What Kind of Insurance is Required for an RV?

As long as recreational vehicles are used on the road, they must have insurance. As with car insurance, states have varying auto insurance requirements when it comes to RVs. Be sure to check with your state about the minimum requirements. Most states require: 

• Bodily injury liability, which covers medical expenses and legal expenses related to injuries caused by the driver while operating the insured RV. 

• Property damage liability, which covers property damage and legal expenses related to damage caused by the driver while operating the insured RV. 

Some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage provides compensation for damages that occur in an accident involving a driver not carrying insurance. 

Minimum RV Insurance Requirements 

In Texas, the minimum requirements for RV insurance are: 

Liability insurance is required in order to cover accidents on the road. If you cause an accident while driving an RV, you may be held liable for property damage and bodily injury caused. Not many people can afford to fix other vehicles and cover another person’s medical expenses out of pocket. To ensure that all victims in a motor vehicle accident receive help and compensation, states require all drivers to carry liability insurance. 

These are the minimum requirements in order to drive legally in Texas and don’t depict how much insurance you actually need. Liability insurance won’t cover damages to your RV or injuries you or your passengers sustain in an accident. 

What Does RV Insurance Cover? 

RV insurance covers a lot of the same coverages as personal auto insurance, including: 

• Comprehensive coverage provides compensation for damages to the vehicle due to fire, lightning, smoke, falling objects, wind, hail, theft and vandalism. 

• Collision coverage provides compensation for damages to the vehicle due to collision with another vehicle or object. 

• Medical payments cover medical expenses for the insured and their passengers after an accident, no matter who is declared at fault. 

Optional coverage for RV insurance includes roadside assistance, which helps with trip interruptions such as running out of gas, changing a tire, towing and more. 

Vacation liability insurance is a coverage available for some RV policies that covers incidents that occur while the RV is being used as a residence. For example, if an accident occurs in the RV while it is parked in a vacation spot, the incident may be covered under this insurance. 

RV insurance can also cover personal belongings within or attached to the vehicle from fire, theft, vandalism and more. This can include equipment such as satellite dishes and other accessories.  

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost? 

Just like with auto insurance, RV insurance premiums are subject to a variety of factors. Common influences on RV insurance premiums include: 

RV insurance costs an average between $800 and $2,000 a year based on the above factors. Adding a trailer or using the vehicle as a permanent residence may change these costs. RVs that are used to travel long distances may also be subject to higher insurance premiums due to the increased risks. 

You may be able to save money by bundling your RV insurance with your car insurance policy and home insurance policy below the same insurance provider. Many providers offer discounts to clients who have different types of policies with them. 

Be sure to ask your insurance provider about discounts on RV insurance.