Before buying travel trailer or RV insurance, learn more about the policy. RV insurance coverages vary by company and by the type of recreational vehicle that's insured.

RV insurance is similar to insurance purchased for a car, but more comprehensive and geared towards the needs of the RV owner.

RV Insurance Policy Choices*

Road rulers can choose between a comprehensive/collision RV insurance policy and a liability only policy. A comprehensive and collision coverage motor coach or motorhome insurance policy protects the RV or travel trailer from damages including fire, landslide, windstorm, vandalism and collision with another vehicle or object. A liability-only RV or fifth wheel insurance policy provides liability protection for accidental damage to someone’s property or personal injury to a party not listed on the policy.

Additional Motorhome Insurance Policy Coverages Available*

There are a number of additional travel trailer, motor coach and motorhome insurance coverages that RV owners can purchase. Some of the most common fifth wheel and recreational vehicle insurance coverages found in quotes online:

- 24/7 roadside assistance is an important coverage and should be included with the motor coach insurance policy.
- Emergency Expenses provides additional coverage for hotel expenses if there is a breakdown while on the road.
- Total Loss Replacement; if there is a total loss, the named insured will receive a replacement RV with this insurance coverage. This coverage is often limited to new RVs or motor coaches.
- An accessories endorsement provides insurance coverage for items like satellite dishes, antennas and awnings.
- Personal property coverage provides insurance coverage for the personal effects inside the RV or fifth wheel.
- Personal Property Replacement Cost provides insurance coverage for items in the fifth wheel, trailer or RV without depreciation in case of a covered loss.
- Full-timer RV insurance coverage provides liability coverages similar to a homeowner’s policy for people who live in a RV for most of the year.
- Vacation Liability provides some additional liability insurance coverage while a travel trailer or motorhome is parked in an RV park.
- Low Branch Collision protects the RV, awnings and A/C units from low hanging branches.

*Availability of fifth wheel and RV insurance coverages vary by specialty insurance company. Search for RV insurance online for current rates and coverages by company.

RV Specialty Insurance Companies

Just like buying watercraft or mobile homeowners insurance, applicants should consider buying a motorhome insurance policy from a specialty insurance company. Employees of specialty insurance companies that offer RV, travel trailer and fifth wheel insurance have specialized training to properly adjust claims. Check online quotes to find specialty insurance companies’ unique coverages are often excluded in a recreational vehicle insurance policy from a traditional carrier.

This article was first published on Suite101.com.