Do you need personal RV insurance for a travel trailer before hitting the open road? If you already have an automotive insurance policy for your car or truck, its coverage may extend to the travel trailer it pulls when an accident occurs. Of course, the trailer must be under your ownership and registered in your name. Coverage usually doesn’t apply to rented or borrowed trailers.
Coverage for your travel trailer comes with the liability insurance of your car’s automotive policy. Accidents or damage involving the trailer are assumed to be related to the insured driver’s actions. Knowing which RV insurance works for you can help you determine the best methods for staying safe.
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage. It essentially pays for costs associated with injuries caused to third parties and damage caused to third-party property. However, liability insurance won’t cover damage incurred by your travel trailer. For that, you will need other types of insurance, as outlined below.
Not all types of trailers can receive insurance. Some may not even require insurance. It is essential to understand how insurance firms and government agencies classify your particular vehicle to determine your coverage type. Also, travel trailers may be classified depending on the various campgrounds and manufacturers.
Recreational vehicles (RVs) generally belong to one of three categories: Class A, B, or C.
Class A vehicles are usually motorhomes. These are the largest and most potent RVs on the road.
Class B vehicles can also be driven but are usually much smaller than Class A vehicles. Most are equivalent in size to a large van and do not have the slide-out features common to many motorhomes.
Class C vehicles are between Class A and Class B in size. Most have over-cab extensions that provide more interior space.
Some non-motorized RVs are Class C vehicles. But they are more commonly classified into a separate category called “campers and trailers.” It is impossible to drive these vehicles, and you cannot tow them behind motorized vehicles.
You have established the type of travel trailer you have. Now, you can check for the available insurance options.
As mentioned, liability insurance covers damages you or your travel trailer cause to a third party. Most automotive insurance policies cover damage liability caused by your trailer.
This liability insurance covers claims resulting from injuries that occur in or near your trailer. It applies to cases wherein your vehicle is parked instead of being in motion.
Medical payments coverage can help if you suffer an injury in an accident in which you are at fault. It also covers the medical expenses of your passengers.
It protects you from accidents that occur while your vehicle is in motion. It covers costs related to the repair and replacement of your vehicle’s structure and some of its interior features. This type of coverage is subject to the deductible of your insurance policy.
It covers you for property damage caused by another driver who doesn’t have adequate insurance.
It covers the value of personal belongings that you have in your trailer. It applies to electronic devices, jewelry, appliances, and other valuable items that other insurance policies do not usually cover.
This insurance covers damages caused to your recreational vehicle by natural conditions or non-vehicular accidents. It typically covers damage from fire, flood, storms, and vandalism.
Keep in mind that many insurance firms carry policies that are specific to recreational vehicles. Some of these may overlap with your existing insurance and may cover items you have insurance for, such as household items you travel with. It is a good idea to read the terms of your homeowner’s insurance or supplemental policies to find out if you need more coverage for art or jewelry.
Ultimately, any insurance is better than no insurance. It is advisable to talk to a reputable insurance adviser to determine the most appropriate coverage depending on your needs and vehicle. Getting the right insurance will help ensure peace of mind when you hit the road with your travel trailer.
Did you know you could save an average of 35% compared to other insurance companies by getting a comprehensive plan with Roamly? This insurance company was created by passionate RV owners,so they know exactly the type of coverage you need for your RV. No more paying for expensive features you don’t need.
Additionally, Roamly doesn’t stop covering your RV if you decide you want to rent it out on peer-to-peer networks like Outdoorsy. That means you can make extra money when you’re not using your RV.