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Liability insurance is typically a base requirement for any registered vehicle, including motorhome-sized RVs. Travel trailers, however, are treated differently. So consult your state regulations or talk to your insurance agent to find out more. If you decide to buy a policy, understand that there are different levels of coverage offered.

TYPES OF COVERAGE

Liability coverage helps cover the costs of an accident that ends up injuring someone else or damaging another person’s property. Comprehensive coverage expands to also include non-collision events like fire, storm damage or theft. Collision coverage, on the other hand, helps pay for damage to your RV in the event of an accident, no matter who may be at fault.

Insurers also offer vacation liability coverage. This is a specialty policy which provides additional peace of mind when an incident happens while at a campsite or RV resort rather than out on the road. Vacation liability coverage is particularly important if you spend more time parked than you do actually traveling from place to place.

Coverage with this policy typically includes damage caused by other RVs but also any injury that happens inside of yours.

MOTORHOMES VS. TRAILERS

Insurers generally only offer policies for RVs that have attached living quarters which include cooking appliances, a bathroom, heating and cooling, drinking water, refrigeration and electrical systems of a certain size. Travel trailers are held to a different standard, since they are not motorized and are typically towed. There are specific coverage options, however, if your trailer includes sleeping and cooking areas. Discuss these differences with a trusted insurance agent or banking officer who may be able to provide more specific details that address your situation.

BEFORE YOU SIGN

Whatever policy you choose, the Department of Motor Vehicles recommends getting at least three different quotes as part of your search since different agencies may offer better or more comprehensive deals. When deciding, pay close attention to deductibles, which is the money you must pay before coverage begins. The monthly cost is oftentimes lowered by making this figure uncomfortably high. Some policies include protections for a more extensive list of accidents. There may also be incentives involved if you add another vehicle onto a policy you already have in place.

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