Purchasing RV insurance is an important part of RV ownership. You have an expensive asset, and you’ll want to make sure it’s covered properly.
RV insurance can be more complex than auto insurance, because you’re insuring both a vehicle and – in some cases – a home. This article will look at the different types of coverage, the different ways insurance can cost more or be discounted, optional add-ons, and how to choose a good policy.
Vehicle insurance laws vary by state, and there may be other reasons why you’re required to get certain insurance as well. We’ll look at how to choose the coverage you need for your RV.
What Is RV Insurance & Why It Matters
RV insurance can protect you and your RV if there is an incident that causes injuries or property damage. RV insurance may also cover the cost of repairing damage to your motorhome if there is an incident and you’re covered.
An RV is unique because it’s both a home and a vehicle. As such, there is a variety of coverage options, depending on what you want for your rig.
You’ll also want different types of coverage depending on whether you use your RV for fun or whether you live in it full-time. Also, states can have minimum coverage requirements, so you may have to purchase a certain amount of insurance for your RV. Loan companies and lenders may also require you to carry a certain amount of coverage. Even some campgrounds require visitors to have RV or travel trailer insurance coverage.
RV insurance can protect you against damage from collisions and against losses from theft. You can also get liability insurance, so if you’re at fault in an accident, your insurance company may cover your damages. RV insurance can also protect against natural events and disasters that could damage your motorhome.
Travel trailers aren’t generally required by law to carry insurance because they’re not motorized vehicles. Your lender may insist you have coverage, however. If you purchase your trailer outright, you may decide on your own that you want coverage in case of unforeseen events as well.
Legal & Lending Requirements
Many states have state-mandated minimum insurance requirements. You’ll want to know what your own state requires, so you can be sure you’re covered. Progressive has a helpful list of state requirements.
Most states require liability RV insurance that pays if you injure someone or damage property in an accident. As a general rule, these minimums are similar to auto insurance minimums. No-fault states may also add some extra coverage requirements like Personal Injury Protection or medical payments coverage, like they do for cars.
Legally, most states don’t have different insurance requirements if you live full-time in your RV. But many insurers require you to carry a special full-time RV policy if you use your RV as your primary residence. This policy is similar to having homeowner’s insurance. It provides personal liability coverage beyond auto liability. For instance, if someone slips on your RV steps or otherwise gets hurt in your RV, this would cover you. It also offers medical payments for guests and covers personal belongings like home or renter’s insurance would.
Most major insurers require you to disclose whether you’re living in your RV full-time so they can make sure you have the right policy.
Core (Mandatory & Common) RV Coverages
Here are some of the most common insurance coverage types that you’ll encounter when shopping for RV insurance. Some of these coverages are required by law, while others might simply be common, and a good idea depending on your RV use.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Why It’s Important |
| Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury & Property Damage) | Pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident. | Required by law in almost every state for motorhomes; protects you from major out-of-pocket costs if you’re at fault. |
| Comprehensive | Covers non-collision events like theft, fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects, or animal damage. | Protects your RV from risks beyond driving, especially valuable if you store it outside or travel often. |
| Collision | Pays for damage to your RV from a crash, regardless of who is at fault. | Ensures you can repair or replace your RV after an accident; often required if you have a loan or lease. |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) | Covers injuries and sometimes property damage if another driver without enough insurance hits you. | Gives you protection when others don’t carry adequate insurance, common in many states. |
| Medical Payments Coverage | Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who is at fault. | Provides quick medical coverage without waiting for liability decisions or other insurance to pay out. |
Optional & Specialized Coverages
There are lots of optional and specialized coverage options as well. Whether these are good options for you will depend on how often you use your RV, whether you live in it full-time, and several other options. Here are some of those RV insurance options:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Why It’s Helpful |
| Full-Timer / Permanent Residence Add-ons (Full-Timer’s Liability, Loss Assessment) | Provides homeowners-style protection if your RV is your primary residence, including liability for injuries near your RV. | Essential for full-time RVers since a standard auto/RV policy won’t cover all the risks of living in your RV. |
| Vacation Liability | Covers injuries or property damage that occur when your RV is parked or being used as a temporary residence. | Gives peace of mind at campsites, where accidents involving guests or neighbors are more likely. |
| Replacement Cost / Total Loss Replacement | Pays for a brand-new RV of similar make/model if yours is totaled, rather than depreciated value. | Protects your investment, especially with newer RVs that depreciate quickly. |
| Personal Effects / Contents Coverage | Insures belongings kept inside your RV (clothing, electronics, gear). | Acts like renters insurance for your RV, covering theft or damage to your stuff. |
| Roadside Assistance / Emergency Expense Coverage | Covers towing, flat tires, fuel delivery, or lodging/transport costs if your RV becomes disabled. | Prevents big unexpected costs and hassles on the road. |
| Roof Protection, Pest / Animal Damage, etc. | Covers damage from roof leaks, rodents, insects, or other unusual hazards. | Fills in gaps most basic RV policies don’t cover, common in long-term storage or wooded areas. |
What RV Insurance Does Not Cover
Generally speaking, RV insurance does not cover problems that are a result of age, maintenance, or any excluded risks. You’ll want to read your policy carefully to make sure you understand what those excluded risks are.
RV insurance does not usually cover normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns. It also doesn’t compensate for problems that arise from poor maintenance. Issues like mold, fungi, or rot caused by moisture or neglect are not usually covered as well.
Interiors and personal belongings like furniture, clothing, and electronics aren’t covered unless you purchase personal effects/contents coverage.
How RV Insurance Premiums Are Calculated
Just like with automobile insurance, RV insurance rates vary depending on a variety of factors. Here are some of the factors that will affect your insurance premiums:
- Type & Class of RV: Bigger, more expensive motorhomes – especially Class A motorhomes – will likely cost more to insure than smaller towables or campervans.
- Usage: Your rates will vary, depending on whether you use your RV just a few weekends a year, more often for seasonal travel, or whether you live in your rig full-time. The more you use your RV, the more you’ll likely pay for insurance because the vehicle is exposed to more risk.
- Driving Record & Claims History: Just like with automobiles, the more tickets, accidents, or other past claims you have, the more your RV insurance costs will be.
- Location & Zip Code: Living or storing your RV in areas with high rates of accidents, theft, or severe weather can increase your RV premiums. Also, rural areas generally have less expensive RV insurance rates than more urban areas.
- Mileage & How Often It’s Used: The more you drive, the more your chances of having an accident increase. This also means your RV premiums go up if you drive your RV more.
- Coverage Choices: If you choose higher liability limits, meaning your insurance company pays out more if you’re responsible for an accident, your premiums will likely be higher. Opting for low deductibles, which means you’ll pay less out-of-pocket after an accident, also increases your rate. Add-ons like roadside assistance or replacement cost will increase premiums as well. Choosing to pay for some of these things – like higher deductibles or calling your own tow truck in an accident – can lower your insurance rates.
Discounts and Ways to Lower Premiums
Along with opting for higher deductibles and fewer add-ons, here are some other ways to lower your insurance premiums.
- Bundling: Many insurance companies will give you a discounted rate if you have several policies with them. Combining your RV policy with home or auto insurance can result in a lower overall cost.
- Drive Safely: A clean driving record can mean big savings in RV insurance. It can also lower your insurance rates on other vehicles, so it can be a huge money saver for you.
- Storage Discounts: Keeping your RV in secure storage when you’re not using it can make you a lower risk and lower premiums.
- Pay-in-Full or Auto-Pay: Paying your insurance in full each year, or enrolling in automatic payments, can also save you money with some companies.
- Membership Discounts: RV clubs, associations, and other organizations often have a list of places that offer discounts for members. Check those lists to see if RV insurance is on there.
Choosing the Right RV Insurance Policy
Choosing the right RV insurance policy for you isn’t simply about finding the cheapest possible option. It’s about finding the best coverage and making sure you’re covered in the ways that matter most for how you travel. The best coverage will vary for each person or family with an RV, because everyone travels differently.
Here are some things to look at when you’re choosing an RV insurance policy.
| Step | What to Consider | Why It Matters |
| Assess Your Risk Profile & Usage | Do you use your RV occasionally, seasonally, or full-time? Do you store it outdoors in a hail-prone region? Do you tow or drive in high-traffic areas? | Your lifestyle and risk exposure determine how much protection you really need. A weekend camper’s needs will be different from a full-timer’s. |
| Balance Coverage vs. Premium Cost | Higher limits and add-ons give you more protection but will raise premiums. Raising deductibles can lower costs, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if something happens. | Helps you avoid overpaying for coverage you won’t use while guarding against big financial risks. |
| Compare Multiple Insurers & Read the Fine Print | Different insurers and plans offer different coverage and perks. Some exclude mold, roof leaks, or personal belongings unless you add specific riders. Others bundle roadside assistance or vacation liability. | Shopping around ensures you’re not surprised later by exclusions. It may also save you hundreds per year. |
| Questions to Ask Agents/Insurers | – Does this policy cover full-time use if I live in my RV? – What are the liability limits, and are they high enough? – Are my personal belongings covered, or do I need contents coverage? – Are roof leaks, pest damage, or delamination included? – What discounts do I qualify for? | Asking the right questions helps uncover hidden gaps and ensures the policy actually fits your needs. |
Claims, Renewal & Policy Management
Getting your RV insurance is just the first step in making sure you’re protected. You’ll also need to know how to use it if there’s an accident.
Steps to File a Claim
You’ll want to call your insurer as soon as possible after there has been an accident. They can talk you through the steps of filing a claim. While you’re still at the scene, take photos or video of the damage. Get information from any witnesses and information to contact them later.
If the accident involves other drivers, you’ll need their full name and contact information, their insurance company name and policy number, their driver’s license number, their license plate number, and the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Also, note the location of the accident.
If your RV is towable, like a trailer, you’ll want to give both the towing vehicle’s registration and insurance and the trailer’s registration if the other driver asks for it. If you’re driving a motorhome, treat this like a car accident. Be sure to document any damage inside the vehicle as well as outside.
