RV Insurance in Vermont

What is RV insurance?

Owning a motorhome requires considering the risks that are present both when driving, and when set up for a stay somewhere. RV insurance can help Vermont motorhome owners protect against both of these groups of risks.

RV insurance offers a unique blend of coverage options for motorhomes. Policies typically protect the vehicle, the owner and any passengers, and belongings in the RV.

Who in Vermont requires motorhome insurance?

Most motorhome owners in Vermont should carry some type of motorhome insurance. Coverage is generally compulsory when driving, and highly recommended when parked.

What protections does motorhome insurance offer?

Motorhome insurance offers many coverage options to offer protection both when driving and when not. 

Some of the coverage options are more like what’d be found in an auto insurance policy, although adjusted for a larger vehicle:

• Personal Injury Coverage: Usually protects against injuries sustained by the RV driver and their passengers.
• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Usually protects against injuries sustained by passengers in other vehicles, or pedestrians and cyclists.
• Collision Coverage: Usually protects against damage to the RV resulting from collisions with other vehicles.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Usually protects against damage to the RV caused by non-collision events such as wildlife damage, vandalism, theft, falling objects or fire.
• Gap Coverage: Usually protects against the difference between an RV’s value and a loan’s outstanding balance, if the RV is totaled.
• Property Damage Liability Coverage: Usually protects against damage to other vehicles or property caused by the RV during multi-vehicle collisions.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Usually protects against vehicle collisions involving drivers with insufficient or no auto insurance coverages

Lenders usually require collision, comprehensive and gap coverages if an RV is financed or leased.

Other coverage options are similar to what’d be found in a home insurance policy, but again adjusted for a motorhome:

• Personal Property Coverage: Usually covers personal belongings inside the RV, like electronics, books, cookware, cameras and souvenirs.
• Vacation/Campsite Liability Coverage: Usually covers “slip and fall” and similar accidents that cause injury to others when the RV is being used as a residence.
• Emergency Expenditure Coverage: Usually covers immediate meal and lodging expenses if travel plans get disrupted by a covered event.
• Full-Timer Coverage: Usually gives additional protection for individuals who live full-time in their RV, and don’t maintain a separate primary residence.

What are the different classifications for RV policies?

Insurance companies generally have a classification system for RV policies. The system indicates what type of motorhome a policy can insure, and it’s a fairly uniform system across the insurance industry. The classifications are Class A, Class B and Class C.

• Class A policies are normally able to insure the biggest RVs, and full-size buses that people convert into motorhomes.
• Class B policies are normally able to insure moderately sized RVs and camper bans. Larger trailers may also fall into this category.
• Class C policies normally insure only small RVs and fifth-wheel trailers. 

An insurance agent who specializes in RV policies can ensure you look at policies within the proper category for your motorhome.

Can RVers cancel their insurance during the off-season?

While some motorhome owners may be tempted to cancel their insurance during periods of non-use to save on premiums, this is often recommended against.

Canceling an RV policy can leave the motorhome unprotected from potential damages occurring while it’s in storage. For example, theft, vandalism, falling objects (if stored outside) and fire likely wouldn’t be covered. These can all occur when storing.

Instead of canceling coverage, owners should consult with an experienced insurance agent to adjust their coverage based on their RV usage patterns. This can help with cost savings, but without sacrificing much-needed protections.