Investing in a motorhome is a chance to travel where you want when you want without the prohibitive costs of hotels. Purchasing the right motorhome insurance policy is vital for protecting that investment.
The average cost of a motorhome ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 for a Class C or Class B vehicle, whereas a Class A motorhome comes with an average cost of $500,000, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).
Motorhome insurance will protect that investment and also ensure motorhome insurers are protected from paying out-of-pocket liability costs if something goes wrong. However, RV owners need to be aware of what motorhome insurance covers to ensure they are adequately protected.
What Is Covered With Motorhome Insurance?
The extent of motorhome insurance coverage depends entirely on the type of specialty policy purchased. All policies will include a basic level of coverage, but the cheapest policies may not provide coverage for things like trailers, trip interruption and roadside assistance costs.
Bodily Injury Liability
If an RV owner is responsible for causing an accident with their vehicle and a third-party sustains injuries, motorhome insurance will cover the victim’s medical bills and loss of income. The majority of U.S. states make this type of liability coverage mandatory.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability protection is similar to bodily injury liability coverage. Most states make it a legal requirement for anyone driving a motorhome on public roads. The difference is this will cover damages to the third party’s vehicle if involved in an accident with the motorhome owner.
Collisions
Collision coverage is provided by all basic motorhome insurance policies. Regardless of who was responsible for the accident, collision coverage will pay for the damage caused to your motorhome. Collision will also include provisions for motorhome rollovers. For people financing or leasing an RV, collision coverage is often mandatory.
Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorists
When a road accident occurs, settlements are claimed from the insurer of whichever driver was at fault. If a driver is uninsured or underinsured, this complicates matters for the victim. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage enables RV owners to claim compensation if they are involved in an accident with someone who is uninsured or underinsured.
Some policies may also include full coverage for hit-and-run accidents. Pay special attention to the limits and coverage provisions of this aspect of the policy. RV owners must also remember that each state has its own laws regarding uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Medical Payments
If involved in an accident, medical care may be necessary. No matter which driver is involved in a road traffic accident, medical payment coverage will provide coverage for medical bills for both the driver and any passengers in the RV. This can be extremely helpful when it comes to minor injuries. Paying for the victim’s medical bills can avert costly legal action.
Towing And Labor Coverage
In the event the RV is unable to continue on its journey, it will be necessary to tow the vehicle to a garage. Motorhome owners who possess this coverage will have peace of mind knowing that towing and labor costs will be fully covered. Some policies may also include trip interruption expenses, such as unexpected stays in a hotel, alternate transportation and meals.
Optional Motorhome Insurance Coverage Options
Motorhome owners should consider the above provisions a necessity when taking out motorhome insurance. However, there are other optional extras that can come in handy in the event something unexpected occurs on your next vacation.
Roadside Assistance
Some insurers will offer roadside assistance as an optional extra. This coverage gives policyholders access to 24/7 help if they have a blown tire, need some gas or a jumpstart. These provisions tend to come into force when at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence. Roadside assistance provisions tend to vary significantly between insurers.
Windshield Coverage
Windshields are expensive to replace. Something as simple as a kicked-up rock may crack or penetrate the windshield. This provision will offer coverage for damaged windshields.
Vacation Liability
Vacation liability is a special motorhome insurance provision for pleasure-use RV owners. While the RV is being utilized as a temporary residence, personal liability protection is afforded when the motorhome is parked off public roads and when it is used for recreational purposes.
For example, if a motorhome is parked in an RV park and a guest of the policyholder trips over the trailer and breaks their ankle, their motorhome insurance policy will provide them with full personal liability protection.
Get Your Motorhome Insurance From The Experts
Motorhome insurance is vital whether you use your RV for vacations or as a permanent mobile residence. Make sure you are fully covered by discussing your coverage options with the experts at Merchant Family Agency. Contact Merchant Family Agency to find out more about getting comprehensive protection for your RV.