Insurance….it’s one of those things that you know you need, and in some places required to have, but maybe you’re a little hazy on what details you should know about the different kinds of policies within a category. Why not check one area off your list by taking the time to familiarize yourself with Recreational Vehicles (RV) & motor home insurance? It’s not as overwhelming as you think!
The kinds of RVs
There are three kinds of RVs that you should know about. These are Class A, B and C. Class A motorhomes include converse buses or motor coaches. In other words, the “fancy guys”. Class B vehicles are the smaller options that can include travel trailers or camper vans. Class C vehicles are the fifth-wheel vehicles, or goose-neck trailers, and they’re more commonly known.
RV insurance works in a variety of ways
Just like traditional auto insurance, the coverage with RV insurance can vary from comprehensive coverage such as weather or animal damage, to liability coverage in case of an accident, and even coverage for your possessions within the RV. This is an important add-on for those who live in their mobile home full-time or even part-time.
When is RV insurance required?
Technically speaking, any motor home — emphasis on “motor” — is going to need some amount of insurance. You’re technically putting it on the road and driving it around, so you’ll need insurance for collisions or, at the very least, liability in a two-car collision.
If you are towing your RV, however, you may not need to have a separate RV policy. There are some traditional auto policies that can extend protection to your RV when you are driving it (such as liability coverage). However comprehensive coverage, for example, doesn’t always apply to towed RVs so it’s important to make sure that you talk to your insurance agent to make sure that you know what’s covered and what isn’t. Even if you are covered from liability when towing your RV, you still may want to have a small policy in place specifically for comprehensive coverage for your Recreational Vehicle itself when you aren’t in motion.
Mobile Home add-on insurance options
You can also consider add-ons for your motor home, specific to your belongings. For those who live in their RV part- or full-time, you can get damage or theft protection from your furniture, injury coverage for your pets, and even expense coverage if your RV is damaged and you need somewhere to stay until it’s repaired.
What it comes down to is knowing how you use your RV and what you are looking to protect yourself from. If it’s an old camper that you use as a hunting camp and nothing more, perhaps you don’t need RV insurance on your tow-able trailer. If you’ve got a leased or financed motorhome, however, you’ll find that insurance will most often be required at least until you pay off the loan. Before you head out on the next family vacation, make sure your home away from home is fully protected however you need it to be.
Contact Paula Smith Insurance at (281) 488-8880 to discuss your specific uses and needs, consider your vehicle and select the best insurance to meet your family’s needs.