Here's something most people don't realize until it's too late: if your RV is your home, your standard RV insurance policy isn't protecting you the way you think it is. Standard policies are designed for weekend warriors and vacation travelers—people who have a house to go back to. But when your motorhome or travel trailer is where you actually live? You need coverage that treats you like a homeowner, not a tourist.
Full-time RV insurance fills that gap. It's specifically designed for the roughly one million Americans who've embraced RV living as their primary lifestyle, offering protections that mirror what you'd get with homeowners insurance—personal liability, emergency lodging, personal property coverage, and more. If you're spending more than half the year in your rig, or if you don't have another permanent address, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about protecting your home on wheels.
What Makes Full-Time RV Insurance Different?
The fundamental difference comes down to how you use your RV. Standard RV insurance assumes your vehicle spends most of its time parked in your driveway and hits the road occasionally for trips. It's essentially auto insurance with some extra bells and whistles. Full-time RV insurance, on the other hand, recognizes that your RV is your primary residence—your kitchen, bedroom, living room, and everything else, all in one mobile package.
This matters because the risks you face are completely different. When someone visits your parked RV and trips on your steps, that's not a road accident—it's a premises liability issue, just like if someone got hurt at your house. When a storm damages your RV while you're parked at a campground for the winter, you need coverage that protects your actual home, not just a recreational vehicle. Standard policies often have huge gaps in coverage for these scenarios. Full-timer policies close those gaps.
You're considered a full-timer if you live in your RV for more than six months per year or more than 150 nights annually. Other telltale signs include using your RV as your mailing address, listing it on your driver's license, or simply not owning or renting another home. If any of these apply to you, you need full-timer coverage—not just for better protection, but because filing a claim under a standard policy when you're actually living full-time could result in a denied claim.
What Full-Time RV Insurance Actually Covers
Think of full-time RV insurance as a hybrid between auto insurance and homeowners insurance. You get the liability coverage you need while driving, plus the homeowner-style protections you need while parked. Here's what that typically includes:
Personal liability coverage is arguably the most important component. This protects you if someone gets injured in or around your parked RV, or if you're responsible for property damage. Let's say a friend visits your rig, slips on your wet bathroom floor, and breaks their wrist. Medical bills pile up fast—thousands of dollars for an emergency room visit, X-rays, a cast, and follow-up appointments. Your personal liability coverage handles those costs and any legal fees if they decide to sue. Most policies offer liability limits from $100,000 to $1 million or more.
Personal property coverage protects everything inside your RV—your laptop, clothing, kitchen appliances, furniture, tools, and all the other possessions that make your RV feel like home. If your rig is broken into and your electronics are stolen, or if a fire destroys everything you own, this coverage helps you replace it all. The key is making sure you have enough coverage for everything you own. Many full-timers are surprised to discover they have $30,000 or $40,000 worth of stuff inside their RV when they actually add it all up.
Medical payments coverage provides financial assistance for medical expenses when someone is injured while visiting your parked RV. Unlike liability coverage, which kicks in when you're found legally responsible, medical payments coverage can help pay for a guest's medical bills regardless of who was at fault. This can be a relationship-saver—your neighbor trips over your extension cord, and their medical bills get covered without anyone having to sue anyone.
Emergency expense coverage is absolutely essential for full-timers. If your RV becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss—a mechanical breakdown, fire, power outage, or evacuation—this coverage pays for your hotel, meals, and transportation while repairs are being made. Without this coverage, you could be stuck paying hundreds of dollars per night out of pocket while your home is in the shop. This typically adds just $50 to $100 to your annual premium but can save you thousands when you need it.
Roadside assistance is another crucial add-on for full-timers. When you're living on the road year-round, you're far more likely to need help with mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, battery failures, or lockouts. Good roadside assistance can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major disaster, especially if you break down in a remote area. Make sure your policy includes towing for your specific RV size—some policies only cover up to a certain weight or length, which might not be enough for larger motorhomes or fifth wheels.
