How much does RV insurance cost?
How much does RV insurance cost?
$500 – $1,500 average cost per year
Average RV insurance cost
RV insurance costs $500 to $1,500 per year on average, depending on the size, type, usage, and level of coverage you choose. The average RV insurance cost per month is $15 to $50 for a travel trailer, while insuring a self-propelled, Class A, luxury motorhome averages $50 to $200 per month.
National Average Cost | $1,000 |
Minimum Cost | $96 |
Maximum Cost | $4,000 |
Average Range | $500 to $1,500 |
RV insurance cost per month by type
Monthly RV insurance rates vary depending on the type of RV. An RV you drive typically costs more to insure than one you tow behind another vehicle. In general, the higher your RV's value, the more you'll pay to insure it.
RV type | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
---|---|---|
Towable RV / trailer | $15 – $50 | $200 – $600 |
Class A motorhome | $50 – $200 | $600 – $2,500 |
Class B camper van | $40 – $80 | $480 – $1,000 |
Class C motorhome | $45 – $125 | $540 – $1,500 |
Towable RV / trailer
Towable RVs or trailers typically do not require liability insurance because the towing vehicle's liability insurance extends to the trailer. However, you'll need comprehensive and collision insurance to cover damage to the trailer itself.
Towable RVs include travel trailers, teardrop campers, pop-up campers, 5th-wheel RVs, and toy haulers.
Most towable trailers range from 10 to 40 feet in length and weigh 1,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Motorhome
Motorhomes are drivable RVs that function as both a vehicle and a living space. Motorhomes cost more to insure than towable RVs because they have more features and cost more to repair or replace. These "homes on wheels" are categorized into three classes, with varying sizes, values, and corresponding insurance rates.
Motorhome type | Insurance rates | RV motorhome details |
---|---|---|
Class A motorhome | $$$ |
|
Class B camper van | $ |
|
Class C motorhome | $$ |
|
A new RV costs $20,000 to $100,000 for a towable model or $50,000 to $600,000 for a motorhome, not including insurance, fuel, or other costs of ownership.
RV insurance cost calculator
The type and level of coverage greatly impacts RV insurance rates. However, other factors also play a role in determining your rate, including:
High vs. low deductible: Opting for a higher deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in—can lower your premium costs. However, it's important to choose a deductible you're comfortable paying in case of a claim.
Reimbursement model: Premiums are lower for a policy that pays the RV's depreciated value than for one that replaces your totaled RV with the same model or one with similar features. "Agreed value" is another option where the provider pays an amount you both agree upon when setting up the policy.
RV age: Your RV's age, type, and condition impact your insurance rate. Older RVs are sometimes more expensive to insure than newer models due to their increased risk of mechanical issues. However, newer models typically carry higher value, which can also affect insurance premiums.
RV usage
Full-timers who live in their RV year-round typically pay more than occasional users, with some policies and premiums similar to homeowners' insurance. The final cost depends on your location and whether you own the RV:
Owned vs. financed RV: Lenders typically require comprehensive and collision insurance if they loan or lease the RV to you. If you own your RV outright, you may only need liability insurance. However, comprehensive and collision insurance gives you much more protection.
Location & travel plans:
RV insurance requirements vary by state, region, and even zip code.
Rates are often higher in heavily populated areas, areas with high crime rates, and those with frequent extreme weather, as all these factors increase the risk of RV damage.
If you're planning a drive out of the country, you may need additional coverage.
Driver experience & history
If you have a clean driving record, you'll likely pay less for RV insurance. Additionally, driving an RV is much different than driving a car, so a seasoned RV driver typically pays less for insurance than someone brand new to operating an RV.
Other personal history that may impact your RV insurance costs include:
Claims history: Filing frequent insurance claims, even for small incidents, could cause premiums to rise substantially over time.
Credit score: Depending on where you live, your credit score may impact your RV insurance rate. Eight states–California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah–restrict the use of credit scores in determining your insurance rates.
RV insurance coverage options
The level of additional coverage you select has a major impact on your rates. You have several options beyond the required insurance coverage to increase your protection. The following list details some of the most common coverage options:
Comprehensive & collision:
Most lenders require this extra coverage if you've financed or leased the RV. Additionally, all travel trailers must have this coverage, even if you own them outright.
Collision covers damage from an accident, while comprehensive covers RV damage that results from other events over which you have no control, such as theft or extreme weather.
Uninsured & underinsured motorist: Many states require uninsured motorist (UM or UMBI) or both that and underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance to help cover your medical expenses if the at-fault driver does not have liability insurance at all or if the liability insurance they have is not sufficient.
Vacation liability: Standard liability insurance typically only covers damage from incidents that occur while driving the RV. Vacation liability insurance provides coverage when the RV is parked or camped.
