If you travel frequently, it’s almost inevitable that something could seriously delay a trip or force you to call it off altogether. For many people without travel insurance, this is a huge hassle.
Not only do they need to reschedule their plans, but they’ll also often lose much or all the money they spend due to late cancellations. Even direr, you or a loved one could fall sick or die abroad, requiring costly care or medical evacuation.
While you can’t avoid all these problems, you can prepare for them. One of the best ways to prepare is by purchasing travel insurance. But do you need travel insurance for RV trips? Read on as we answer this critical question.
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance helps compensate you if unexpected events impact your trip or lead to a cancellation. This includes health crises before or during your trip, natural disasters at home or your destination, lost luggage, missed connections, and more. Different policies offer varying coverage, so examining the details is vital if you have a specific concern.
Travel insurance often doesn’t cover every potential issue or motivation for canceling your trip. For example, most policies won’t refund your money if you decide you don’t feel like going unless they explicitly spell it out.
Unpleasant weather (short things they list, like a hurricane) also isn’t covered, so you’re out of luck if there’s no snow on the slopes or it’ll be a rainy week at the beach. Also, they don’t typically cover any events known or ongoing at the time you booked your trip, like ongoing unrest, natural disasters, or pre-existing medical problems.
HOT TIP
Get the inside scoop on Is Travel Insurance a Gimmick?
Do You Need Travel Insurance for an RV Trip?
There’s no requirement for travel insurance for RV trips. This doesn’t mean you won’t need any insurance. Still, thousands of RV travelers hit the road yearly without travel insurance, taking the risk that they won’t encounter a situation that would ruin their trip.
However, travel insurance may be a good idea, especially for trips you’ve invested a significant amount of money or time in planning. In unfortunate situations that ruin your trip, if the insurance covers it, you won’t have to worry about taking a significant financial loss or missing out on your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Travel insurance is also generally a modest cost compared to the trip’s price. The cost and benefits can make it an appealing option for those who like to play it safe.
What Kind of Insurance Do You Need for an RV?
The necessary insurance for RVers will vary depending on whether they own or rent their rig. It also goes by how much time they spend living in the RV.
Those renting an RV for a week or two for a vacation can opt for the liability insurance that rental agencies offer. From their perspective, it works similarly to insurance on a rental car. RV owners will need to obtain special RV insurance from their carrier.
HOT TIP
Skimping on travel insurance to cut costs? Here are some creative ways to travel if you’re broke.
Is There Special Insurance for Full-Time RVers?
Yes! Full-timers should explore companies that offer insurance products just for them. These policies combine elements of homeowner’s insurance with vehicle insurance, reflecting the unique situations and risks that full-time RVers face daily. Full-time RVers typically spend six months or more per year in their rig.
Full-timers will also generally have additional coverage policies, reflecting the broader investment most have in their RVs. It’s crucial to take advantage of full-time insurance if you’re eligible. Some companies may try to deny coverage to those living in their rig without taking out the right policy.
Why Is RV Insurance Important?
Beyond the legal requirements to have insurance when operating a vehicle like an RV, there are many reasons to have a quality RV insurance policy.
Accidents
Accidents happen no matter how carefully you drive. Even when you do everything right, a reckless driver could smack right into you while texting or not paying attention in a parking lot.
As anyone who’s repaired an RV knows, even minor dents, scratches, and other issues can be jaw-droppingly expensive to fix in some cases. Adequate RV insurance ensures you don’t pay out of pocket.
Theft
Someone stealing your RV is a double whammy since the thieves can snatch your home and transportation from under you. Without RV insurance, you may be out of luck, forced to buy a new rig, or compensate the rental owner. In addition to helping replace your RV, insurance will sometimes put you in a hotel while officials resolve the issue. This can potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Tire Blowouts
Long-term RVers can be as diligent about maintenance as they want. However, they’ll still likely face an unexpected blowout during their travels. RV tires can be significantly more expensive than standard car tires, and many folks will need professional help changing them. With quality RV insurance, you won’t have to worry about the costs of this unexpected hassle.
Towing
If your rig breaks down somewhere far from a service station, getting a tow can be a significant hassle and cost. Insurance will help cover the fees and even coordinate your tow, which can be a lifesaver in this stressful situation.
Water Damage
Talk to any longtime RVer, and they’ll likely list water damage as one of their most dreaded potential issues. Even a tiny leak in a roof or window can require extensive repairs. They may involve ripping your rig apart and putting it together.
This expensive and time-consuming repair is also hard to prevent. Insurance lets you fix the issue and may cover hotels or alternate accommodations while your rig isn’t habitable.
Should I Get Insurance on a Rental RV?
Everyone has different financial situations and risk tolerances, but it’s generally wise to obtain insurance for your rental RV. Any of the problems above could strike while you’re renting your rig, leaving you with an expensive bill if you’re without insurance.
Few people can afford the cost of significant repairs or replacement of a large RV out of pocket. Rental agencies are aware of this and can require renters to take out a basic level of insurance. In addition, certain credit cards may offer additional rental insurance. Your regular car insurance policy may also cover rental RVs.
Ensure You’re Protected With RV Insurance
The old saying “better safe than sorry” is often true, especially regarding RVs and insurance. RVs can face many hazards and potential breakdowns. The only way to ensure you don’t have a massive repair cost is by being insured. Whether you’re a first-time RV renter or a veteran full-timer, finding and taking out the right insurance is an underrated key to enjoying the best RV life while avoiding its worst pitfalls.
Would you travel in an RV without special insurance?
If You Want the Latest Travel News, Join Our Mailing List
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed. Stick with Nomadic News. We publish articles and breaking stories that matter to you every weekday.
