Insuring Your RV Investment

At first glance, finding insurance for your RV might seem like a complex project. After all, how do you insure your home-on-wheels?

Never fear. Not only can your dealer and your lender both provide you with RV insurance, but there are also many other firms that specialize in RV insurance.

Like shopping for auto or home insurance, it's best to shop around. One option is to discuss insurance with the dealer if you are considering an RV purchase. Chances are good that you can purchase insurance through the dealership.

There are also several reputable firms which specialize in RV insurance. At the end of this article you will find a list of these firms you can contact to request a motorhome insurance quote.

When you shop, the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association recommends you keep these items in mind:

Motorhome policies should cover:

Liability

Comprehensive and collision coverage

Emergency living expenses

Furnishings, fixtures and appliances

Towing and labor costs

Uninsured motorist insurance

Policies for travel trailers, truck campers and pop-ups should include:

All-risk comprehensive coverage

Vacation liability for emergency motel and meal expenses

Towing

Fire department services

Other considerations:

There are several other factors you should know when purchasing insurance. First, your coverage needs may change if you use your RV for different purposes at different times of the year. For example, if you only go RV camping on weekends for part of the year then load up all your belongings to spend several months away from home, you may need additional coverage during the snowbird season.

Second, if you have a homeowner's policy, know which items in your RV are covered by that policy and which aren't. Consider additional theft or damage coverage for any personal items that are not covered by your homeowner's policy. Also, if you decide to sell your house and RV full-time, you will need additional insurance for items once covered by your homeowners policy.

Third, if you decide to use the same insurance carrier that you use for automobile insurance, you should know that if extensive claims are made against your RV this could affect your car insurance rates. Check with your automobile insurance carrier if you need more information about how your auto and RV policies may be linked.

Insurance can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you RV full-time or only camp a few days each year, you need a good policy with which you feel completely comfortable. Then you can relax and enjoy all the great opportunities the RV lifestyle has to offer.

For more great RV camping information, see RV Camping 101.