Medical payments: This add-on covers injuries you or your passengers sustain during an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Roadside assistance: As the name suggests, roadside assistance helps for non-collision events that happen on the road, like breakdowns, flat tires, or running out of gas.
Safety glass replacement: Standard RV insurance policies typically do not cover windshield repair or replacement.
Rental reimbursement: This add-on pays for some or all the cost if you need to rent a vehicle while your RV is in the shop after a collision or other damaging event.
Cheap RV insurance & discounts
In addition to choosing a plan with a higher deductible and a reimbursement model that offers lower premiums, you can often reduce your RV insurance rate with several additional discounts, including:
Associations: Some providers offer discounts for members of RV-related organizations, such as the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), or Kampgrounds of America (KOA).
Good driver: RV insurance policies are typically cheaper for people with no history of accidents or violations. Additionally, some companies discount your rate if you remain accident free for a certain length of time.
Loyalty / continuous coverage: Insurance companies sometimes offer discounts for drivers who've been insured continuously for a specified amount of time, as this signals that the driver is lower risk than one who let their insurance lapse for any amount of time.
Military: Veterans or active-duty military often receive an additional 5% to 15% discount.
Multi-policy: Consider bundling your RV insurance with your other insurance policies to get a discounted rate. Most insurance companies who offer home, renters, and auto insurance also offer RV insurance.
RV safety features: RVs with anti-theft devices, backup cameras, stability control and other safety features may qualify for additional discounts. Keep records of any upgrades you make to the RV to help maximize your coverage.
Safety education: Some companies discount your RV insurance if you complete a safety course.
Storage: Insurance plans cost less if you store your RV for part of the year. However, confirm your coverage terms to ensure you have the protection you need, as some policies do not cover the RV during the storage time.
RV insurance FAQs
Is RV insurance required?
RV insurance requirements vary based on the state, RV type, and whether you own or lease it. All states require liability coverage for drivable RVs, but the required minimum amounts also vary by state. For towable RVs like travel trailers, the towing vehicle's coverage typically extends to the trailer.
What type of insurance does an RV need?
Like car insurance, most RVs need insurance to cover the RV itself as well as liability insurance to protect you financially if the RV causes damage or injuries to others or their property. While not all states require it, consider full coverage options, especially if you call the RV "home" full- or part-time.
What is vacation liability RV insurance?
Vacation liability RV insurance covers claims for damage or injuries that happen while your RV is parked and while you’re camping or using it for recreational purposes. Most standard liability insurance policies only cover damage or injuries that occur when the RV is on the road.
Does RV insurance cover water damage?
RV insurance may cover water damage depending on the policy and the circumstances of the damage. Comprehensive policies typically cover water damage caused by events out of your control, like a hailstorm or hurricane. Collision insurance coverage may cover water damage resulting from an accident.
You may need additional coverage for flood damage. Check your policy terms or discuss your coverage and options with a qualified insurance agent to ensure you have a level of coverage with which you are comfortable.
Are RV awnings covered by insurance?
Most comprehensive or collision RV insurance policies cover awnings if the damage occurred by a covered event, such as a vehicle accident or a natural disaster. Liability-only policies do not cover awning damage. Additionally, most policies don’t cover damage due to normal wear and tear.
Is RV insurance cheaper than car insurance?
RV insurance is often cheaper than car insurance since RVs are used less annually than cars in many cases. However, rates vary based on many factors. Insuring a towable travel trailer typically costs less than car insurance, but insuring a fully loaded, Class A, luxury motorhome may cost much more.
How to find the best RV insurance
Before contacting RV insurance companies near you for quotes, decide how much coverage you want and how much you're willing to pay out of pocket if your RV is damaged. Then follow these guidelines:
To get the most accurate quotes, provide all the details about your RV—the make, model, features, age, and condition—as well how many days per year you use it.
Check out insurance company reviews on HomeGuide and Google to see if they are known to frequently raise premiums or deny a lot of claims.
Look on the company websites for current rate information and cost calculators.
Compare at least 3 quotes with similar details from different insurance companies.
Compare the coverage details of each policy and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Questions to ask an RV insurance agent
Asking the right questions ensures you know exactly what the insurance policy costs and covers.
How much insurance do I need for my RV?
What additional coverage do you recommend, and how much does it raise my rate?
Does the policy cover personal property inside the RV?
Are my RV upgrades covered by this policy?
Does the policy cover towing and other roadside assistance?
Am I still covered if my usage increases?
I live in my RV. Do you offer "full-timer" RV insurance?
What reimbursement methods do you offer, and which do you recommend for me?
Do I qualify for any discounts?
What is the payment frequency?
Which payment methods do you accept?