RV Insurance Cost

• Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive category of motorized RV. Premium costs depend on the motorhome's age, size and value, and frequency of use. RVersOnline.org estimates average insurance costs of $1,000 -$1,300 a year for a gas-powered Class A motorhome used 140 days each year. And a Mississippi resident pays $1,200 -$1,400 a year to insure a 1994 motorhome used 30-150 days each year, while the owner of a 2000 Itasca Suncruiser pays $500 a year with a $500 deductible.
• A camper van (also called a Class B motorhome or a conversion van) is typically the smallest motorized RVs and can be covered on a standard auto insurance policy. Rates vary significantly based on location, type of coverage, value of the camper van, driving record and insurance company.
• Class C motorhomes are the classic mid-sized motorized RV, typically with a sleeping area extending above the cab area. Premiums vary based on state of residence and the size, age and market value of the motorhome, plus frequency of use. An Idaho buyer looking at a supersized Class C motorhome valued at $120,000 was quoted $3,097 a year; some owners report similar rates, but others are paying $800 -$1,000 a year.
• Insuring travel trailers or fifth-wheel trailers (with a special hitch that's installed in the bed of a pickup truck) is generally less expensive than insuring a motorized RV, but premium charges still vary significantly based on state of residence and the size, age and market value of the trailer, plus frequency of use. The owner of a small, older fifth-wheel RV valued at $8,000 reports paying about $170 a year for collision and comprehensive coverage; RV-Dreams.com reports that full-timer coverage on a Keystone Cambridge fifth-wheel cost $896 -$924 a year between 2005 and 2009; and RVersOnline.org estimates annual insurance costs of $1,300 a year for a luxury fifth wheel with a medium-duty truck, used 140 days a year.
• Smaller non-motorized RVs might need only standard auto insurance. In general a truck camper (a separate unit that slides into the bed of a pickup truck) costs less to insure than large trailers, because the pickup is usually already insured and the camper unit is considered cargo that can be covered with a relatively inexpensive rider to the auto insurance. Popup tent trailers are also relatively inexpensive to add to an existing auto insurance policy, and any theft of personal items when camping may be covered under homeowner's insurance.

• Full-timer coverage is similar to homeowners insurance because it includes liability for accidents in the RV or campsite while used as a place of residence. Full-timer insurance can also cover a vehicle towed behind the motorhome.
• If an RV trailer is hooked up to an insured tow vehicle, it's should be covered for liability (damages to others) under the tow vehicle's insurance. Any personal items stolen from an RV trailer while camping may be covered under homeowner's insurance. However, this coverage is often limited, either by dollar amount or the specific circumstances covered. For damages to a trailer caused by an event other than a collision or overturn (like theft, fire, vandalism or falling objects) a policy with comprehensive coverage is needed.
• GoRVing.com outlines the coverage options possible under specialized RV insurance.

• When storing an RV, check if the existing insurance policy has limits on coverage while in storage. The coverage may need to be expanded; many storage facilities sell additional insurance coverage. If renting an RV, find out whether it's covered on existing auto insurance or, if not, buy additional insurance from the rental company for about $15 -$75 a day.

• Many RV insurance companies offer discounts on multiple polices (more than one kind of insurance), multiple vehicles, non-smokers, anti-theft devices or other factors.

• Some insurance companies, like Geico, GMAC and Progressive provide online quotes, and there are online quote services, like RV America Insurance, which compare RV insurance quotes from several companies. It's also possible to get RV insurance through membership organization like Good Sam Club.
• RVLifestyleExperts.com compares insurance quotes.

More Articles in Insurance