An insurance premium is a fee we hate paying but are glad to have when we need to use it. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen, and having insurance can help reduce the impact on your wallet and bank account. While it’s common knowledge that passenger vehicles must have insurance to operate on the roadways, are campers different? Is camper insurance required for your RV?
Today, we’ll be looking at camper insurance and what you need to know for insuring your RV. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Camper Insurance?
Camper insurance is similar to auto insurance and other insurance policies. An insurance policy for your camper helps protect the owner from the costs associated with injuries or damages in an accident.
Some auto insurance providers allow policyholders to add their camper to their insurance policy. However, depending on how you use your RV, you might need more extensive coverage.
Not all auto insurance companies offer coverage for RVs. If you’re shopping for a camper, it’s best to consult with your insurance provider before purchasing. They may even provide a quote so you know what the costs would be to add a camper to your policy. Typically, the prices are minimal, but this can vary based on where you live and your insurance provider.
What Type of Insurance Do I Need for My RV?
So, is camper insurance required for your RV? Probably in some form, but it’s not a simple across-the-board answer, as individual states set insurance requirements.
All states require drivable RVs to maintain the minimum liability limits set by the state. In addition, some states require drivers to have uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage.
In most states, towable RVs are exempt from minimum liability limits because they fall under the towing vehicle’s liability coverage. However, if you’re financing your RV, you may need to maintain full-coverage insurance for the life of the loan.
Truck campers are a unique type of RV that has their own set of rules depending on your state as well. Find out if your truck camper needs insurance here.
No matter what, your insurance provider can help ensure you meet the state’s minimum requirements for your RV or get the coverage you need. It’s crucial to know what your policy covers and how you’ll use your RV.
If you’re traveling full-time in your rig, a typical policy may cover the cost of repairs but won’t cover lodging should your RV need to sit in the shop. Make sure your coverage is sufficient for how you’ll be using your rig.
What Does Insurance Cost on a Camper?
The cost of camper insurance varies from state to state. Some states have more expensive insurance policies than others. The coverage in one state could be exponentially higher in another state for identical vehicles and drivers.
How much your RV is worth and the coverage you’ll need are also important factors. You’ll pay more than someone with a tiny travel trailer if you’re traveling full-time in a $500,000+ Class A motorhome. Because full-time travelers often have unique needs and want to insure the RV and its contents, this can increase the premium.
Insurance providers also look at your driving history and credit to determine their risk. If you have poor credit or a history of citations and accidents, you’ll pay a premium price no matter what you’re insuring.
If you’re shopping for RV insurance, you can generally expect to insure a travel trailer or fifth wheel for less than $500 a year. As Class A motorhomes and drivable RVs are often more expensive, their insurance usually costs more than $1,000 per year. However, you’ll want to check with your insurance provider for a more accurate cost.
➡ Think you’re paying too much for RV insurance? Read this: How Much Is RV Insurance?
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Does Camper Insurance Cover Leaks?
It’s important to remember that not all camper insurance policies are equal. Many insurance policies include leaks under your comprehensive coverage. Your comprehensive coverage is for damages when your camper or vehicle is not in an accident. This can include damages from hail, theft, or hitting an animal.
➡ You may think leaks are no big deal and not worth getting coverage for, but you could be wrong. Find out why: The Biggest Downfall to RVs Is Water Damage.
If the leaks result from general wear and tear, then there’s a chance that insurance will deny the claim. As a result, it’s essential to maintain your RV’s roof and seals and avoid anything that can damage your roof. Some companies, like Progressive, offer RV roof protection plans that you can add to maximize the insurance coverage on your rig.
Can You Insure a Camper That You Live In?
If you’re living in your camper, it’s best to have insurance on your RV and everything inside it. While a standard policy may be sufficient for recreational use, it’s not nearly enough for those living in an RV. If a fire or other disaster happens and your RV is a total loss, you’ll lose your home and belongings.
It should be no surprise that a full-time insurance policy is substantially more expensive than a recreational policy. You can live and travel in your RV full-time with a recreational policy. However, if you need to take advantage of your coverage, you may be disappointed that it isn’t sufficient. Full-time coverages can insure your belongings and cover lodging expenses if your RV needs to be in the shop for maintenance.
Is Camper Insurance Worth It?
Nobody loves paying their insurance premiums month after month, especially if they rarely have to file a claim. However, if the unexpected happens and you find yourself in an accident, you’ll either be glad to have sufficient coverage or wish you did.
Without camper insurance, you may lose the value of the RV and the things inside it or you may face staggering medical bills if anyone is hurt. If you are responsible for damages to other property, you could wind up with additional liabilities.
We strongly suggest that all RVers take a close look at their policies and ensure that they have the coverage that fits their unique situation. Some excellent local insurance agents can help get you the best coverage at a great price.
Do you have full-time or recreational coverage on your RV? Drop a comment below.
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