Planning your first big RV adventure? Before you hit the open road, you'll need insurance—and the cost might surprise you. Unlike car insurance, RV premiums vary wildly based on factors most people don't think about. A weekend warrior with a small travel trailer might pay just $350 a year, while a luxury Class A motorhome owner could shell out $3,000 or more. Here's everything you need to know about RV insurance costs and what affects your premium.
Average RV Insurance Costs in 2024-2025
The typical RV owner pays between $500 and $1,500 per year for insurance, with most policies averaging around $125 per month or $1,500 annually. But that's just the middle of the road. Your actual cost depends heavily on what kind of RV you own and how you use it.
Travel trailers are the most affordable to insure. Progressive's 2024 data shows the average travel trailer policy costs $594 per year. That's less than $50 a month—pretty reasonable for protecting a major investment. Most weekend campers with standard coverage pay somewhere between $350 and $450 annually.
Motorhomes cost more. The average motorhome insurance policy runs $1,052 per year, though you could pay anywhere from $504 to $3,000 depending on your RV class and coverage choices. Why the big difference? Motorhomes are both vehicles and living spaces, which means they need more comprehensive protection.
How Your RV Class Affects Insurance Costs
Not all RVs are created equal in the eyes of insurance companies. The class of your RV—which reflects its size, features, and value—plays a huge role in what you'll pay.
Class A motorhomes are the luxury buses of the RV world—and they're the most expensive to insure. Expect to pay $1,000 to $4,000 per year, with gas-powered models averaging around $1,000-$1,300 annually. If you've got a diesel pusher with all the bells and whistles, you're looking at $2,000 or more. These rigs can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $500,000 new, so it makes sense that replacement coverage doesn't come cheap.
Class B motorhomes (camper vans) are the budget-friendly option. These compact rigs cost just $300-$1,000 per year to insure, with most owners paying around $800-$1,200 annually for solid coverage including liability, comprehensive, collision, and contents protection. The smaller size and lower replacement value keep costs down.
Class C motorhomes fall in the middle at $800-$1,000+ per year. Some policies can reach $3,000 depending on the rig's value and your coverage needs. Class Cs offer a nice balance—more space than a camper van but typically cheaper to insure than a full-size Class A.
Full-Time vs. Recreational Use: A Major Price Difference
Here's something many people don't realize: if you live in your RV full-time, you'll pay significantly more for insurance. Full-time RVers typically pay nearly double what recreational users pay—and for good reason.
If you use your RV only a few weeks each year, you might pay just $300-$800 annually. But if your RV is your permanent residence—meaning you live in it six months or more per year—expect to pay $1,500 to $4,000 annually. That's 20-40% more than recreational coverage.
Why the price jump? When your RV is your home, you need coverages that work like homeowners insurance—personal liability, medical payments, loss assessment, and higher contents limits. You're also on the road more often, which increases your risk of accidents. Insurance companies price these policies accordingly.
Top Factors That Affect Your RV Insurance Premium
Beyond RV class and usage, several other factors influence what you'll pay. Understanding these can help you save money or at least know what to expect when you get quotes.
Your RV's value matters most. A brand-new $200,000 Class A will cost far more to insure than a 10-year-old $30,000 travel trailer. Insurers base comprehensive and collision coverage on replacement cost, so higher-value RVs mean higher premiums. Age plays a role too—newer models with advanced features cost more to repair, which pushes up insurance costs.
Where you live and park your RV affects your rate. Urban areas with heavy traffic mean more accident risk, so city dwellers pay more. Areas prone to severe weather—think hurricane zones or hail-prone regions—also see higher premiums. High-crime areas? Same story. Your ZIP code can swing your premium by hundreds of dollars.
Your driving record and experience make a huge difference. A clean driving history can earn you safe driver discounts of 15-30%. On the flip side, accidents and tickets will bump up your rate. RV driving experience matters too—insurers often reward experienced motorhome drivers with lower rates because they're less likely to have accidents.
Coverage choices directly impact cost. If you want just liability coverage, Progressive offers policies starting at $125 per year. But if you're financing your RV, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage, which costs significantly more. Add-ons like roadside assistance, vacation liability, and total loss replacement increase your premium further—but they also give you better protection.
Your deductible is a simple cost lever. Choose a higher deductible—say $1,000 instead of $250—and your premium drops. You'll pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim, but if you're a safe driver, the annual savings can add up quickly.
Even your credit score can affect your rate in most states. Insurers have found that people with higher credit scores file fewer claims, so they reward good credit with lower premiums. It might not seem fair, but it's standard industry practice.
How to Save Money on RV Insurance
RV insurance doesn't have to break the bank. Smart shoppers can often cut their premiums substantially with a few strategic moves.
Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers. RV insurance rates vary widely between companies, and the cheapest option for your neighbor might not be the best deal for you. Get at least three quotes before making a decision.
Bundle your policies. If you have auto or home insurance, ask about multi-policy discounts. Many insurers will knock 10-25% off your RV premium when you bundle.
Take a defensive driving or RV safety course. Some insurers offer discounts for completing approved courses, and you'll become a safer driver in the process.
Pay annually instead of monthly. Many insurers charge fees for monthly installments, so paying the full year upfront can save you 5-10%.
Getting Started with RV Insurance
Before you request quotes, gather some basic information: your RV's make, model, year, and VIN; its current value; how many days per year you plan to use it; and where you'll store it when not in use. Be honest about whether you're a recreational or full-time user—misrepresenting this could leave you without coverage when you need it most.
Ready to protect your home on wheels? Get a personalized RV insurance quote and see how affordable peace of mind can be. Whether you're planning weekend camping trips or living the full-time RV lifestyle, the right coverage ensures you can focus on the adventure ahead.
