RV Life
Recreational vehicles or RVs come with many types and classes. They can be your permanent or temporary home on wheels. If you happen to own one, you probably know that since they have more expensive equipment, they carry bigger risks. That is why there are so many kinds of insurance coverages available because a single policy cannot cover all types of RVs.
It is great to know the different types of RVs before determining which type of insurance fits your needs. RVs are divided into three major classes and those classes have their sub-classes.
CLASS A Motorhomes
Include luxury coach, motorcoach, and convertible bus
- The biggest and most expensive RVs
- Have the biggest cargo storage
- Usually have luxury amenities such as panoramic front windows, living and dining areas, kitchen, and bathroom facilities
CLASS B
Offen referred to as the campervan
- The smallest and easiest to drive
- Ideal for day trips and errands
- May have kitchen facilities and shower areas
CLASS C
Mid-sized RVs enough for the entire family
- Less expensive to buy compared to Class A
- Standard cargo vans
- Complete with all necessities
Unless you have your insurance policy all ready for your RV, you could be in for a major setback should you ever experience an accident or loss. This is why understanding RVs’ basic insurance coverage is part of your responsibility as an RVer.
Here are some of the most common and basic insurance coverage for your RV:
(Note that some of these basics mentioned might fall into the “other coverages” category in some insurance providers.)
Liability Coverage
Given the RV’s size, it can do more damage than an average car so having this coverage helps you when faced with potential risks on the road.
If you hit another car causing damage to the other vehicle, your RV insurance liability coverage would pay for the repair for the damaged car.
If another driver or passenger is injured, your RV insurance liability would pay for the hospital transport, emergency medical expenses, and follow-up medical check-up.
If another driver or passenger files a complaint because of the accident, your RV insurance liability would pay for the legal costs. This type of insurance is required by all states for those who drive a motorhome.
If you own a travel trailer, you usually cannot get liability insurance because your trailer is pulled by a motor vehicle but you need to get liability insurance for the vehicle that tows the trailer.
Collision and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Many insurers have collision and comprehensive insurance coverage bundled up but for those who do not offer the same option, here is what each can do for RV. Collision coverage helps protect you against damage or loss to your RV, whether you are at fault or not. Collisions involve hitting another vehicle or hitting an object, like a road sign, a pothole or a tree. Comprehensive coverage helps you against non-collision damage to your RV that doesn’t involve colliding. When your RV is parked, you still get the coverage if something happens to it while it is not driven. The coverage pays for the damage involving theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, and explosions. Certain natural disasters such as floods and storms are covered by comprehensive insurance. Generally, colliding with an animal is covered by comprehensive insurance instead of collision insurance.
Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist (UM/UMI)
Like Collision and Comprehensive Insurance, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance is bundled up but for those who have a separate policy for each, let’s define them accordingly. Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you against accidents when the other driver does not have any liability insurance to pay injuries and damages they cause you, your passengers, or your RV.
Underinsured motorist coverage
helps protect you against accidents when the driver does not have enough financial capability or does not have enough insurance to cover for injuries, damages, and loss they cause you, your passengers, and your RV.
Medical Payments Insurance Coverage (MedPay)
Referred to as medical expense coverage, medical payments insurance coverage is also shortened as MedPay and helps protect you and your passengers if you are injured in a vehicular accident. The coverage extends to emergency transport, medical bills, follow-up doctor appointments, and even the worse thing, funeral costs. Not to be confused with Personal Injury Protection, MedPay pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
is also called no-fault coverage. In addition to medical expenses following an accident, PIP can help cover the loss of wages. Some states require MedPay and PIP coverage for RVs. In other states, MedPay and PIP are not available.
Roadside Assistance Insurance Coverage
Having roadside assistance insurance coverage is like having good security. If you spend plenty of hours driving across highways regularly, it is important to prepare yourself and your RV during road emergencies.
If your RV becomes disabled and is 100 meters off the road, your roadside insurance policy covers roadside service you may need to help you back on track. This includes roadside labor such as towing, fuel deliveries, mechanical and electrical breakdowns, tire replacements, and battery boosts.
Most of the partner roadside assistance companies are open 24/7 so you can put your mind at ease in case you find yourself stuck no matter what time of day.
Personal Effects Insurance Coverage
You may have the coverage for your RV during accidents but you also need to have insurance for the personal belongings inside your RV. While protecting your RV against damage is crucial, the things you own inside RV matters.
The personal belongings that are inside your RV but not attached to it are part of the coverage regardless of loss or damage. If someone breaks your camping equipment or if your audio-visual equipment is smashed during a collision, your insurance will help cover the cost to repair or replace your personal property. Note that if there is theft inside your RV, and the RV itself is stolen as well, separate insurance coverage is intended for the stolen or missing RV.
Need help?
Don’t hesitate to ask us. You can call or email us and we’ll help you with your RV insurance.