FAQs

Below are the most common questions RV owners ask – answered in plain English. If you want help choosing coverage for your rig and how you actually use it, request a quote and we’ll walk you through the options.

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Getting started

Is RV insurance required by law?

Yes for motorized RVs in most states. Class A/B/C motorhomes typically must carry at least liability coverage to register and drive legally. Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels) often aren’t required to carry their own liability coverage, but many owners still insure them for theft, weather, and collision damage.

What information do I need to get an RV insurance quote?

Usually: RV type (motorhome or trailer), year/make/model, how you use it (weekend/seasonal/full-time), where it’s stored, your driving history, and desired coverages/limits. If the RV is financed, you’ll also want lienholder details to list on the policy.

Does my auto policy cover my RV?

Sometimes, but not always in the way people expect. A standard auto policy may cover liability for a motorhome, but RV-specific options (contents, emergency expense, full-timers liability, total loss replacement, attached accessories) typically require an RV policy.

Learn what RV insurance typically covers

Do pull-behind campers need insurance?

It depends. Liability while towing is often handled by the tow vehicle’s auto policy, but that doesn’t protect the trailer itself from theft, storm damage, fire, vandalism, or collision damage. Many owners add a separate policy to protect the camper’s value and their gear.

Read: Do pull-behind campers need insurance?

Cost and savings

How much does RV insurance cost?

Pricing depends on your RV’s value, type, usage (seasonal vs full-time), where it’s stored, your driving/claims history, and selected coverages (comprehensive/collision, contents, roadside, emergency expense, replacement options). The fastest way to get an accurate number is to quote it with your exact RV and usage.

How can I lower my RV insurance premium?

Common levers: adjust deductibles, review limits, choose storage-only approaches when the RV is parked long-term (if eligible), improve storage security, bundle policies, and make sure upgrades/contents limits match what you actually need. The best savings come from matching coverage to how you use the RV, not just cutting protections.

Read: How to save money on your RV insurance premium

What deductible should I choose for my RV?

A higher deductible usually lowers your premium but increases what you pay out of pocket during a claim. Many RV owners choose a deductible they could comfortably pay on short notice, especially for common losses like storm damage, backing accidents, or theft.

Read: How to choose the right RV insurance for your needs

Core coverages explained

What does liability coverage cover on an RV policy?

Liability helps pay for injuries to others and damage to their property if you’re at fault. It can also include legal defense costs. Liability doesn’t pay to fix your RV—comprehensive and collision handle damage to your rig.

Learn about RV liability coverage

What does comprehensive cover on an RV?

Comprehensive typically covers non-collision losses like theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, animal strikes, and many weather events (hail/wind). Coverage depends on your policy language, and deductibles usually apply.

What does collision cover on an RV?

Collision helps pay to repair or replace your RV after a crash with another vehicle or object (including backing accidents and single-vehicle impacts). It applies regardless of fault, subject to your deductible and policy terms.

Learn about comprehensive and collision coverage

Does RV insurance cover my personal belongings?

Often yes, if you carry contents/personal effects coverage. This can help replace items like electronics, clothing, and camping gear, up to your selected limit. High-value items may have sub-limits unless specifically scheduled.

Learn about RV contents coverage

What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for RVs?

This helps protect you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. It can help cover injuries and, depending on the state and policy, may also help with vehicle damage-related costs.

Learn about uninsured motorist coverage

What is emergency expense (trip interruption) coverage?

If your RV is disabled or uninhabitable due to a covered loss while you’re away from home, emergency expense coverage can help pay for temporary lodging, meals, and certain travel costs. Benefits, distance requirements, and limits vary by policy.

Learn about emergency expense coverage

What is roadside assistance coverage for RVs?

Roadside assistance helps when you’re stranded due to a breakdown or minor issue, typically including towing, flat-tire help, lockout service, and fuel delivery. The exact services and towing limits depend on the plan.

Learn about RV roadside assistance

Total loss, value, and replacement options

What’s the difference between actual cash value (ACV) and agreed value?

ACV pays what the RV is worth at the time of loss (depreciation applies). Agreed value uses a value you and the insurer accept up front, which can reduce surprises at claim time. Availability depends on carrier, RV age, and condition.

What is total loss replacement coverage?

If your RV is totaled within an eligible time window, total loss replacement may provide a new RV of similar type (instead of an ACV settlement). Eligibility rules vary by carrier and typically depend on the RV’s age and original purchase details.

Learn about total loss replacement coverage

Does it cover…? Common claim scenarios

Does RV insurance cover water damage?

Sometimes. Water damage may be covered when it’s sudden and accidental (for example, a burst line or storm-created opening). Gradual leaks, long-term seepage, or maintenance-related problems are commonly excluded or denied.

Read: Does RV insurance cover water damage?

Does RV insurance cover roof leaks?

It depends on the cause. If a covered event (like storm damage) creates an opening and water enters, coverage is more likely. If the leak developed over time due to worn seals or lack of maintenance, it’s often treated as excluded wear and tear.

Read: Does RV insurance cover roof leaks?

Does RV insurance cover awning damage?

Often, when the damage is sudden and accidental and you carry the right physical damage coverage. Wind-related awning losses are common examples. Damage from wear, neglect, or gradual deterioration is typically not covered.

