If you own a camper (also called a travel trailer), you may be wondering if you’re required to insure it. Let’s go over what sort of coverage you will likely need for your own peace of mind, and what’s typically required.
Since a travel trailer isn’t a motorized vehicle, travel trailer liability coverage isn't required for it. Instead, the vehicle towing the trailer will need to have a liability policy. That policy typically covers your trailer while attached. This means that if you accidentally back your trailer into a parked car at a campsite, your auto policy’s liability coverage can cover the damage and any medical bills you caused for others. What it won’t cover, however, is damage to your own trailer. For that, you’ll need a separate travel trailer insurance policy. While not legally required, you can think of travel trailer insurance as protection for your investment. And if you happen to be financing or leasing your trailer, chances are the lender will require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage anyway. Even if it isn’t required in your case, getting it is a smart move if you want to protect your camper.
In addition to comprehensive and collision coverage, there are other optional coverages which may provide more personalized and reliable protection. Here is short list and general description of coverage options for you to consider:
Comprehensive coverage: Can protect you against damages that are outside of your control and aren’t vehicle-collision related. For example, hail, lightning, flooding, fallen trees, theft, animal collisions, and vandalism.
Collision coverage: Can pay for damage to your travel trailer from collisions with vehicles or objects. If your RV is damaged, your policy may be able to repair or replace your RV, less the amount of your deductible.
Vacation liability coverage: If you plan on parking at a campsite, you may want this type of coverage for your travel trailer to protect you in case you are liable for property damage or injuries to others while you’re camping there.
Personal effects coverage: This may pay for replacement of personal items in your RV that resulted from a covered loss.
Roadside assistance: Most travel trailer policies include roadside assistance specifically tailored toward RVs. This means they understand the unique difficulties of towing a large trailer. They can assist with tire changes, emergency towing to an RV friendly facility, or temporary RV rental if circumstances are preventing you from residing in yours for a while.
Now that you know about these different types of coverage you may want for your travel trailer, your mind may wander to costs. So, just how much is travel trailer insurance usually? Costs can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors, such as the type and size of your RV, coverage limits, deductible amounts, and your driving record. Your premium may be affected by factors like your trailer’s value and age, where you store it, how often you use it, your claims history, and the coverage limits you’ve chosen. Keep in mind that many insurers may offer a discount if you bundle your travel trailer insurance with your auto insurance.
So, with all this knowledge at hand, should you go with what’s required or what’s recommended? Think about it this way: your travel trailer is an important investment that you want to protect. And while travel trailer insurance is not typically required, can you afford not to have it? A lot can go wrong that isn’t protected by the tow vehicle’s liability policy. Getting proper insurance will protect you in scenarios like unexpected water damage, theft, or a hailstorm, and most importantly, it’ll allow you to relax and truly enjoy your adventures.
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Disclaimer: Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates.
The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim.
