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Topic: RV Insurance - It's different than other vehicles (Read 313 times) previous topic - next topic
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RV Insurance - It's different than other vehicles
I'm in the process of choosing RV insurance coverage for my LD.  Coverages have really changed recently. 
It's different if you are full-time vs recreational use. It's also different if you rent out your RV as a business or loan out your RV to friends or relatives. 
There is a feature called "Vacation Liability" that covers the RV when not in motion, like parked in a camp spot.  For example, if a tree falls on your RV while camping, "Vacation Liability" covers the damages.  Comp and Collision covers the RV when in motion, on the road.  If for example, you have hail damage while driving, that may be different coverage than hail damage when you are parked at a camping location. 
Also, some insurances may not cover "Acts of God" like damage from a tornado or flash flood.
In addition, you need to know how your insurance will cover "Replacement Cost Personal Effects". This applies to the personal property inside your RV. Some require proof of ownership like receipts or photos of each item, and some will only reimburse you when you provide the replacement receipt once you have re-purchased the missing or damaged items.  Many RVers with TTs don't ask for personal property coverage and are surprised when they have losses and only the trailer was covered.  One couple was shocked to discover none of their personal property was covered when their cargo trailer was stolen. Since they were tenters, just about everything they owned was in the cargo trailer.
Also, in regards to Comp and Collision, you can opt for an agreed-upon value for your RV if the RV is considered "a total loss" vs "current market value".  This can be an advantage for those of us with older RVs that are in good condition.  For example, if your RV  has a low KBB value because of its age, but you have kept up with maintenance and/or upgraded the RV and think it's worth 2 or 3 times the KBB value, you can pre-negotiate what the payout value would be in the event your RV is totaled.
If you have roadside coverage on your RV policy, it may have changed as well.  Know how many miles of towing are covered. Some roadside policies are towing only and do not include pulling your RV from a ditch, snowbank, sand, etc. They may not cover righting your RV if it turns over, or there is a limit to what they will pay and you are on the hook for the rest.
I'm not an expert on any type of insurance, in fact, I'd say I'm pretty clueless. I have difficulties deciphering and understanding the ins and outs of insurance, so I appreciate consulting with an expert.
There are companies that offer RV Insurance Specialists, you just have to look for them.
It's worth getting out your RV insurance policy and checking what coverages you have.
If you do an internet search for "RV Insurance Specialists", there are some choices, reviews, and ratings available.
If you would like to know the RV Insurance company I use, email me. 
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: RV Insurance - It's different than other vehicles
Reply #1 –
This is good info, gives me some things to look specifically for in the policy for the 2003 RB we’re picking up next month. They’re mailing the policy to us now.

Of note, we did think to ask for the agreed value to match our purchase price. Since that # exceeds the “book value,” I forwarded the seller’s email, stating the selling price, to our agent who then sent it over to the insurance company underwriters. The “agreed-upon value” was approved based on that alone. Made it easy.
Jason

2003 Rear Bath
"Razor Crest"
Our first RV, purchased from the original owner 01/2022
Re: RV Insurance - It's different than other vehicles
Reply #2 –
Along those lines, I have AAA Plus-RV coverage for towing, battery, etc. AAA notified me this past week that they will cover only the first $500 for towing and I will have to pay the balance with a credit card before the RV will be towed. Previously, towing was covered no matter the distance or cost.

Everyone is feeling the pinch these days. Sigh.
Judy Dewey
2003 26' RK
Re: RV Insurance - It's different than other vehicles
Reply #3 –
Quote from: SoCal-Gal link=msg=239634 [quote/
ote/]
There is a feature called "Vacation Liability" that covers the RV when not in motion, like parked in a camp spot.  For example, if a tree falls on your RV while camping, "Vacation Liability" covers the damages.  Comp and Collision covers the RV when in motion, on the road.

I need to make a correction on “Vacation Liability” coverage. “Vacation Liability” coverage is similar to a home owners policy, it covers you for accidents that occur outside and around your RV in your space. If someone slips and falls off your RV steps and breaks a leg, this coverage kicks in.  It has nothing to do with repairs to the RV itself.  It seems only “RV specialists” truly understand the nuances of RV insurance. But be aware so your agent doesn’t “oversell” you on coverage amounts you don’t actually need or want. If you have an agreed upon value if totaled, like $20k,  it may not make sense to purchase coverage for $500k. Of course you want the right amount of coverage and that is totally up to the individual.
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
 
Re: RV Insurance - It's different than other vehicles
Reply #4 –
When insuring RV personal property, it’s a good idea to keep your receipts or have pictures of the personal property. I asked my agent about this and he hemmed and hawed on the answer. But, what I have found is if you have purchased coverage for let’s say $20k in personal property and you have a loss, you can’t just expect the insurance to send you a check for $20k, they want proof you actually owned and had that property in your RV. We experienced this when our house was burgled, if we couldn’t provide proof we owned the items that were stolen, they didn’t pay us for them. Also, some insurances will only reimburse you only after you go out and buy the items again and give them the receipts. Some people open all storage areas in their RV and take pictures of everything to keep on file should they need it. Overall, it’s good to be prepared.
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo