Most U.S. states require RV owners to carry auto insurance. RVs are large vehicles, and therefore, they can cause significant bodily injuries and damage others’ property. RV insurance protects you as well as keeps others safe.
The things to consider when shopping for RV insurance are discussed here.
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Class Type
The weight and size of the RV determine the kind of insurance coverage you should get. RVs are categorized into three classes– Class A, Class B, and Class C – based on their weight and size. Your policy should be aligned with the classification of your RV.
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Liability Coverage
Your RV insurance should meet your state’s auto insurance requirements. While most states specify the minimum liability coverage required, the amount is usually insufficient to cover an accident fully. RVs are generally bigger, and harder to steer. Therefore, they can cause much more damage. For this reason, your liability coverage should be significantly higher than the set minimum. Liability coverage can also cover other liabilities such as environmental damage.
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Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Liability insurance coves third parties. If you want coverage that protects your RV, you should get collision coverage. This coverage covers damage to your RV regardless of who is liable for the accident. Conversely, comprehensive coverage covers non-collision-related damage to the vehicle. For instance, it covers damage caused by weather events like hailstorms and hurricanes.
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Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured coverage protects you in the event the person responsible for the accident is either uninsured or doesn’t have sufficient coverage.
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Personal Injury Protection
This coverage covers you and your passengers’ medical expenses if you’re in an accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
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RV Replacement Coverage in Case of Theft or Accident
RV replacement coverage includes Total Loss Replacement, Agreed to Value Replacement, and Actual Cash Value. Actual Cash Value compensates you based on the current market value of your RV. Total Loss replacement means your insurer will replace your RV if it’s stolen or totaled in the first 5 years. Agreed Value means your insurer will compensate you based on an agreed-up amount.
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Emergency Expenses Coverage
If the RV is your full-time home, you should consider getting a policy that will cover your living expenses if you can’t live in the RV due to damage.
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Emergency Roadside Assistance
The cost of towing an RV can be up to 3 times more compared to the cost of towing a normal vehicle. So you should consider getting a policy that adequately covers roadside assistance.
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Collision Coverage During Storage
If you keep your RV in storage for long periods, you should consider getting a policy that protects your RV while in storage.
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Personal Effect Coverage
RVs typically hold many personal possessions such as clothes and furniture, as well as specialized equipment like televisions and stereos. Personal effects coverage covers the cost of replacing lost, damaged, or stolen property.
If you’re shopping for an RV insurance policy, contact our RV insurance experts at Pierce Insurance Group for an RV insurance policy that suits your needs and budget.