RV Insurance for Full Timers: What you really need to know

I really can’t think of much that is more exciting than hitting the open road and not turning back in my RV. Moving from town to town, park to park, and adventure to adventure just gets my blood flowing. As awesome as that sounds you still need to make sure you and your family are protected from unseen mishaps. There are so many things that could happen from a tire blowout, swiping an object or God forbid a traffic accident. This is where insurance for Full Time RVers comes into play.

What is full-time RV insurance?

Full-time RV insurance is an optional coverage that provides protection for those who use their RV as their permanent residence — typically defined as residing in a motorhome or travel trailer more than six months out of the year. With full-timers insurance, you’re covered against liabilities, injuries, and certain losses that occur around your RV.

How can I find the best rate?

The best RV insurance policy for you will depend on a number of factors, such as your driving habits, age, and the class of RV. You also want to consider how often you’ll be using your RV throughout the year.

Do your research and know the essential factors to consider before making your choice.

Not all insurance companies are created equally, talk to an agent, talk to friends or fellow RVers, and check their reviews from multiple sources.

The more quotes you get from different insurance companies, the better your chances of obtaining the best rates.

Best RV insurance features for full-time RVers

Full-time RVers should consider having a more comprehensive policy with these coverage add-ons:

  • Personal property coverage: Covers the cost of replacing any damaged or stolen personal effects. This includes clothing, furniture, jewelry, and computers, for example.
  • Total loss replacement: Replaces your RV with an equal or similar model if your vehicle is ever stolen or totaled in an accident. In other cases, the insurer might reimburse you for the original purchase price. Note that lenders might require this coverage if you finance your RV.
  • Full-time RV liability coverage: Adds extra liability, and medical expenses are covered if you live in your RV for six months or more each year.
  • Emergency expense allowance: Covers living and travel expenses like car rentals, lodging and food for up to a specified amount if your RV leaves you stranded, usually more than 100 miles away.
  • Specialized coverage: Can replace appliances like awnings, satellite dishes, and solar panels and can even provide coverage for any pet injuries that happen in the vehicle.
  • Loss assessment: Helps pay for fees charged by RV associations for damage to common areas in a campsite, for example.

Best Insurance for Full Timers

Best Overall RV Insurance Company: Charlotte RV Insurance

PROS

  • Customer Service second to none
  • Offers full-timer coverage
  • Talk to a real person, not a call center

CONS

  • Roadside assistance is not included with a standard coverage
  • Not a direct insurer
  • Policies not available in all states

Best for Disappearing Deductibles: Progressive

PROS

  • Accident forgiveness for claims under $500
  • Horse trailer coverage up to $50k
  • Pet injury coverage is available
  • Add-on coverage available for roof malfunction

CONS

  • The standard plan doesn’t include replacing personal belongings or emergency expense coverage
  • Insurance rates can vary if you buy online or through an agent
  • Discounts are not available in all states

Best RV Insurance Agency: Good Sam

PROS

  • Offers full-timer coverage
  • Manage your policy online without having to contact an agent
  • Membership gets you discounts on campsites, gear stores, fuel, and more

CONS

  • Roadside assistance is not included with the standard coverage
  • Not a direct insurer

Good Sam Insurance Agency is the best option for those who need help choosing coverage. It connects you with some of the best RV insurance companies available and helps you get a comprehensive policy that fits your needs.

Good Sam is also an excellent option for people who drive their RV across the border to Mexico. The company partners with MexicoInsuranceOnline.com, which can pair you with one of three different Mexico-based insurers. Agents can recommend add-ons for your cross-border travels based on your specific needs and you can purchase policies for a single-day trip or longer.

Best for Full Replacement Cost Coverage: National General

PROS

  • Coverage for specialized equipment such as solar panels
  • Pause your coverage when your RV is in storage
  • Experts help you find a new RV in the event of total loss

CONS

  • Eligibility, benefits, coverage, and discounts vary per state
  • Limited information about policies on their website

Best for Multiple Discounts: Nationwide

PROS

  • Free yearly insurance review to evaluate your coverage options and possible discounts
  • Optional towing coverage includes lodging, transportation, and meals
  • Multiple policies are available, making it easy to bundle and save

CONS

  • Quotes not available online

Other RV Insurance companies we considered

During our research for the best recreational vehicle insurance providers, we narrowed down our initial list to 5 companies. The following didn’t make our final cut, not because they were lacking, but rather because other competitors stood out more.

AAA

PROS

  • Covers motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers
  • The membership plan includes roadside assistance, hotel discounts, and more
  • Extra coverage for lodging and transportation if your RV is damaged

CONS

  • Coverage options are not standard across regions (southwest, northeast, etc.)
  • RV policy not available nationwide
  • Limited information available online

Allstate

PROS

  • Discount if you transfer from another insurance company
  • Discounts for drivers 55 years or older
  • Gas price locator to help you find the cheapest gas

CONS

  • Limited information on the company website
  • Online quotes are not available

Geico

PROS

  • Windshield deductible covers repairs and charges only $50 for total replacements
  • ​​Personal effects replacement limits up to $100,000
  • Free accident forgiveness for drivers who have been accident-free for 5 years or more

