So you've bought an RV—or you're thinking about it—and now you're facing the insurance question. Here's the thing: insuring an RV isn't like insuring your car. Your RV is part vehicle, part home, and sometimes your actual home. That means standard auto insurance won't cut it, and you need coverage that understands what you're really protecting.
Whether you're a weekend warrior with a travel trailer or a full-timer living the nomadic dream in a Class A motorhome, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about RV insurance: what it covers, what it costs, and how to get the right protection without overpaying.
Do You Need a Special RV Insurance Policy?
The short answer: it depends on whether your RV has a motor. If you own a motorized RV—a Class A, B, or C motorhome—almost every state requires you to carry a separate RV insurance policy with liability coverage. Your standard auto insurance won't cover it.
For towable RVs like travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers, your auto policy typically covers liability while you're towing. But here's the catch: it won't pay for repairs or replacement if your trailer is damaged. If a hailstorm destroys your travel trailer while it's parked at the campground, or someone breaks in and steals your belongings, your auto policy won't help. You need additional coverage for that.
Think of specialty RV insurance as a hybrid between auto and homeowners coverage. It protects the vehicle itself, but also covers your personal belongings, provides emergency lodging if your RV becomes uninhabitable, and includes liability protection for injuries that happen inside or around your RV—things your standard auto policy simply wasn't designed to handle.
What RV Insurance Actually Covers
RV insurance policies include several types of coverage, and understanding each one helps you decide what you actually need versus what's just nice to have.
Liability coverage is the foundation—it's legally required in most states and covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Common minimums are $10,000-$20,000 for bodily injury per person and $10,000 for property damage, though many experts recommend much higher limits.
Collision coverage pays for damage to your RV from accidents, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage handles everything else: theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and hitting an animal. If you're financing your RV, your lender will almost certainly require both.
Personal belongings coverage protects the stuff inside your RV: clothes, electronics, camping gear, kitchen supplies. This is where RV insurance really differs from auto coverage. If someone breaks into your RV and steals your laptop, camping equipment, and outdoor furniture, this coverage handles it.
Emergency expense coverage (also called vacation liability) reimburses you for hotels, meals, and transportation if your RV becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. Imagine your RV's roof leaks during a storm while you're 800 miles from home—this coverage pays for a hotel room while repairs are made.
Attached accessories coverage protects permanently attached items like awnings, satellite dishes, generators, and solar panels. If you've invested thousands in upgrades, this coverage ensures they're protected too.
Full-Timer Coverage: When Your RV Is Your Home
If you live in your RV six months or more per year, you need full-timer coverage. This isn't just recreational RV insurance with a higher price tag—it's fundamentally different coverage that mirrors what homeowners insurance provides.
Full-timer policies typically cost $1,500-$4,000 annually, which is 25-50% more than recreational coverage. Why the jump? Because insurers are covering your primary residence, not just a vacation vehicle. Full-timer coverage includes higher limits for personal belongings (since all your possessions are in your RV), personal liability coverage that extends beyond just when you're driving, medical payments for guests who get injured in your RV, and loss assessment coverage if you're staying in an RV park.
Here's a real-world example: Say someone trips on your RV's steps while visiting and breaks their ankle. With recreational coverage, you might have limited liability protection. With full-timer coverage, you have the same robust personal liability protection a homeowner would have—crucial protection when your RV is where you live and entertain guests.
How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?
RV insurance costs vary dramatically based on your RV type, how you use it, and what coverage you choose. According to 2024 industry data, the nationwide average for travel trailer insurance is $594 annually, while motorhomes average $1,052.
But those averages hide wide variations. Class A motorhomes—the big, luxurious coaches valued at $200,000-$500,000 or more—typically cost $2,500-$4,500 annually to insure. Class B van conversions run $1,200-$2,200. Smaller travel trailers with basic coverage might cost just $350-$450 per year. Liability-only policies can start as low as $125 annually, though that leaves you with minimal protection.
Several factors affect your premium. The value of your RV is the biggest driver—more expensive RVs cost more to insure because they cost more to repair or replace. Your driving record matters, just like with auto insurance. Where you store your RV affects rates too; keeping it in a secure facility costs less to insure than street parking. How much you use your RV matters: weekend recreational use costs less than full-time living. Finally, your deductible choice directly impacts your premium—higher deductibles mean lower monthly costs but more out-of-pocket expense when you file a claim.
How to Save Money on RV Insurance
You don't have to pay full price for solid RV coverage. Start by shopping around—rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between insurers for the same coverage. Get quotes from at least three companies, including specialists like Good Sam and Roamly alongside traditional insurers.
Bundling your RV insurance with your auto and home policies often saves 10-25%. Many insurers also offer discounts for: taking an RV safety course, installing anti-theft devices, storing your RV in a secure facility, being claims-free for several years, and paying your annual premium upfront instead of monthly.
Low-mileage discounts can be significant—up to 20% off if you only use your RV recreationally. Some insurers also discount policies for RV club membership, like being part of the Good Sam Club or FMCA.
Getting Started with RV Insurance
Before you shop for RV insurance, gather some basic information: your RV's year, make, model, and VIN; its current market value; how many miles you plan to drive annually; and where you'll store it when not in use. If you're financing, check with your lender about their insurance requirements.
Be honest about how you'll use your RV. If you're planning to live in it full-time, don't try to save money by getting recreational coverage—you'll risk having claims denied when the insurer discovers you're actually a full-timer. The extra cost for proper coverage is worth the peace of mind.
Consider working with an independent insurance agent who specializes in RV coverage. They can shop multiple insurers for you, understand the nuances of different RV types, and help you find coverage that actually fits your needs rather than just selling you a generic policy. The right RV insurance protects your investment and your adventures—whether that's weekend getaways to the lake or living full-time on the open road.
