Using a recreational vehicle (RV) to travel is convenient for people who want to take leisurely road trips or people who are traveling with larger groups. Most insurance companies issue RV policies since RVs are like cars. However, policyholders have problems fitting RV coverages into a standard auto insurance policy.

So, before heading out on the open road, you should know the differences between RV and auto insurance coverage to ensure your vehicles are adequately covered in case of an accident.

Is RV Insurance Required?

In most states, you are only required to have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage on your RV. Insurance is optional if you own a travel trailer because they are not motorized. However, if you purchased your RV with a private lender, your lender would typically ask you to acquire insurance.

Auto Insurance vs. RV Insurance

RV insurance liability rates are often higher than standard car insurance rates because RVs can be someone’s residence, and the cost of an RV is often higher than your typical car. Since RVs are larger, and handling a vehicle of that size has more risks, insurers have a higher liability threshold for RVs.

RV coverage can often be deemed inactive when an RV is in storage. If your RV is in storage for a while, collision coverage wouldn’t be a concern since the RV is inactive.

Types of RV Insurance Coverage

Acquiring specialized insurance coverage for your RV can help insure an RV with standard car insurance coverage. Recreational vehicle insurance often covers total-loss replacement or agreed value, campsite liability, and emergency expenses.

Full-Timers Insurance

A full-timers policy provides liability coverage similar to homeowner’s insurance. This coverage insures loss or damages that come with parking your RV or using your RV as a primary residence. Full-timers insurance also covers medical expenses for those who suffer from injuries in or around the RV.

Campsite-Liability Insurance

Campsite liability coverage is for those who occasionally use their RV as a primary residence, like while road tripping during the summer. This policy is designed for those who use their RV on camping sites and includes the same benefits as full-timers coverage, like medical expenses.

RV Emergency Expense Coverage

Some RV insurers offer to reward RV owners for the expenses they paid while the RV was in the maintenance shop if the losses occurred within 60 miles from the RV while repairs were being made to it. In this scenario, meals, housing, and travel expenses are provided by the insurance company.

Saferoad Insurance Services offers car insurance in Long Beach, California and surrounding areas. If you own an RV and need special coverages added to your auto insurance, we can help you make the best decisions for you and your RV.