Does My Car Insurance Cover an RV, Too?
Written by
Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.
Reviewed by
Paul Martin is the Director of Education and Development for Myron Steves, one of the largest, most respected insurance wholesalers in the southern U.S.
Owning an RV can open up a world of possibilities, from adventures to business trips and more. But whether you plan to go fully nomadic or just take the RV out on occasional vacations, it still brings many risks that need to be acknowledged right away. You'll need the right coverage to protect against accidents, theft, and more.
Fortunately, an independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with all the RV coverage you need to protect against many types of threats. They'll make sure you get covered before you ever have to file a claim. But before we jump too far ahead, here's a breakdown of RVs and what coverage protects them.
Fast RV Facts and Stats
It might not be surprising that RV use has increased over time. With more Americans working from home than ever before, many folks can afford the extra time to travel or work on the road.
Some quick RV facts and stats:
- Ownership of RVs reached a record high last year, with a reported 11.2 million households being home to RV owners.
- Since 2001, RV ownership has increased 62% from the 6.9 million households with RV owners that year.
- RV ownership is up 26% since 2011, when just 8.9 million households included an RV.
- A reported 46 million Americans have admitted to having an RV trip planned within the next year.
With RVing becoming more common than ever, the need for coverage is also more relevant than ever. Make sure to work with a local independent insurance agent to get yours equipped with the right type of insurance before your trip plans are complete.
Does Car Insurance Cover RVs, Too?
Often car insurance will cover an RV to some extent, but not completely. According to insurance expert Jeffery Green, if the RV is trailered, then auto insurance would cover liability while using the RV, but it wouldn't cover physical damage to the trailer itself.
What car insurance covers:
- Collision coverage: Covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it gets damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it gets damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
- Liability coverage: Covers the cost of lawsuits if you get sued by a third party for claims of bodily injury or personal property damage because of your vehicle. Depending on your auto insurance policy, this coverage may extend to RV use as well.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Covers costs if you get into a collision with another driver who doesn't have any or adequate insurance of their own.
- Personal injury protection: Covers costs for the treatment of injuries to yourself or your passengers that were sustained in an accident you were at fault for.
An independent insurance agent can further break down all of what's covered by standard car insurance, and how far your specific policy's coverage may extend to an RV.
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When Is RV Insurance Mandatory?
Green said that mandatory RV insurance coverage applies to motorized RVs. Like car insurance, the required coverage varies by state. So depending on where you live, your RV coverage requirements may be different. RV categories can be broken down into Class A, B, and C motorhomes, and certain areas may require coverage for one or two types, but not all, etc.
As far as renting is concerned, your auto insurance coverage may extend to RV rentals. Keep in mind that if your auto coverage does extend to the RV rental, there may be additional limitations and exclusions. If your auto insurance doesn't cover it, the RV rental service may require you to buy it. Be sure to check with your insurer before assuming your car insurance will cover RV rentals.
More quick facts about RV coverage:
- Liability coverage really is a must, so you'll need to make sure you're either covered under your car insurance or purchase separate liability coverage for your RV. Full coverage mandates depend on the state.
- RV coverage is often optional if your RV is considered a Class C and is only towable, not driven. Class C RVs typically have travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-ups.
- RV coverage might also be optional if your RV is owned completely by you and doesn't carry a loan.
- RV coverage might be optional in your state in general.
- If your auto liability coverage extends to your RV, it would cover financial losses related to your trailer damaging someone else's RV or other property.
When it comes to demystifying RV coverage, an independent insurance agent is your greatest ally. Not only can they review your existing car insurance policy with you to see if it extends to RVs, but they can also help you add any RV insurance you may need if you don't have it already.
Additional Important RV Coverages Worth Considering
If you do require additional RV insurance, you'll want to at least consider the following coverages:
- Total loss replacement coverage: Covers losses if you get into an accident that results in a total loss of the RV.
- Campsite and vacation coverage: Covers losses if a third party gets hurt in your RV or at the campsite your RV is parked at.
- Emergency expenses: Covers costs if your RV breaks down and you need to get a hotel or rent another vehicle.
- Towing and roadside coverage: Covers costs if your RV needs to be towed or you require roadside assistance.
- Full-timer coverage: Increases your coverage limits if your RV becomes a full-time residence.
Talk with your independent insurance agent about your plans and goals to decide how to build the best complete RV insurance policy for you.
How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?
Like auto insurance, the cost of your RV insurance can vary depending on many factors, like:
- The size of the RV
- The make and model of the RV
- The value of the RV
- Your location
- How often and how the RV will be used
However, you can often insure a travel trailer for less than $500 annually, while a Class A motorhome's insurance often costs $1,000 or more annually. An independent insurance agent in your area can help you find the most affordable RV insurance that works best for you.
What if You’re Just Renting an RV?
If you'll just be renting an RV, you can often choose from these coverages:
- RV liability insurance: Covers third-party medical expenses as a result of an accident you're at fault for.
- RV rental insurance: Includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to protect you in case of an accident or damage to the RV.
- Uninsured motorists: Covers you financially after an accident if the other driver was at fault and doesn’t have any of their own insurance or enough to pay for all expenses.
RV rental insurance is often offered directly through the rental company, but you can also sometimes buy it as a rider on your current car insurance policy. If someone else in your family will be driving the RV, make sure to check that everyone's names will be listed on the coverage.
Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent?
Independent insurance agents simplify the process by shopping and comparing insurance quotes for you. Not only that, but they’ll also cut through the jargon and clarify the fine print so you'll know exactly what you’re getting.
Independent insurance agents also have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best car insurance and RV insurance coverage, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you.