A rose by any other name may still be a rose, but RVs are no longer “recreational” vehicles when you make one your home. That means a full-time RV’er needs a different kind of insurance from the regular RV coverage. These are some of the things to consider when buying a full-timer policy:
- A full-time insurance package should offer personal liability similar to a homeowners policy. This liability covers you for anyone injured in your RV, whether parked or in travel status.
- You probably already have collision on your RV, but as a full-timer you may also want to add comprehensive with total loss replacement coverage. When the RV is your home and sustains significant damage, you will need to cover the cost of a different place to live.
- If you have the total of all your belongings in the RV, you’ll want to have good coverage on personal effects. It’s a good idea to photograph those possessions and catalog them, too, especially if you have any valuable items such as good jewelry.
- Check to see if the package includes roadside assistance coverage. If it doesn’t, add it!
While shopping for full-timer’s insurance, consider these additions to your policy:
- Medical payments to cover injuries make an inexpensive supplement to health insurance.
- Add something to cover emergency expenses, also. If you must surrender the RV for several days for repair work, you will need hotel and meal expenses.
- If your pet(s) live and travel in the RV, you will want to coverage for any veterinarian expenses if injured in an accident.
- If you have health problems which could become serious at any time, check out medical evacuation coverage.
How much coverage you choose to put on your RV is, of course, up to you. It’s true that insurance coverage for full-time use of an RV will probably result in higher premiums, especially with some of the added options. Remind yourself, however, that you won’t have house insurance to pay, so that’s a trade-off!
