The Best Comprehensive Guide to RV Insurance Costs

TLTR: This article explores what RV insurance is, how much RV insurance costs, and offers some tips that you can use to lower your rates.

Whether it’s a planned family picnic or a spontaneous trip with a close friend, there’s perhaps no better way to get to your destination than recreational vehicles (RVs). Ever since their first iteration back in 1915, RVs have been the vehicle of choice for groups and individuals planning a long-distance journey on the road.

Perhaps that’s why this range of vehicles is still in such high demand. According to a survey by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), 11.2 million households own an RV in 2021.

It’s safe to say that the demand for RVs will most likely continue increasing as the years roll by. But RVs, just like any other vehicles, are vulnerable to damage and accidents.

So, covering your RV with the right insurance is a must if you want to financially protect it from any unexpected out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.

Before we get into the cost of RV insurance, let’s first understand the basics!

What Is RV Insurance?

RV insurance financially covers you and your RV from any unexpected out-of-pocket costs in the event of an unforeseen accident.

Note: The term “RV” encompasses motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers.

In most states, carrying liability insurance is mandatory if you’re driving an RV. The state minimum is generally the same as car insurance. However, you may need additional coverage due to RVs being specialty vehicles.

You should consult with an insurance agent to understand just what insurance you will need to make sure that your RV is adequately covered.

A standard RV insurance policy provides the following coverage:

Bodily Injury Liability

If someone gets injured in an accident with your RV, this coverage can help with the medical bills and loss of income.

Property Damage Liability

If you cause an accident in which someone else’s property is damaged or destroyed, your RV insurance coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement.

Collision Coverage

This helps pay for any damage to your RV that results from colliding with another vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage can also come into effect if your RV rolls over or skids into a ditch. In most cases, if your RV is financed or leased, collision coverage will be required.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for any non-collision damage to your RV. This includes damage as a result of vandalism, fire, storm, floods, falling objects, theft, and other events.

Uninsured And Underinsured Motorists

There are instances in which the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have liability insurance, is uninsured, or can’t afford to pay for the injuries and damage. This coverage can help cover you in such situations. It also protects you from covered hit-and-run accidents.

Medical Payments

Regardless of who’s at fault, Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) can help pay for any medical bills for you and your RVs occupants if you get into an accident.

How Much Does RV Insurance Costs?

The rates of your RV insurance will primarily depend on the class of RV you have or are thinking of buying.

Class A RVs are large luxury motorhomes. These types of RVs are comparatively more expensive than the other classes of RVs.

The estimated average annual insurance premium for a gas-powered Class A RV is around $1,000 to $1,300.

Class B RVs are camper vans. They’re comparatively smaller and have fewer utilities compared to its Class A variant. They cost less to purchase and insure. They’re among the most common types of RVs you’ll see on the road.

Class B RVs also have a variant known as Class B+. While generally having the same features as the Class B RVs, the B+ variant is a bit larger and can accommodate a few additional occupants and utilities.

The estimated average cost for insuring a Class B RV is around $500 to $1,000 annually.

Class C RVs fall somewhere between Class A and Class B motorhomes in terms of size. While larger than Class B motorhomes, they are not as luxurious or rich in facilities as the Class A variant. However, they are much cheaper than the Class A RVs, and while being more expensive than Class B, they’re more spacious and can fit more people.

Premium amounts on Class C RVs are calculated based on various factors and differ from state to state. Here, factors such as the age of the vehicle and the frequency of use can affect the premiums. You can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $1,000 on premiums per year.

Similarly, some additional factors that can influence the rate of RV insurance are:

Age of Your RV

Compared to older variations, newer RVs come with state-of-the-art features and technology built into them. So, if you were to get into an accident, the cost of repairs or replacement to your vehicle would be higher than some older models.

Insurance providers will be wary of this and set high insurance rates on newer RVs.

