents coverage can help cover lost or damaged personal belongings, including rugs, household goods, DVDs, clothes, entertainment systems, televisions, furniture, jewelry or tools.

Or you can cover personal belongings in your RV if you have home insurance coverage or a renters insurance policy. This is a good option if you don’t live in your RV full time. Most home insurance policies include off-premises coverage for items damaged or stolen while they’re not in your home.

RV insurance can work for tiny homes too

If your tiny house is on wheels, most states require you to carry insurance while you’re on the road. A full-timers RV insurance policy would be the first option to consider since it covers you while on the road and while parked.

Many RV insurers will cover a tiny house as long as it’s built by a builder certified by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. If your tiny house is a DIY project, look into specialty tiny house insurance companies.

You may need homeowners insurance or a mobile home policy if your house isn’t mobile and is on a permanent or semipermanent foundation. If your tiny home is financed, the lender will likely require you to carry insurance, whether it’s mobile or stationary.

What kind of RV insurance do I need?

The coverage you need depends on factors like your RV’s age, how you use it, how often you use it and whether you drive it or not.

For example, if your RV is your full-time home, you might want more coverage for your belongings or total loss replacement coverage, while tow-behinds like popups, travel trailers or fifth-wheels might be fine with add-on coverage through your car insurance policy.

Qualify for these RV insurance discounts

Insurance companies like to reward its loyal customers and less risky drivers with these discounts.

• Group affinity
• Driver safety course
• Multivehicle
• Paid in full discount
• Multipolicy or bundling
• Temporary storage
• Safety device
• Safe driver

What’s not covered by RV insurance?

To avoid a denied claim, stay aware of what your RV insurance won’t cover:

Bottom line

Protecting your RV with the right insurance and navigating your policy’s fine print is essential. Compare your insurance policy options to find the coverage you need to relax and explore America in style.

Written by

Roslyn McKenna

Publisher

Roslyn McKenna Ayers is insurance manager at ValuePenguin and a former publisher at Finder, specializing in home and auto coverage. Her expertise and analysis has been featured on Bankrate, MSN and Reader's Digest. She holds a BA in writing and communications from Maryville College. See full bio