What to Expect in Claims Processing
Claims processing happens the same way it does for car accidents. Minor claims like windshield damage can usually be resolved in days, while major claims like collisions or fires may take weeks or even months.
Here’s what to expect:
- Claim Filing: Report the accident or damage to your insurer, either online, via your insurance app, or by phone. They will ask for details, photos, and police reports if any were filed.
- Claim Assignment: The insurance company will assign a claims adjuster. This will be your main contact throughout the process.
- Investigation & Inspection: The adjuster will review your documents. They might interview witnesses, and will usually inspect the RV or send you to a partner repair shop for inspection.
- Coverage Review: The insurer will check your policy to confirm what’s covered and whether you have liability, collision, comprehensive, and any add-ons.
- Settlement Offer: The adjuster provides an estimate of repairs or payout value if the RV is totaled.
- Payment & Repairs: If you accept the offer, the insurer will issue payment (to you or directly to the repair shop). You may receive the actual cash value or replacement cost if your vehicle has been totaled, depending on your policy.
- Closing the Claim: Once payment is made and all paperwork is complete, the claim is officially closed.
Keeping Your Policy Up to Date
Choosing an RV insurance policy isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it decision. Your needs may change over time, especially if your travel lifestyle changes. You should review your policy regularly to make sure you’re covered for what you need … and not paying for coverage you don’t!
You’ll want to review your policy at least once a year. Many policies renew annually, so this is a good time to do an overall check and make sure your coverage is what you need. Here are some other times you’ll want to review your policy and make changes:
- After buying or selling an RV: Make sure you alert your insurer immediately if you need to add a new RV or need to drop an old one.
- Upgrading or modifying an RV: If you’re adding something like a new roof, solar panels, or doing other expensive improvements, you’ll want to update your coverage to make sure those things are insured.
- Changing how you use your RV: If you’re switching from occasional use to full-time, or vice-versa, make sure your coverage is updated to reflect this.
- Relocating or storing your RV somewhere different: If you’re moving to a new state or zip code or switching storage places, your RV insurance rate may change.
- Adjusting liability limits or deductibles: Raising liability limits can protect your assets, while raising your deductibles can lower your insurance payments. You may want a higher liability rate when your RV is brand new and you want everything covered. You may also want to raise deductibles if you have plenty of money to pay out of pocket for some damages. You can also look at extras like roadside assistance, contents coverage, vacation liability, and pest or roof protection and decide whether those are worth paying for to you.
When to Shop Around or Switch
You don’t have to stick with the same RV insurance company long-term, either. It’s true that some insurance companies will offer a loyalty discount for people who have been with them for several years. But sometimes, you’ll still find a better rate elsewhere. Here’s when to shop around or switch RV insurance companies.
| When to Reevaluate | Why It’s a Good Time |
| Your Premium Jumps at Renewal | A sudden increase that’s not a result of your driving record or claims may mean it’s time to get quotes elsewhere. |
| Your RV Lifestyle Changes | Moving from weekend trips to full-time living — or downsizing to a smaller trailer — may require a different kind of policy. |
| Poor Customer Service | If you had a claim and the process was slow or frustrating, or you’ve had other bad interactions with your insurance company, switching insurers could save future headaches. |
| You Move to a New State or Region | Different states have different minimums, risks, and rates — shopping around ensures you’re not overpaying. |
| It’s Been 2–3 Years Since You Last Compared | Even without major changes, rates shift over time. Checking every few years could result in saving money. |
| You Bundle Other Policies | Switching your RV policy to the same company that covers your home or auto may earn you discounts. |
Special Considerations & Use Cases
There are many different ways to use and insure RVs! A few special considerations and use cases where you may want special coverage include:
- Converted vans/DIY conversions: Insurance can be harder to obtain if you built out your own van. Some insurers will require professional certification of the van before they’ll agree to classify it as an RV instead of a standard vehicle. Other insurers may only insure it under an auto policy, but not an RV policy.
- Road travel vs. stationary usage: If you travel often, traditional RV insurance will probably work for you.If you live in your RV full-time but rarely move it, you may need a “full-timer’s package” that works more like homeowner’s insurance than auto insurance.
- Seasonal RVers/storage periods: Your insurer may let you “suspend” some of your coverages, such as collision and liability, while your RV is in storage. Or they may have storage discounts in their policies. You’ll still want comprehensive active insurance for things like theft, fire, or weather damage, but you can check on possibly suspending others.
- Traveling across states or internationally (Canada/Mexico): You’ll want to check on your insurance policy when you travel to new places. Most RV policies cover you in all U.S. states and often Canada. Mexico, however, requires special short-term Mexican liability insurance.
You have many choices for RV insurance, based on how much you use your rig, how expensive it is, and so many other variables. You’ll want to take some time to carefully understand the various policies. Don’t skimp on your coverage, but also choose wisely and consider exactly what kind of coverage you need. If you want to know about the insurance RVshare offers its renters and owners, check out our comprehensive guide.
You’ll likely want to start by reviewing any policy you have currently, calling around to other insurance companies, and getting quotes on what you need. It takes some work, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing this important asset is covered is well worth it!