Read: Does RV insurance cover awning damage?

Does RV insurance cover storm damage (hail/wind)?

Many policies cover hail and wind under comprehensive, but deductibles and exclusions apply. Damage may be covered whether the RV is in storage or in use, depending on your policy and how it was stored/secured.

Does RV insurance cover theft or vandalism?

Typically yes under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible and limits. Theft claims may also involve documentation requirements and, for contents, separate coverage limits.

Does RV insurance cover animal or rodent damage?

Sometimes. Certain animal-related losses can fall under comprehensive, but rodent and pest damage is commonly limited or excluded depending on the carrier and circumstances. If you store your RV for long periods, prevention matters because ongoing damage can become a gray area.

Does RV insurance cover mold?

Mold is frequently excluded or tightly limited. If mold results directly from a covered water loss and is discovered promptly, you may have coverage—but many policies restrict mold payouts. Timing, documentation, and cause are critical.

Does RV insurance cover wear and tear or maintenance issues?

No. Insurance is designed for sudden, accidental losses—not gradual deterioration, rot, corrosion, or maintenance failures. Claims tied to neglected seals, aging materials, or long-term leakage are commonly denied.

Full-time RV living and storage

What is full-time RV insurance?

Full-time RV insurance is designed for RVs used as a primary residence and can function more like homeowners coverage in certain areas (especially liability and personal exposure). It’s meant for people living in their RV most or all of the year.

Learn about full-timers coverage

Do I need full-timer coverage if I live in my RV?

If your RV is your main home, you should strongly consider it. Full-timer options can address exposures that standard recreational-use policies don’t, such as liability around your “residence” setup and higher personal living exposure.

Read: Insurance for full-time RV living

Can I reduce coverage when my RV is in storage?

Often yes, depending on the carrier and the RV’s financing requirements. Many owners reduce “on-road” coverages while keeping comprehensive active to protect against theft, fire, vandalism, and weather while parked.

Does storage insurance keep comprehensive coverage?

In many cases, yes—storage-focused approaches usually keep comprehensive in force because stored RVs still face theft and weather risks. The key is confirming what’s being reduced (often liability and sometimes collision) and what stays active.

Read: How to insure an RV in storage

Trailers and towing

Does my auto policy cover liability while towing a travel trailer?

Often, yes—the tow vehicle’s liability coverage frequently extends to the trailer while it’s being towed. But that doesn’t automatically cover damage to the trailer itself, which is where a separate trailer policy can help.

Does a travel trailer need its own insurance?

Not always legally, but it’s often recommended. A separate policy can cover the trailer for physical damage, theft, and other losses when it’s parked or stored—situations your auto policy may not fully address.

Read: Do pull-behind campers need insurance?

Do fifth wheels need insurance?

Similar to travel trailers: liability while towing is often handled by the tow vehicle policy, but the fifth wheel itself may need separate physical damage coverage to protect your investment from theft, weather, fire, and collision losses.

Learn about fifth wheel insurance

Do toy haulers need special coverage for gear?

They often need careful contents planning. The trailer itself can be insured for physical damage, and your belongings/gear may require contents coverage (and potentially higher limits) depending on what you haul and its value.

Learn about toy hauler insurance

Learn about contents coverage

Roadside assistance and trip interruption

How far will roadside assistance tow my RV?

It depends on the plan. Many programs provide towing to the nearest qualified repair facility, but distance limits and dollar caps vary. If you travel remote routes, it’s worth choosing a plan with RV-appropriate towing benefits.

Learn about RV roadside assistance

What does emergency expense coverage pay for?

Typically: hotel/lodging, meals, and certain travel costs when a covered loss makes your RV unusable during a trip. Policies often require that the loss happens a certain distance from home and reimbursements require receipts.

Learn about emergency expense coverage

Claims process

How do I file an RV insurance claim?

Start by documenting the loss (photos/video), preventing further damage when safe, and reporting the claim as soon as possible. You’ll usually provide incident details, location/time, police report info (if theft/accident), and repair estimates or shop contact details.

Can I choose my own RV repair shop?

Often yes, though the insurer may require estimates, approve supplements, or recommend preferred shops. For specialty RV repairs (body, roof, slide-out systems), choosing an experienced RV shop can help the claim go smoother.

Will a claim increase my premium?

It can, but it depends on the loss type, your history, and the carrier’s underwriting rules. Some claims (especially repeated or preventable losses) can affect renewal pricing more than a single isolated incident.

Read: RV insurance claim filing process

Switching and proof of insurance

Can I switch RV insurance at any time?

Usually yes. The key is avoiding gaps: set the new policy effective date first, then cancel the old policy once you have proof the new coverage is active.

Can coverage start today?

Often yes—many policies can be bound quickly once the insurer has the necessary details and underwriting eligibility is met. If you’re buying an RV, it’s smart to line up coverage before you take delivery.

What proof of insurance do I get after I buy a policy?

Typically you’ll receive proof of insurance/ID cards (for motorhomes), plus a declarations page showing coverages, limits, deductibles, and listed drivers/lienholders. Many carriers provide these digitally shortly after binding.

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