Usage

RVs serve multiple purposes for their owners. According to reports by The Washington Post, around a million Americans live in RVs full time. So, as with homeowners insurance, people may need to purchase additional coverage such as liability coverage, medical compensation, and loss assessment coverage. This can significantly increase the cost of RV insurance.

Even if you use your RV only for recreational activities, you will need to notify your carrier exactly how many days a year you plan on using it for the purpose. According to the North American Camping Report, North American campers actually intend to increase their trips in the coming years. Some insurance providers will increase your policy’s premium in accordance with the rate and frequency of usage.

Your Driving Experience and Record

RVs, before anything else, are motor vehicles. But driving and handling an RV is different from driving traditional cars. If you have any prior experience operating any type or class of RV, your insurance company may lower your insurance premiums.

Every insurance company will check your driving record to reach your premium amount. Having a clean driving record can earn you more competitive rates, and you may also get discounts on your RV insurance.

Type of RV Insurance Coverage Cost

If you’re still financing your RV, your lender might require you to have both comprehensive and collision coverage. Lenders will want to protect their assets as long as they still have a claim on them. So, it will raise the price of your policy.

You also have the option of adding additional coverage such as roadside assistance, total loss replacement, and vacation liability to your existing policy. However, doing so will further increase the rates of your premiums.

Your Prior Claims History of RV Insurance Costs

Your prior claims history shows your proficiency as a driver. Someone who has many claims is seen as high-risk by insurance companies. So, if you have a history of auto insurance claims, your RV insurance rates will be higher.

Your Geographical Location Affects RV Insurance Costs

The geographical location where the RV is stored and used will also influence the rate of insurance. Insurance providers tend to set higher premiums for RV owners who live in a region with a high population density.

Regions with a higher population density also see a higher rate of vehicular accidents and thefts. Thus, insurance carriers will take all of these factors into consideration while setting your premium.

How Do I Lower RV Insurance Costs?

The rates for RV insurance have been established quite systematically all across the board. But there are a few ways you can receive discounts on your premium.

Bundling Insurance

Insurance companies may offer discounts on your premiums if you opt to combine multiple insurance policies.

For example, if you choose to bundle your RV insurance with your boat insurance or homeowners insurance, most insurance providers can offer you significant discounts that can help you save money in the long run.

Maintain A Clean Driving Record

An RV, before anything else, is a motor vehicle. One of the first things that insurance companies will look at while setting your rates is your driving record. So, a clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations in the past three years will be seen favorably by carriers. Thus, it will help lower your premiums.

First Owner

Provided that you’ve checked off the other boxes on the list, some insurance companies offer policy discounts to first-time RV owners.

Check with your insurance company or your agent on whether you’re eligible for this discount.

Non-smoking Discount

Some insurers offer discounts to RV owners if they are non-smokers.

Pay Upfront for RV Insurance Costs

Most insurance providers offer discounts if you opt to pay your annual policy upfront instead of splitting it into monthly or installments.

Install Safety Features

Equipping your RV with security and safety features like anti-theft locks, anti-theft brakes, remote security cameras, and airbags can help you get additional discounts on your premium.

Storage Option for RV Insurance Costs

RVs aren’t usually driven on a daily basis and many owners store them for much of the year. Some insurance companies offer discounts and allow you to save money by suspending some parts of your coverage when you store your RV for more than 30 days.

Discounts on RV Insurance Costs Based on Your Profession

Most carriers offer discounts to people who serve in the military or the academic, government, or healthcare fields.

Claim-free Renewal for RV Insurance Costs

Insurance providers may offer additional discounts to people who don’t have any at-fault claims at the time of their policy renewal.

Get Multiple Quotes for RV Insurance Costs

Either take matters into your own hands or ask your insurance agent to get you quotes from multiple carriers. You can compare the offerings, range, and features that each carrier provides.

It allows you to find coverage that meets both your budget and your needs.

Finding the right RV insurance that meets both your needs and your budget can be difficult. So, let us help you find an agent to help you with finding the right RV insurance today!