Be assured, Roderick Crabbe knows RV insurance

As one of several vendors taking part at the upcoming Jacksonville Fall RV Show, Roderick Crabbe enjoys meeting one-on-one with RV owners -- and especially those who have yet to insure their recreational vehicles.

"We really weren't focusing on RV owners as part of our business focus before, so becoming a member of the Florida RV Trade Association's local chapter gives us an opportunity to actually meet face to face with them at the RV shows," said Roderick Crabbe, owner of Roderick Crabbe Insurance in Orange Park -- an Allstate Insurance Company agency. "It's a good clientele. Very similar to boat owners, RV owners understand the value of what they own and are very interested in having the proper protection for their RVs."

The Northeast Florida chapter of FRVTA will host its annual fall show Thursday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Clay County Agricultural Fairgrounds, located at 2493 State Road 16 in Green Cove Springs.

Hundreds of 2019 model recreational vehicles will be on display at the four-day event, with participating dealers including Campers Inn RV of Jacksonville, Creative RV, Dick Gore's RV World of Jacksonville, General RV Center of Orange Park and Ocean Grove RV Supercenter of St. Augustine.

There are typically many vendors like Crabbe attending the show, including campgrounds, golf cart distributors, finance companies and other companies that support the RV industry.

Crabbe says his Orange Park insurance agency has been in operation since 1992, when it was started by Jane Diloreto. He joined the firm in 2012 and took over ownership when Diloreto retired in 2015. After reviewing the makeup of his customer base, Crabbe wanted to make a concerted effort to get in front of more RV owners.

"We provide property and casualty insurance for a lot of people, but RV owners only made up about 5% of our customer base," he said. "Joining FRVTA, and taking part in these shows, is helping us change that."

Crabbe says they shows also give him an opportunity to explain the coverages available, whether for a pop-up camper and travel trailer or the large Class A to Class C Motorhomes.

"As a 'captive Allstate Agency,' all our product lines like auto, specialty auto and other property coverage are provided by Allstate," he said. "With us, the motor homes would fall under specialty auto coverage."

With regular auto insurance, most vehicle owners carry more collision insurance. With RVs, owners usually have more comprehensive coverage -- with premiums that tend to be higher than the collision coverages on RV policies due to the loss experience on RV claims.

"Most of the claims we field for an RV are comprehensive in nature -- those incidents that happen when they are parked, rather than during a daily commute or while driving on the highway -- things like a fire at a campground, a tree falling on it at a park, that sort of thing," Crabbe said.

However, when it comes to fifth-wheel recreational vehicles and pull-behind RVs, Crabbe says Allstate covers those by adding them to the customer's standard auto policy.

"Every insurance carrier is different, so the RV owner has to check on that, but that's true for a lot of people," he said. "We work with all our insured about that up front, and we also mention this to all the RV owners we meet at the show, even if they don't have insurance through us.

"It's important for people to meet with their agent once a year about all their coverage, and especially if they make a major purchase like an RV or boat, so they don't wind up with an uninsured risk if it sustains some damage,'' Crabbe said.

Crabbe, who joined the FRVTA Northeast Florida chapter last year, has already attended the Jacksonville MegaShow held earlier this year.

"It was fun, and we got to talk with people about everything, of course including conversations about all their insurance questions," Crabbe said. "It was great because the people attending the show have such a passion for the RV lifestyle. Also, you never know who you'll meet. I met an old friend I'd worked with years ago on the Super Bowl Host Committee, who has since taken a country-wide trip ... traveling all though the United States in an RV."

Crabbe says it offers a great way for his agency to make some "warm" contacts. They also conduct giveaways at their booth each day of the show to encourage show guests to stop by.

In addition to the upcoming Jacksonville Fall RV Show, Crabbe said the agency will be represented at the 2020 Jacksonville RV MegaShow in February and the state's RV SuperShow that is held in Tampa at the start of each year.

"This isn't just a one-off, but something we're committed to for the long-haul," he said.

Show hours for the fall show are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 12, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. The regular admission price is $5 and children 12 and under admitted free.

Seniors will receive a $2 discount on the opening day of the show. Military and first responders receive a $2 discount each day of the show. Parking is free at the venue.

For more information and updates, visit frvta.org or the chapter's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/neflrvdealers/.

What is RV Insurance?

Recreational vehicles, or RVs, include a wide range of motorhomes, from camper vans to bus conversions, and motorhomes organized by classes: Class A, B and C. RV insurance depends on the class of the vehicle, how much you use it, whether it's lived in full time and other factors.

What Does RV Insurance Cover?

RV insurance covers many of the same risks that auto insurance does, including collision, comprehensive and liability coverage. RV owners can also obtain additional protection for personal belongings on board, equipment and attached accessories such as awnings and satellite dishes. Depending on the insurance company chosen, additional coverage options may include:

• Total loss replacement coverage

• Campsite and vacation coverage

• Emergency expenses

• Towing/roadside coverage

• Full-timer coverage if the RV is a full-time residence

• Uninsured and underinsured motorists' coverage

How Does RV Insurance Work?

Just like auto insurance, RV insurance protects recreational vehicle owners from excessive out of pocket costs in the event of a loss or if they are found at fault in an accident that causes bodily injury or property damage. It can also provide compensation for the owners' costs if they have a breakdown on the road.

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?

RV insurance costs vary widely, depending on several key factors:

• Whether the RV is a Class A, B or C model (Class A is the most expensive coverage)

• Whether the RV is used occasionally or if used for full-time living

• Driving history and record of accidents/past claims

• The limits set on policy, as well as the deductible amounts

• The additional riders or added coverage (coverage for personal belongings, towing, etc.)

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