RV Insurance for Fulltimers?

One of the big question that folks making the jump from "sticks and bricks" to a "life on the road" is a good, solid, important one: What about insurance on the RV?

Sticks and bricks insurance protects you from loss: The house burns, the burglars burgle, the unexpected (and probably) uninvited trips over your rake and breaks a leg. These losses can be real--and hugely expensive. Not just "any" insurance company will be able to handle your new circumstances on the road. Really, it's best to talk to companies that are completely literate and often specialize in RV insurance.

A few things to keep in mind: The first at the top of the list is simply--ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS. Never take anything for granted. Can you assume "RV replacement insurance" will completely replace your "totaled" RV? Yes? No? Maybe? The latter is probably the most likely answer. Replacement insurance should replace your rig, but there may be limitations like, "For the first five years after manufacture." Or possibly, "Yes, but not for 'add ons' like awnings, solar panels, etc.'

What about liability? While it's true you don't own "real estate," what happens around your rig when it's parked somewhere can run you up a big bill. Somebody walks around the corner of your rig while it's parked in an RV park and bonks their head on your slide out. Seems like they ought to be smart enough to keep their eyes open, but in this litiginous society, lots of dummies like to sue. Can you afford a lawsuit?

Contents? Ah, the glories of contents. Some insurance companies base how much they'll pay your for "loss of contents" based on a percentage of the value of the rig. If you're a big gadget geek, a percentage of how much your rig is worth may not even come close to replacing your fancy treasures.

Not all fulltimers have insurance. Some are "self-insured" because they figure they have enough in the bank to cover any contingency. Some are "self-insured" because they don't have enough money in the bank to cover the cost of the premiums. It's a gamble any way you look at it. Nevertheless, when shopping for coverage, always ask questions.

How's Your Fulltime Insurance IQ?

Insuring your fulltime RV lifestyle is a whole new ballgame. Insuring your RV through a "auto policy" provider may cover you for on-the-road liability, collision, and comprehensive, but the similarities end there. Your RV is your home and as such, your "tail is out in the wind" if you don't have it adequately covered.

Fulltime RVer, "Firedude" has taken the time to sit down and work up a fulltimer's RV insurance checklist. He covers the usual vehicle coverage issues, and then takes it out and talks about things we sometimes forget about: Contents, rig replacement, trip interruption, and more. He also provides side comments that will help you to think your way through the whole mess. Once you have your checklist filled out, then it's time to go shopping. More on that topic in a later blog.

Download Firedude's insurance checklist from his website.

Photo copyright Russ and Tina DeMaris, may not be used without written permission.