Whether it’s for the occasional road trip or an extended national or international tour, living in an RV is a truly unique experience. Insurance coverage for RVs is similarly unique, as it’s meant to meet a host of needs that don’t apply to regular cars and trucks.
This simple guide explains required coverage for different types of RVs as well as optional coverages designed to protect RV owners’ investments.
Required RV coverages
At minimum, motorized RVs, or motorhomes, must have the same level of liability insurance as a car. There are three classes of motorhomes, which help determine how much you pay for RV liability insurance.
Class
Class A motorhomes are what many people think of when they hear “RV.” They range from 21 to 40 feet in length, sleep up to eight people and are typically the most luxurious, feature-rich motorhomes.
Class B
Class B motorhomes are sometimes referred to as camper vans. They’re the smallest and most economical class of motorhomes, ranging from 16 to 21 feet long and sleeping up to four people.
Class C
Class C motorhomes are midrange RVs with rear living areas that extend over separate cabs. They range from 20 to 33 feet long and sleep up to six people.
Camper and travel trailers
Campers and travel trailers are distinct from motorized RVs in that they’re covered by the liability coverage of their tow vehicle. Due to their size, however, it’s almost always a good idea to supplement your regular auto insurance with additional liability coverage or other optional RV coverages.
Special RV coverages
Though optional, specialized RV insurance coverage is an essential way for an RV owner to protect their investment.
Total loss replacement
With high-end RVs costing hundreds of thousands of dollars new, total loss replacement ensures that you recoup your investment in the event your RV is totaled. Generally, this means paying the cost to replace an RV that’s no more than a few years old with a new, similar model RV, or paying the original purchase price for an RV that’s more than a few years old.
Belongings
Like cars, liability coverage for RVs does not cover belongings and personal effects. Additional coverage can be added to your policy that pay replacement cost for these items.
Emergency expenses
Towing an RV if it breaks down costs much more than towing a car. You can add emergency roadside assistance to an RV policy that covers tows at no cost.
Vacation liability
This coverage is like homeowner’s insurance for your RV, paying for accidents and injuries in or around your RV or campsite.
Full-timers
Like vacation liability but for those who live in their RV full time, this coverage protects you against accidents and injuries in or around your RV or property.
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