Recreational Vehicle Insurance:

RV ownership offers a unique combination of travel, comfort, and adventure. Whether you have a travel trailer, fifth-wheel, motorhome, camper van, or pop-up trailer, an RV represents both a vehicle and a valuable living space. With that comes risk—accidents, weather events, theft, and liability concerns can quickly turn a vacation into an expensive setback.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Insurance protects your investment, your belongings, and your financial wellbeing, whether the RV is on the road, parked at a campsite, or stored at home.

Below is a clear breakdown of what RV insurance covers and how to choose the right protection for your specific type of rig.

What RV Insurance Covers

Coverage needs vary depending on whether your RV is motorized (motorhome) or towable (travel trailer, fifth-wheel, pop-up).
Here’s how the major parts work:

1. Liability Coverage (Required for Motorhomes)

Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C) are driven like vehicles—so liability coverage is required. It covers:

• Injuries you cause to others

• Damage to their property

• Legal fees if you’re sued

Travel trailers and fifth-wheels don’t require their own liability policy while being towed; instead, liability flows from the tow vehicle’s auto policy.
However, you still need an RV policy for the trailer itself.

2. Physical Damage Coverage (Comprehensive + Collision)

These cover physical damage to the RV itself.

Comprehensive covers:

• Hail, wind, and storm damage

• Theft or vandalism

• Fire

• Animal collisions

• Falling objects

Collision covers:

• Damage from hitting another vehicle or object

• Accidents while towing or backing up

• Damage from rollovers

For travel trailers, this coverage protects the trailer and all fixed components (awnings, slide-outs, built-ins, etc.).

3. Personal Property & Contents Coverage

Because an RV is part home, part vehicle, this coverage helps protect:

• Furniture

• Electronics

• Clothing

• Kitchenware

• Tools and camping gear

Some policies even cover belongings stored outside the RV, like grills or outdoor equipment.

4. Vacation Liability

When your RV is parked and being used as a living space, the risk profile becomes more like a home.

Vacation liability covers injuries or property damage occurring at your campsite or RV pad, such as:

• A visitor slipping on steps

• A fire that spreads from your campsite

• Accidents happening while your RV is stationary

This is especially important for travel trailers and fifth-wheels.

5. Emergency Expense Coverage

If you experience a covered loss while on a trip, this can pay for:

• Temporary lodging

• Transportation

• Meals

• Travel interruption expenses

This keeps a breakdown or accident from cutting your trip short financially.

6. Optional RV Endorsements

Many RV policies allow valuable add-ons:

• Full-Timers Coverage: For those living in their RV as a primary residence

• Roadside Assistance: Towing, flat tires, battery jump-starts

• Total Loss Replacement: Replaces a totaled newer RV with a similar model

• Agreed Value Coverage: Locks in the RV’s value regardless of depreciation

• Awning & Slide-Out Coverage: Extra protection for high-risk components

• Accessory Coverage: Satellite systems, generators, solar setups, custom additions

These are especially important for high-end trailers and large motorhomes.

Factors That Affect Your Policy

Premiums depend on:

• RV type (motorhome vs travel trailer vs fifth-wheel)

• Year, make, and model

• Length, weight, and replacement cost

• Where the RV is stored

• Driving history (for motorhomes)

• How often and where you travel

• Additional equipment or upgrades

• Chosen limits and deductibles

Travel trailers generally cost less to insure than motorhomes, but replacement cost can still be significant.

Common Misconceptions

“My auto insurance covers the travel trailer.”

It only covers liability while towing, not the trailer itself.
You still need a separate RV policy for physical damage, personal property, and campsite liability.

“My homeowners insurance covers everything inside the RV.”

It may cover some personal items but rarely covers:

• Awning damage

• Slide-out mechanisms

• Interior fixtures

• RV-specific liabilities

• Damage during towing

A dedicated RV policy fills these gaps.

“I only use the RV a few times a year, so I don’t need coverage.”

Most losses occur while the RV is parked or stored, including:

• Hail

• Storm damage

• Theft

• Rodent damage

• Vandalism

Storage doesn’t eliminate risk—it increases certain types of it.

The Takeaway

Recreational Vehicle Insurance protects your RV, your belongings, and your financial wellbeing whether you’re traveling cross-country or parked in the driveway. With the right mix of liability, physical damage, contents coverage, and RV-specific endorsements, you can enjoy every trip with confidence—knowing you’re well protected.