Best Insurance Options for 25' Travel Trailers: Coverage Tips & Pitfalls

[dougbo44]

Would appreciate recommendations for 25' RV insurance....weather damage..vandalism..tree damage, etc.

 

[Larry N.]

You might clarify your request to indicate whether you're looking for companies to use, specific coverage needs, etc. so that folks can properly tailor their responses for your needs. Another thing to include is what you tow it with (if a trailer) or what, if anything, you tow with it if it's a motorhome. I'd suggest that you also mention what your uses are for that RV, perhaps occasional weekend trips or long haul vacations or spending months at a time on the road.

These are some of the contributing factors that will affect any advice given.

 

[dougbo44]

Pulled with Ram, used for weekend trips, also like to cover theft of unit.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Many companies offer policies for Recreational Vehicle coverage, typically divided in towables (trailers) and motorized (motorhomes). These are distinguished from automobile policies, which typically do NOT cover home-like furnishings (tvs, sound systems, appliances, etc). You will probably want four categories of coverage:

1. Collision (trailer hits another vehicle or an object, a tree, or a building)
2. Comprehensive (damage from some event, e.g. fire or storm or theft)
3. Personal Property (your clothing, personal electronics. and accessories (BBQ grill, outdoor furniture, etc)
4. Liability for camping-related accidents, e.g. a visitor trips on your trailers entry step.

Depending on the insurer, these may be bundled together as one or be extra cost options on some base package.

If you also have a homeowner or renters policy with any insurer, you probably already have at least some coverage for #3 & #4, so may not need to pay extra to get it on the trailer. Check with the agent for that policy to b sure what it covers.

#1 and #2 cover damages to the trailer, usually limited to the current Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the trailer at the time the accident occurred. NOT what you payed for or what you owe on a loan for it. A higher amount may be available as an option.

#3 covers any & all items you brought on board with you, including any aftermarket accessories you added. Often the insurer considers any attached equipment to be "personal property", even if it was standard equipment. Examples might include awnings, propane tanks, batteries, and solar panels, so ask specific questions about those. Typically the policy includes some arbitrary dollar amount like $2000, but you very likely will want more. Imagine if your rig was destroyed in a fire and you lost ALL your clothing, your phone & laptop, small kitchen appliances, and outdoor gear. The cost is substantial and the premium for extra coverage is usually small, so don't be stingy about it.

Your tow vehicle has its own insurance and its liability coverage also covers any damages to others by something it was towing. If your trailer strikes another vehicle or object while under tow, the damages to that other vehicle or object are covered by the tow vehicle policy, not the trailer policy. However, it does not cover damages to the trailer itself - that's what the trailer collision coverage is for.

 

[Kirk]

Gary has given a good response. You need to talk with your insurance agent.

 

[dcairns]

Also be aware of how low the Actual Cash Value of your trailer can be if your trailer is older. My 30 year old trailer, fully functional and in good condition, is not worth much. Only about $1500. I have spent that much on upgrades and maintenance this last year. So if your trailer gets "totaled" the insurance company will write you a check for $1500 and wish you a good day. This "book value" seems disconnected from what is available to buy. It is difficult to find a similar replacement for that kind of money. Most trailers 30 years old simply don't exist anymore, they have rotted away. The rest are leaky rat infested horrors with flat tires and rust compromised frames that have spent the last couple decades parked in the desert.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

RV insurers use NADA (now JD Powers) book value because that's the only market value book there is for RVs. Not their worry if it tends to be on the low side, right? And those books are the vehicle sales standard anyway. You always have the right to present data showing the market value of yours is higher, but it takes a lot of research and a bit of luck, which is likely the reason they don't voluntarily do it for you. I was successful doing that with a specially-equipped car many years ago, so it is possible. Just not easy.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Has the OP spoken to their insurance provider for their auto and home coverage about RV insurance?

Also, has the OP conducted any online research themselves, looking into RV insurance providers, or are they taking the shortcut by asking on the forum, given that they are new members?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

While "ask your agent" is always sound advice, that advice should also be taken with a few grains of salt. An agent is first & foremost a sales person and motivated to sell as much coverage as he can. The buyer needs to know what the basic terms mean and how they relate to his personal situation. Some agents will take the time to ask questions and explain risks vs coverages, but too many will bandy a few buzz words and give a quote.

"Only pay for what you need" is what we all want and expect, but that assumes you know what your needs are.

 

[joerone]

I have Progressive and it covers all of that...My 32' TT costs $588/year. Good luck!!