CONS

  • Limited information available on the company website
  • Enhanced RV coverage is available in all states except HI, MA, MI, and NC
  • Total loss replacement coverage availability may vary by state and vehicle value

Safeco

PROS

  • Loan or lease protection coverage available
  • Deductibles diminish $100 per year up to $500
  • Insures motorhomes valued at up to $1 million
  • Coverage available for custom equipment

CONS

  • Only covers vehicles used 250 days or less per year
  • Limited information available on the website
  • No online quotes are available

Foremost

PROS

  • Coverage for emergency expenses if the camper is damaged or destroyed
  • Pays for transportation of damaged RV to storage, repair shop, or home
  • Full-time coverage for travel trailers, motor homes, luxury motor coaches, and more
  • Special policies for USAA members

CONS

  • Not available in DC or Hawaii
  • Limited information on the website

Farmers

PROS

  • Part-time users can opt for storage-only insurance during the off-season
  • The policy extends to travel anywhere in Canada
  • Covers equipment permanently attached to your RV

CONS

  • No information regarding discounts
  • No online quotes

USAA

PROS

  • Discounts for safe driving, original ownership, and multiple policies
  • Coverage for all RV classes, including slide-on campers
  • Members get a 5% discount on policies

CONS

  • Policies only available to military families
  • 5% members-only discount not available in all states

Country Financial

PROS

  • Multi-policy discount
  • Mobile app for Apple and Android devices

CONS

  • Only available through agents
  • Operates in only 19 states
  • Limited information available on the website

National Interstate

PROS

  • Options for RV full-timers
  • 25% off deductibles for each consecutive claim-free year
  • Windshield replacement coverage
  • Coverage for commercial RVs

CONS

  • Only available through agents
  • Their website lacks information about terms and discounts

The Hartford

PROS

  • Lifetime guarantee for repairs done in authorized repair shops
  • 24/7 claims submission
  • RV replacement if it’s totaled in the first 15 months

CONS

  • Only available for AARP members
  • Not available in U.S. territories

How to Buy RV Insurance

Take time to shop around for insurance quotes

The cost of RV insurance varies depending on your driving history, the state where you live, the vehicle type, and whether you intend to live in the RV full-time or use it for vacations. Additional coverage options like pet and accessories insurance will hike up your premium.

Shopping for multiple quotes can work out to your advantage. The best rates often go to those who compare estimates and coverage options before choosing.

If you don’t have the time to shop around, you can consult with an independent insurance agent. They’ll usually provide insights to help guide you toward companies with attractive rates and policy features.

Consider bundling multiple policies

Most insurance providers offer a multi-policy discount when you combine your RV insurance with other qualified policies.

You can save on premiums by combining your RV’s policy with your current auto, home, or boat insurance. Some insurers also let you bundle your policy with renters or life insurance policies. Bundling multiple policies under one provider can also lessen the hassle of dealing with different companies for claims.

If you don’t want to pay two premiums, you can consider adding your RV to your existing auto insurance policy. However, a car’s coverage usually extends only to towable campers or trailers, not motorhomes. Also, keep in mind that car insurance might cover damages to the RV and liability but not belongings or appliances inside the RV. Homeowner’s insurance might also offer some coverage for RVs, but only when the vehicle is parked at the insured property’s premises.

If you have umbrella insurance, it could also cover your RV. This type of insurance covers liability claims that exceed the limits of your primary auto, home, or RV policy, for example. However, do note that its coverage will only kick in if your RV is covered by an underlying policy that meets the liability requirements of the umbrella policy.

Ways to save a little extra

Besides the savings for bundling multiple policies, companies often also offer discounts for:

  • Paying the total annual policy upfront
  • Making monthly payments on time
  • Staying claim-free during the previous policy period
  • Being the vehicle’s original owner
  • Installing safety features in your RV (a tire pressure monitoring system, for example)
  • Having a favorable loss history (the record of insurance losses associated with the vehicle)
  • Being a safe driver (staying accident-free for at least three years)
  • Taking safety courses
  • Being a member of an RV association

Reduced insurance premiums are also available for drivers aged 50 and up and not insuring drivers under 25 on the policy. Buyers can also save by going paperless instead of receiving documents or bills through the mail.

Types of RV Insurance

Because RVs can be both a vehicle and a primary residences, there are special considerations when insuring them.

Insurance options for RVs include:

  • Property damage liability coverage: Pays for damages that you cause to another person’s property or vehicle.
  • Bodily injury liability coverage: Helps pay for medical expenses and to those you injure in an at-fault accident.
  • Collision coverage: Covers repair to your RV after an accident with another vehicle, whether you’re at fault or not.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damages caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or fire other non-collision accidents.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: This covers the cost of repairs to your RV and medical bills if you’re in an accident caused by a driver that doesn’t have insurance or who has insufficient coverage to pay your claim.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger in the event of an accident, no matter who was at fault. It also covers lost wages.
  • Campsite/vacation liability coverage: Helps pay for legal expenses if you’re found at fault for the injuries suffered by a non-family member while in your campsite area or inside your RV during a short trip.
  • Roadside Assistance: Offers around-the-clock repairs, towing, and emergency assistance should your RV experience a flat tire, battery discharge, or other malfunction.