School is out soon, if not already, and Summer is right around the corner. For many families, it is the beginning of the camping season. A time to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
If a trip or two is in your plans, here are some lesser-known but important things about insuring your camper or RV that many owners overlook:
- Not All Coverage Is Automatic When Towing
If you’re towing a travel trailer with your car or truck, your auto liability insurance may extend to cover you while driving, but comprehensive and collision coverage usually do not. You’ll need to add a separate RV policy to cover physical damage to the camper.
- Full-Timer’s Coverage Is Different
If you live in your RV full-time, your insurance needs are more like a homeowners policy than an auto policy. You’ll need full-timer’s liability, which includes personal liability, medical payments to others, and sometimes loss assessment.
- Personal Belongings May Not Be Fully Covered
Many assume their homeowners or renters insurance covers personal items inside the RV. This often isn’t the case when traveling. RV insurance may have limited coverage for personal items unless you increase the limits or list high-value items.
- Coverage While Parked Is Often Overlooked
If your RV is parked in storage or on a seasonal site, it can still be damaged or vandalized. Many owners pause their insurance off-season to save money, but this leaves the RV unprotected from things like fire, theft, hail, or falling trees.
- Specialized Equipment and Add-ons May Require Endorsements
If you’ve added solar panels, satellite dishes, custom awnings, or upgraded interiors, these may not be fully covered unless declared. You may need a custom equipment rider or increased limits for accessories.
- Roadside Assistance Isn’t Always Comprehensive
Many RV policies include roadside assistance, but not all services are equal. Some only tow to the nearest service center, while others tow to a preferred shop or your home. Some plans have limits on tire changes for large rigs or won’t cover flatbed towing for bigger Class A models.
- Loss of Use Coverage Can Be a Lifesaver
If your RV is your vacation home and gets damaged while traveling, loss of use coverage can pay for lodging, meals, or transportation while it’s being repaired. Not every policy includes this unless you ask.
- Liability While Parked at a Campsite
Your RV can still be a source of liability when parked. If someone trips over a cord or gets injured on your campsite, you could be liable. Some RV policies include campsite liability, but others do not.
- Pet Injury Coverage
Some insurers offer limited pet injury protection if your pet is hurt in an accident while inside the RV. It’s not standard, but it could be important if you travel with pets.
- Mexico and Canada Travel
Standard RV insurance often doesn’t apply in Mexico. You’ll likely need to purchase Mexican liability coverage separately. Some U.S. policies extend to Canada, but you should verify before traveling internationally.
- Depreciation and Replacement Value Options
Many RV policies settle claims based on actual cash value, which includes depreciation. If your RV is newer, consider replacement cost coverage or agreed value, which can prevent a significant financial loss after a total loss.
- Coverage May Be Limited During Rental or Shared Use
If you rent out your RV through platforms like Outdoorsy or RVshare, standard policies typically exclude coverage while your RV is rented to others. You’ll need commercial or peer-to-peer rental insurance to be protected.
If you’re unsure what your current coverage includes, reviewing your policy with your agent and asking about these specific situations is a good idea. The more you use your RV (especially if it’s your primary residence), the more specialized coverage you may need.
If camping is part of your summer plans and you are not sure of what coverage you have in place, give us a call. Additionally, if you are in the market for a new RV or camper, we can help insure it just as well.
