RVs and campers let you live life on the road your own way. Whether you drive it or haul it, these types of units allow you to forego the expensive reservations at a stuffy hotel, opening up your itinerary and making it easier to travel with spontaneity. You can kick back and stay awhile, or pick-up and go at the drop of a hat. Of course, this nomadic lifestyle can also come with risks, blending the hazards and financial exposures of personal property risks with driving a vehicle. At Long & Company, we know it takes a special type of insurance to cover the needs of RV and camper owners. We make it easy to build a policy suitable to your risks and compare rates from multiple Wisconsin insurers.
Taking the Risks of Home on the Road
When you are at home, there is always the risk that your personal belongings could be damaged or stolen due to an unforeseen event. There is also the chance that you could become liable for someone else’s injury or property damage due to an accident occurring in your home or an incident for which you or a member of your household is responsible outside the home. When you take off in an RV or camper, those same risks follow you while driving and while parked and using your RV or camper as a temporary residence.
Then there are the risks of owning and operating a motor vehicle. RVs are motorized and subject to state laws that require vehicle insurance. In addition to liability insurance, RV owners also need coverage for their vehicles, as repairing or replacing an RV can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Many scenarios could lead to an RV or camper insurance claim. Examples include:
- Your awning blows off at a campsite, injuring a passerby.
- You have a tire blowout that leads to a collision, which injures another driver.
- You face a trip interruption that forces you to find last-minute shelter and a means to get back home.
- Your TV, jewelry, laptop, and other belongings are stolen from your RV at a campsite.
- You hit black ice and roll your camper, resulting in physical damages to its structure.
Types of RV/Camper Insurance
Insurance policies vary for RVs and campers. RVs are motorized and require more extensive protection than campers. However, campers still need coverage that protects against premises liability, physical damages, and more. Our job at Long & Company is to help you understand which types of protection are pertinent to mitigate your personal risks and fit your needs. Depending on whether you own a camper or RV, your policy may include coverage for:
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
Driving a vehicle of any size presents a risk of liability. The more space you take up on the road, however, the more dangerous your vehicle may be to others in a collision. Make sure your RV is covered for bodily injury and property damage liability in the event you are at fault for an accident. Not only is this coverage legally required by state law, but it can also help safeguard you against expensive litigation, judgments, and settlements related to a victim’s injuries or other loss.
Physical Damages
How much would it cost you to replace your camper or RV? The average pull-behind camper can easily cost $20,000, and RVs can cost as much as $100,000 or more depending on its features. Insurance can protect your camper or RV against physical damages due to collision or other events, including fire, theft, and fallen objects. In most cases, claims are subject to a deductible, which is often minimal compared to the cost of the damages. The insurance company compensates you for covered claims according to the value of your RV or camper and terms of your policy.
Uninsured (UM)/Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
These types of coverage protect you against the cost of injuries caused by at-fault drivers who have too little insurance or no insurance at all. UM can also protect you and your passengers if a hit-and-run driver injures you.
Trip Interruption
If your RV trip is cut short – perhaps due to a collision – you might lose access to shelter, food, and transportation in one fell swoop. Trip interruption coverage can help pay for emergency expenses, such as restaurant meals, rental car fees, and the cost of getting a hotel for the night.
Personal Property Theft and Damage
Risks do not disappear when you pull off the highway. Even when you are parked at a campsite or restaurant, you are at risk of loss due to inclement weather, fire, and even theft. This also pertains to personal belongings you carry with you when you travel. Talk to your agent to ensure your insurance covers damage and theft of personal property from your camper or RV.
Vacation Liability
If someone is injured inside your camper or as a result of your negligence while using your RV or camper as a temporary residence, vacation liability insurance can help cover the damages. This can include medical bills and property damages, as well as the cost of a lawsuit if you are sued.
RV Awning Coverage
If your RV has an awning, it could be at risk of damage. Replacing it could cost thousands of dollars without the right coverage. Talk to your agent about including damage and loss protection for your RV or camper awning.
Wisconsin RV/Camper Insurance – Get a Quote
Whether you are preparing to buy your first pop-up camper or have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for years, you need insurance customized to fit your needs. Contact Long & Company to find out more about RV and camper insurance and to request your free quote today.
