What coverages are included in motorhome insurance policies?
Motorhome insurance policies normally meet state-mandated auto coverage requirements, and offer additional coverages as well. Many drivers choose to purchase additional auto coverages so that they're better protected. Some of the mandated and additionally available protections are:
- Personal Injury Coverage: Usually insures against injuries to the RV's driver and passengers
- Bodily Injury Coverage: Usually insures against injuries to other vehicles' passengers and pedestrians
- Collision Coverage: Usually insures against RV damage that occurs during multi-vehicle accidents
- Comprehensive Coverage: Usually insures against RV damage that occurs during other incidents
- Property Damage Liability Coverage: Usually insures against damage to other vehicles and other property
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Usually insures against accidents caused by improperly insured drivers
Along with the auto coverages, most motorhome policies also offer coverages for belongings, travel situations, and other non-driving risks. Some of these optional coverages are:
- Personal Property Coverage: Normally covers belongings like dishes, clothes, cameras and souvenirs
- Emergency Expenses Coverage: Normally covers food and lodging costs if disasters interrupt travel
- Campsite and Vacation Coverage: Normally covers situations when an RV is parked and set up
- Full-Timer Coverage: Normally provides additional coverages for owners who don't have another permanent residence
What kinds of RVs can be insured with motorhome insurance policies?
Motorhome insurance policies are broadly available for most RVs that can be legally registered with the department of motor vehicles. Different policy classes insure different types of RVs:
- Class A policies primarily insure large RVs and converted buses
- Class B policies primarily insure medium RVs, travel trailers and camper vans
- Class C policies primarily insure small RVs and fifth-wheel trailers
An insurance agent who's familiar with these policies can direct RV owners to the right class.
Should RV owners insure their belongings with personal property coverage?
Most people should insure their belongings, and this is normally done by purchasing personal property coverage. Whether RV owners need to purchase personal property coverage through their motorhome policy depends on the particulars of their homeowners' insurance.
The vast majority of homeowners insurance policies come with personal property coverage as standard protection. The question is whether this coverage extends beyond the boundaries of an insured home.
If the personal property coverage is "worldwide coverage," then belongings are likely insured most anywhere that an RV would travel. Additional coverage through a motorhome policy probably isn't needed in this case.
If personal property coverage isn't worldwide coverage, then only minimal protection may be afforded when belongings leave the insured home's premises. Additional coverage through a motorhome policy could be needed.
Again, a knowledgeable insurance agent can help RV owners make sure they get all of the protections that they need. An agent can review homeowners' coverages that are already in place, and then advise as to whether additional personal property coverage is appropriate.
How can Massachusetts RV owners get RV insurance?
For help insuring an RV registered in Massachusetts, contact the independent insurance agents at Norwood Insurance Agency. Our agents have worked with many residents who have RVs, and we'll ensure you get an RV insurance policy that'll protect your RV well.