Loss assessment coverage is a lesser-known but valuable protection for full-timers who stay at RV parks or belong to camping associations. If the RV park association assesses fees to its members to cover repairs to common areas—say, the pool facility is damaged in a storm—loss assessment coverage can help pay your share of those costs.
How Much Does Full-Time RV Insurance Cost?
Full-time RV insurance typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, depending on several factors. That's roughly 25% to 50% more than recreational RV insurance, but it reflects the significantly broader coverage you're getting. To put that in perspective, the average standard motorhome policy costs about $1,052 per year, while recreational travel trailer insurance averages around $594 annually.
Several factors influence your premium. The type and value of your RV matter most—a luxury Class A motorhome costs significantly more to insure than a modest travel trailer. Your RV's age affects your rate too, with newer rigs generally costing more to insure because they're worth more. Your location plays a role as well. If you're registered in a state with high rates of storms, floods, or heavy RV traffic—like Florida or Texas—expect to pay more. Your driving record and claims history also impact your premium, just like with auto insurance.
The coverage limits and deductibles you choose make a big difference in your premium. Higher liability limits provide better protection but increase your cost. Lower deductibles mean you pay less out of pocket when you file a claim, but they also raise your premium. Most full-timers find that the sweet spot is $300,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage with a $1,000 deductible, but your needs may vary based on your assets and risk tolerance.
Choosing the Right Full-Timer Policy
Not all full-time RV insurance policies are created equal. When shopping for coverage, focus on these key areas. First, make sure your policy includes full replacement cost coverage rather than actual cash value. Replacement cost means your insurer will pay to replace your RV at its current market value if it's totaled, not its depreciated value. This can be the difference between walking away with enough money to buy a comparable RV versus being stuck with a check that won't cover a replacement.
Second, carefully review your personal property limits. Sit down and actually inventory everything inside your RV—electronics, clothing, kitchen gear, tools, outdoor equipment, and everything else. You might be shocked at how much it all adds up to. Make sure your policy's personal property limit covers the full replacement value of your possessions. Some policies cap personal property coverage at a percentage of your RV's value, which might not be enough if you have expensive equipment or extensive possessions.
Third, don't just look at price—consider the insurer's reputation for handling claims. Read reviews from other full-time RVers about their claim experiences. A cheap policy doesn't save you money if the insurer drags their feet or denies claims when you need help. Look for companies that specialize in RV insurance and understand the full-timer lifestyle. They're more likely to process your claims smoothly and understand the unique situations full-timers face.
Finally, consider bundling options. Some insurers offer discounts if you bundle your RV insurance with your vehicle insurance or other policies. If you have a tow vehicle, bundling both under one insurer can save you 10% to 15% on your total premiums while simplifying your insurance management.
Getting Started with Full-Time RV Insurance
If you're living in your RV full-time or planning to make the transition, don't wait to upgrade your coverage. The process is straightforward. Start by contacting RV insurance companies that specifically offer full-timer policies—not all insurers do. Be prepared to provide details about your RV including its year, make, model, and current value, along with information about how you use it and where you typically stay.
Get quotes from at least three insurers to compare coverage and pricing. Don't just look at the bottom line—compare coverage limits, deductibles, and what's actually included. Ask specific questions about emergency expense coverage, personal property limits, and roadside assistance. Make sure you understand exactly what's covered and what's not.
Once you've chosen a policy, document everything inside your RV with photos and receipts. This makes filing claims much easier if something happens. Store this documentation somewhere other than your RV—in the cloud or with a trusted friend or family member—so you still have access to it if your RV is damaged or stolen.
Full-time RV living offers incredible freedom and adventure, but it also comes with unique risks. The right insurance coverage ensures that when the unexpected happens—and it will eventually—you're protected. Whether it's a storm, an accident, a break-in, or just a mechanical breakdown that leaves you without a livable home, full-time RV insurance gives you the peace of mind to focus on enjoying life on the road instead of worrying about what could go wrong. Get the coverage you need, so you can focus on the journey ahead.
