What kind of insurance do you need for your RV?

Congratulations on purchasing your new Recreational Vehicle! Are you covered?

Obviously when you think about all the adventures you’re going to take, and new places you’ll see in your new RV, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is insurance. But before you head out on the road, there’s some things you need to know so you can have peace of mind that you are fully covered.

The most important aspects of RV insurance

First, when insuring a RV, it’s important to consider both liability and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage will protect you in the event that you are found to be at fault for an accident and need to pay for damages or injuries to another person or their property. RVs are large and heavy, and can cause extensive damage to both the other vehicle and their passengers.

If you get into an accident in which the other driver or passengers are injured or killed, and it is your fault, you would likely be sued for a substantial sum of money to cover things like medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income and other expenses related to the death or injury of the other party. Liability coverage can offset some or all of these costs.

Having liability insurance is usually a requirement by law, and it can also help in court to show that you took financial responsibility for the accident, but it doesn’t give you immunity from lawsuits. It does help you to pay any judgments and possibly avoid financial ruin.

Insurance is not a license to be reckless

Keep in mind that having liability insurance is not a license to drive with reckless abandon. If the other party is able to prove that your actions were intentional or reckless, then liability insurance may not cover the costs of a lawsuit, and you may be held personally liable. It’s always advisable to have enough liability insurance coverage to protect you in case of an accident, but also to consider getting an umbrella policy which can provide extra coverage on top of your existing policy.

It’s important to note that liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or damages to your own vehicle. For that, you will need additional types of coverage such as collision and comprehensive insurance. In some states, Personal Injury Protection (or PIP) is offered, which helps with medical bills for injuries sustained by the policy-holder in an accident.
Collision and comprehensive coverage is essential

You should also make sure to add collision coverage if you want protection in case of an accident where you are found to be at fault. This is an incredibly important aspect of RV coverage, considering that RVs may be more likely to be involved in accidents than cars, due to their larger size and weight. Additionally, RVs may be driven by people who are not as experienced with driving such vehicles, such as first time RV owners, which could also contribute to a higher rate of accidents.

Comprehensive coverage will protect your RV from damage or loss due to events such as fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. For those that take their RV camping, this of course is important. Driving over rough terrain can be treacherous, and natural disasters such as flash floods or fires are all too common on campgrounds and trails.

Other important ways to protect your RV investment

Other insurance options include personal effects coverage, which protects you should your personal belongings inside the RV be stolen or damaged. Drivers who park their RVs on campsites and off road areas should consider this, as many campers return to their vehicles only to find that area wildlife has found their food supply inside.

There is also what is called full-timer coverage. As the name implies, this type of insurance is specifically designed for those who live in their RVs full-time. Somewhat similar to homeowners or renters insurance, this coverage can provide additional protection for things such as personal property and liability.

Vacation liability coverage is yet another option. This coverage can be added for additional protection while on vacation and can cover things such as medical expenses, property damage, even legal fees. Of course, this is for those RV owners who do not frequently drive their vehicles, but rather only take it out infrequently to go on vacation. This could be a more affordable part of your overall policy, depending on your circumstances.

Finally, there’s roadside assistance coverage. Have you ever tried to change a tire on a 20,000 pound vehicle? It’s not recommended. Roadside assistance coverage can be a tremendous value, especially if your RV becomes disabled in a remote or rural area.

Get the best insurance policy for your RV

As always, the rates and types of coverage that are best for you depend entirely on the RV owner, location and other factors. At Insurance Pros of Arizona, we can answer all your RV insurance questions, find the perfect policy that fits your needs, and help you get on the road with your RV in no time.