TL;DR: RV insurance includes standard coverage like liability, collision, and comprehensive options. Full-time RVers can add personal liability, personal belongings protection, and emergency expense coverage. Illinois law requires minimum liability for motorhomes, while towable trailers are exempt from separate liability insurance but should still be covered for theft or damage.
Call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 for a free RV insurance quote today.
Why Do RV Owners Need Specialized Insurance Coverage?
Owning an RV (recreational vehicle) means driving a home on wheels. Unlike regular vehicles, RVs often contain valuable personal belongings, appliances, furniture, and more. Standard auto insurance doesn’t fully cover these unique risks, which is why RV insurance is necessary. RV insurance goes beyond regular car coverage by protecting both the vehicle and the contents inside, ensuring you’re covered if your RV is damaged or stolen.
In addition to the higher value of the vehicle, RVs face unique risks:
- Size and weight: RVs are larger and heavier, making accidents potentially more damaging.
- Campsite hazards: Parking at campsites or driving under low clearances could lead to roof or awning damage.
- Breakdowns: Long road trips increase the likelihood of breakdowns far from home.
- Liability risks: Many RV owners use their vehicles for camping or as seasonal homes. Situations like a guest slipping inside your stationary RV can result in injury claims.
Thus, RV insurance is designed to cover both the driving risks and the living-in-your-RV risks, combining elements of both auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance.
What Does RV Insurance Typically Cover?
A basic RV insurance policy often mirrors a regular car insurance policy, including:
Liability Coverage
This covers injuries or property damage caused to others while you’re driving your RV. In Illinois, liability limits are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. If you damage someone’s property or cause an injury (like sideswiping a sedan or hitting a campground fence), liability coverage would cover the repair or medical costs of the other party.
Collision Coverage
This covers damage to your RV from a collision, whether you hit another vehicle or an object like a tree or guardrail. If you back into a post at a campsite, collision coverage will pay for repairs (minus your deductible). Collision coverage is optional but may be required by your lender if the RV is financed.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive covers non-collision incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, storms, or hitting an animal. For example, if a hailstorm damages your travel trailer’s roof or a tree branch falls on it, comprehensive coverage will pay for repairs. This coverage is optional unless required by your lender but is highly recommended to protect your investment.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. It can cover medical bills and sometimes damage to your RV if the other driver can’t pay. In Illinois, uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury is required on all motor vehicle policies.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
MedPay pays for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of fault. This is useful for RV owners with multiple passengers, as RV trips often involve family or friends. It usually covers immediate needs like an ambulance ride or ER visit.
Does My Auto or Homeowners Insurance Cover My RV?
Auto Insurance
Typically, your auto insurance does not cover RVs. RVs are treated like separate vehicles, so you’ll need an RV-specific insurance policy. However, if you’re towing a small camper, your car’s liability coverage extends to the trailer while it’s hitched to the insured vehicle. But any damage to the trailer or its contents will not be covered under auto insurance.
Homeowners Insurance
Your homeowners insurance typically does not cover your RV’s structure or liability while driving. It might cover personal property inside the RV, but only up to a limited amount and only when the items are temporarily off your property. RV insurance is needed for full protection.
What Are Special Coverage Options for Full-Time RVers?
If you live in your RV full-time, your coverage needs go beyond the usual auto risks. Full-time RV insurance offers specialized protections, much like homeowners insurance, and is designed to cover both your vehicle and your lifestyle.
Full-Time RVer Insurance Options:
- Personal Liability: Covers injuries or damage that occur in or around your stationary RV. For example, if a guest slips on your RV steps, this coverage helps pay for their medical costs.
- Medical Payments for Others: If a guest is injured in or around your RV, this covers their medical bills.
- Personal Belongings Coverage: Covers personal items inside your RV, such as clothing, electronics, or camping gear. If your RV is burglarized or damaged in an accident, this helps replace your personal property.
- Loss Assessment Coverage: If your RV park charges you for shared damages (like a damaged clubhouse or fence), this coverage will pay for those costs.
- Emergency Expense Allowance: Helps cover lodging or travel expenses if your RV becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, such as a breakdown or accident.
- Higher Liability Limits: Full-timers often opt for higher liability limits to protect their assets, especially if their RV is their primary residence.
What Does Illinois Law Require for RV Insurance?
Motorhomes (Self-Propelled RVs)
Illinois law requires that all motorhomes carry minimum liability coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. In addition, uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury is also required.
Towable Trailers (Campers or Travel Trailers)
Illinois law doesn’t require a separate liability insurance policy for towable trailers, as long as the towing vehicle has liability insurance. However, you should consider insuring your trailer for theft, fire, or collision damage, as your car’s liability insurance won’t cover the trailer itself.
How Do I Choose the Best RV Policy for My Needs?
Choosing the right RV policy depends on how you use your RV and what coverage you need:
- Full-time vs. Part-time: If you live in your RV full-time, you’ll need additional coverage options like personal liability and personal effects coverage. Part-time RVers can usually stick with a standard RV policy with a few add-ons.
- RV Value: If your RV is expensive or new, comprehensive and collision coverage is recommended. Consider total loss replacement coverage for newer models.
- Personal Belongings: Add personal effects coverage if you carry valuable items in your RV, as your homeowners insurance won’t cover them.
- Roadside Assistance: Consider adding roadside assistance to your policy for RV-specific emergencies, like towing and mechanical breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions about RV Insurance Options
Q: What does RV insurance typically cover?
A: RV insurance typically covers liability, collision, and comprehensive for your RV, along with additional coverage like uninsured motorist protection and medical payments coverage. It helps protect both your vehicle and your personal belongings inside.
Q: What special insurance options do full-time RVers need?
A: Full-time RVers need personal liability (for injuries to others around your RV), personal effects coverage (for your belongings inside), emergency expense coverage, and higher liability limits for full protection when using the RV as a primary residence.
Q: What are the Illinois RV insurance requirements?
A: Illinois requires motorhomes to have at least $25,000 per person in liability coverage, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. Towable trailers don’t require liability insurance but should be insured for damage or theft.
Q: How do I choose the best RV insurance policy?
A: Choose a policy based on your RV usage. Full-time RVers need more coverage, while part-time users can stick with standard RV insurance with a few add-ons. Always consider the value of your RV, the personal items inside, and potential roadside emergencies.
Get a Quote Today!
Ready to get a quote for your RV insurance? Call 773-202-5060 for a free quote or visit Insure on the Spot online to find the best coverage options for your RV needs.