Camper Insurance: What You Need To Know

Whether you need insurance for your camper depends on several factors, including the type of camper, your location, and how you use it. In many states, camper insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is still a good idea to protect yourself financially in case of accidents, damage, or theft.

Camper insurance requirements vary by state

If you have a self-propelled RV, you will need insurance as a vehicle. A pop-up or fifth-wheel camper that is towed by an insured vehicle may not require its own policy. Even in states that require insurance on all campers, generally, only liability coverage is required.

In 22 states and the District of Columbia, RV owners are also required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. This policy covers your losses if you get into an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries or vehicle damages.

Traditional auto insurance does not provide coverage for RVs that are motorized and self-powered, so RV insurance is a legal requirement. However, when your vehicle tows a pop-up camper, a larger travel trailer, or even a fifth wheel, your auto insurance that covers the vehicle that tows that trailer typically extends to the RV.

It's a good idea to look at your state insurance laws before buying a camper. Once you’re aware of what kind of insurance you’ll need, if any, you can start comparison shopping among insurance companies to find the deal that offers the best coverage for the least impact on your budget.

Camper insurance is usually required when you put others at risk

When you transfer a camper via roads, it poses a risk to others, much like driving the truck that pulls it. Therefore, those who have a fully contained RV often need a special type of insurance that covers the vehicle and has some features of homeowners insurance. This type of insurance is especially important if you plan to "glamp", or camp with the comforts of home, as you may be leasing a campground lot for an extended period, which opens up a list of other liability concerns.

While some states don't require camper insurance, you may still be expected to carry it. Each state has its own laws regarding camper insurance, which can vary depending on the type of camper. For example, a full, self-propelled RV always needs insurance as a vehicle, while a pop-up or fifth-wheel camper that is towed by an insured vehicle may not require its own policy. Even in states that mandate insurance on all campers, only liability coverage is generally required, and it is typically comparable to what is expected of regular automobiles in terms of cost.

Liability coverage is essential as it helps pay for damages to another person's vehicle or property that you may become legally liable for as a result of an accident. Without sufficient liability coverage, you risk going into debt or losing your assets in the event of a serious accident or lawsuit. Thus, it is crucial to have adequate coverage to protect yourself and others when operating a camper.

Camper insurance can be bundled with car insurance

Camper insurance is a must-have, especially if you take vacations in a motorhome or live in an RV full-time. While some states don't require camper insurance, you may be expected to carry insurance on your camper. Camper insurance can be bundled with car insurance, and most insurance companies offer such bundles with generous discounts.

Your auto policy will typically extend to your trailer when you are pulling it, but only for liability, and it provides no coverage for your actual trailer. This means that an auto policy alone will only cover damage your trailer causes to other people and their property. Therefore, it is recommended to get RV insurance, which covers many of the same risks as auto insurance, including collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage.

If you have expensive equipment or valuable items in your camper, you should consider additional insurance to cover your contents. Usually, you can set the amount of personal property coverage you want. If you live in your camper full-time, you may want something closer to a homeowners policy, with increased liability or medical payments to others.

Moreover, travel trailer insurance offers physical coverage much like an auto insurance policy. Without this coverage, you would have to pay for any damages yourself in the event of an accident. Travel trailer insurance can also extend past basic liability to cover the gaps left by your home and auto policies.

In conclusion, camper insurance is important to have, and it can be bundled with car insurance for added convenience and cost savings. Be sure to review your state's insurance laws and compare insurance companies to find the best coverage for your needs.

Camper insurance can be purchased from specialist companies

Camper insurance is not mandatory in all states, but it is still a good idea to get one. Camper insurance can be purchased from specialist companies, and there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the companies that offer camper insurance:

Progressive Insurance

Progressive offers policies to insure Class A, B, and C motorhomes of all sizes, from camper vans to 40-foot RVs. They also provide insurance for toy haulers, fifth-wheel, pop-up, and mounted truck campers. Progressive stands out for its disappearing deductibles and accident forgiveness.

Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide insures RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, pop-ups, and other types of campers. They offer over ten different discounts, including discounts for staying claim-free, installing safety devices, and bundling policies. However, they have received many customer complaints about their claims process.

The Hartford Company

The Hartford insures all types of campers and offers benefits such as roadside assistance, lifetime repair after an accident, towing and labour costs, and medical costs. They also offer discounts for RV club members, defensive driving course participants, and seasonal camper users.

National General Insurance

National General, self-proclaimed as "America's RV Insurance Specialist," offers full-featured RV policies. One of their biggest benefits is the Optional Full Replacement Cost Coverage, which replaces your RV with a comparable model if it is totaled or stolen within its first five model years. They also offer multi-vehicle discounts.

Good Sam

Good Sam offers personalised policies for a variety of RV and camper owners, including personal effects coverage and permanent attachments coverage. They are a multi-carrier agency, specialising in insuring those who live in their RVs full-time, and their rates can be more affordable than going through individual agencies.

Roamly

Roamly specialises in RV insurance and is a good option for those who rent out their RVs. They provide coverage for liability and damage to the vehicle when it is rented out, which is typically not covered by standard insurance policies.

Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners Insurance is known for its personalised customer service, with a network of independent agents and a mobile app for easy access to policies and claims. They have fewer complaints and a better customer satisfaction record than many competitors.

Just Kampers Insurance

Just Kampers Insurance is a UK-based company that provides specialist campervan insurance, including classic and modern campers. They offer competitive rates, a 10% store discount, limited mileage discount, mis-fuelling assistance, and personal effects cover.

Comfort Insurance

Comfort Insurance is a family-owned business specialising in motorhome and campervan insurance. They offer comprehensive policies for EU travel, including personal effects coverage, generator coverage, and fixed awnings insurance. Their rates start at £220, making them an affordable option.

These are just a few examples of the specialist companies that offer camper insurance. It is important to research and compare different providers to find the best coverage and rates that suit your specific needs.

Camper insurance can cover personal belongings

Camper insurance is not always a requirement, but it is generally a good idea. While some states don't require camper insurance, you may be expected to carry insurance on your camper. When you transfer a camper via roads, it’s a risk, much like driving the truck that pulls it. Those who have a fully contained RV often need a special kind of insurance that covers the vehicle but also has some of the same features as homeowners insurance.

The personal belongings you keep inside your camper will also be covered under homeowners insurance while the camper is parked on your property. However, their coverage may max out at 10% of your overall personal property coverage per claim because the covered belongings are designed to be inside your home. Therefore, camper insurance can provide more comprehensive coverage for personal belongings.

Additionally, travel trailer insurance can extend past basic liability to cover the gaps left by your home and auto policies. Your home or renters policies may provide coverage for personal belongings kept outside of your home, but at a fraction of your coverage limit (usually 5 to 10% less). This amount of coverage may be insufficient if you have any valuable belongings stored in your trailer.

In summary, camper insurance can provide valuable coverage for personal belongings, offering protection against loss, fire, theft, and damage. This coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an incident.

Frequently asked questions