Like the RVs they protect, RV insurance
policies differ by company. Coverages vary. Claim expertise does too. Even
if you only use your RV for occasional weekend trips, your RV insurance
purchase decision should be based on which company provides the best loong-term
value - a mix of coverage, experience and price. Carefully consider the points
listed below. The right choice now will save you plenty of headaches and money
later.
Insuring an RV on
an auto policy will leave you exposed
Many RV owners choose to insure their RV on
the same policy as their car, even though an auto policy was never designed
to insure such specialized equipment. Be careful. Most auto policies don't
include important coverages that RVers like you need. What's more, even
minor RV claims can dramatically boost your entire auto insurance bill.
Buying a separate, specialized motor home or travel trailer policy avoids
this risk.
Auto policies don't provide
Guaranteed Total Loss Replacement
If you have a 1991 through 2001 model year RV, you are eligible for
Total Loss Replacement. If your RV is
destroyed within its first five model
years, this coverage will ensure that you
get a brand new RV-
even if it costs more than you paid for the original unit! This coverage is
a great way to protect your investment from the effects of depreciation.
During model
years 6 through the life of your policy, our companies will pay the original
purchase price toward the cost of a new RV
Auto policies won't offer
Agreed Value Coverage
If you have a classic
coach, or you've invested a great deal of money and time in a coach that doesn't
"blue book" to your liking, we can offer you Agreed Value
Coverage. With a simple appraisal, we will agree to cover your RV at the value
you specify.
Auto policies won't replace
personal property
If you insure your RV on your auto
policy, it typically doesn't include coverage for clothes, cameras, tools,
bicycles, dishes and other personal property. That's the job of your homeowners
policy. Unfortunately, only 10% of your homeowners personal belongings insurance
limit can typically be used to cover off-premises property (i.e. in your RV)
That may not be enough. Plus, you'll be stuck paying the $250 or $500
deductible too. Specialized RV insurance policies should provide
high limits for personal belongings coverage, at replacement cost value. Replacement
cost allows you to replace new for old the stolen or damaged items with new
items of similar kind and quality.
Attached accessories
may not be covered by auto policies
If you add awnings, antennas, a satellite dish or other
attached accessories to your motor home or travel trailer after you buy it,
many insurance policies won't cover them. Unfortunatly, these expensive items
are commonly damaged. Make sure you buy a policy that covers these items,
even if you add them after you buy the RV.
Emergency
Expense Coverage is not provided
Ordinary auto policies exclude coverage
for emergency expenses if you can't stay in your RV due to a covered loss.
Check to see that the policy you purchase includes this coverage, and has
realistic limits to cover expenses for lodging, meals or travel expenses
to get home - costs which can easily top $100 per day.
Auto policies won't cover
unlimited towing
While some policies may cover some
towing and roadside assistance, they offer only a $50 or $100 limit.
This may not be enough to tow a large RV. Our policies offer unlimited coverage
for towing and roadside assistance. Whether it be 1 mile or 100 miles to qualified
repair facility, our companies have got your towing bill covered.
Auto policies don't offer
Total Loss Replacement
If you own a home, you can buy a
homeowners policy that will pay to replace your home if it's destroyed. Unfortunately,
most RV insurance policies don't offer this option. By purchasing this
coverage, you'll be able to replace your RV with a brand
new one of like kind and quality if it's destroyed. If you
own a new RV, or are thinking of buying one, this coverage is a great way
to protect your investment from the effects of depreciation. (Available for
1990 and newer units.)
Is your claims adjuster
an RV expert?
You probably don't think about having to make a
claim when you purchase insurance. But having peace of mind when you travel
is exactly why you buy it. One easy way to narrow your choices is to only
consider insurance companies that have RV claim expertise. Most don't
because they focus on life, auto or homeowners insurance and therefore spend
far less time handling motor home and travel trailer claims.
The financial condition
of your company is important
Most people don't ask about the financial stability
of their insurance company. You should. After major disasters many companies
go out of business. How can you tell which companies are financially strong?
Listen to the opinion of A.M. Best Company, the nation's leading independent
insurance company rating organization. Companies with an "A" (Excellent)
or "A+" (Superior) rating are good choices. Ask your agent about
your company's A.M. Best rating.
What's more, our companies
offer...
-- Coverage for people who use their RVs as a full-time
residence
-- Premises liability for law-suits brought against you by people injured
in your campsite
-- 24-hour claims reporting line
-- Numerous deductible and payment options
-- Coverage for damage by stray animals
-- For more on our fantastic coverages please see coverages.
Choose your
RV insurance policy carefully - The right decision now can save you plenty
of headaches and money later.
