Camper Trailer Insurance: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of insurance for a camper trailer varies depending on several factors, including the type of trailer, its age, location, and usage. On average, insurance for a camper trailer can range from $200 to over $1,000 per year. The more extensive the coverage, the higher the premium.

For example, liability-only insurance for a camper trailer starts at around $125 per year, while a comprehensive policy can cost a few hundred dollars. The cost of insurance also depends on the insurance company and the discounts they offer. It is essential to shop around and compare costs and coverage options before choosing an insurance policy for a camper trailer.

Camper trailer insurance costs

The cost of insuring a camper trailer can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of trailer, its age and condition, the level of coverage, and your personal details. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with insuring a camper trailer:

Type of Trailer

The cost of insurance depends on the type of camper trailer you own. Trailers generally fall into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

• Class A trailers are the largest and most luxurious, resembling buses, and are the most expensive to insure. The average annual insurance premium for a gas-powered Class A trailer is around $1,000 to $1,300 for recreational use.
• Class B trailers, also known as camper vans, are smaller and more fuel-efficient, with limited amenities. They are often the cheapest to insure.
• Class C trailers are mid-sized, with a sleeping area above the cab, and are less expensive to insure than Class A but more costly than Class B. Annual premiums for Class C trailers typically range from $800 to over $1,000.

Age and Condition

The age and condition of your camper trailer also play a role in insurance costs. Older trailers with reduced resale value will generally cost less to insure than newer, more expensive models. Additionally, the features, model, mileage, and age of your trailer can impact the cost. For example, features like slide-outs in Class A trailers may increase the chance of mechanical repairs, raising your premium.

Level of Coverage

The extent of the insurance coverage you choose will significantly impact the cost. A basic liability-only policy will be more affordable than a comprehensive plan with collision, personal property, and additional coverage options. For example, adding roadside assistance, vacation liability, and total loss replacement can increase your premium.

Personal Details

Your personal details, such as your driving record, location, usage, and driving experience, can also affect the cost of insurance. A clean driving record and safe driving history can result in lower premiums. Additionally, living in an area with a higher population density or regions prone to extreme weather may increase your insurance rates.

Annual Premiums

Annual insurance premiums for camper trailers can vary widely, ranging from $200 to over $1,000, or even up to $3,000 for full-time RVers. Part-time users typically pay less than $1,000, while full-time users may pay up to $2,000 to $3,000 annually.

RV insurance discounts

• Bundling policies: Combining your RV insurance with other policies such as auto, homeowners, renters, motorcycle, or boat insurance can often lead to a discount. Most insurance companies offer this as a way to encourage customers to have multiple policies with them.
• Loyalty rewards: Being a loyal customer to your insurance company can pay off in the form of loyalty rewards. For example, Progressive offers small and large accident forgiveness, which means your insurance rate won't increase for small accidents, and your rate will be protected even in the event of a large accident if you've been accident-free for a certain period.
• Safety courses: Taking an RV safety course and passing it can make you eligible for a discount on your insurance.
• Safety equipment: If your RV is equipped with safety features such as factory-installed airbags and antilock brakes, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance.
• Original owner: If you are the original owner of your RV or travel trailer, some insurance companies will offer a discount, especially if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage.
• Clean driving record: Having no accidents or violations on your driving record for a certain period (usually three years) can make you eligible for a discount.
• Prompt payment: Paying your insurance premiums on time can help you avoid late fees and may even earn you a discount.
• Pay in full: Paying your annual premium in full instead of monthly installments can often result in a discount.
• Continuous insurance: Maintaining insurance on your RV, even when it's in storage, and not letting your coverage lapse can earn you a discount.
• Paperless transactions: Opting for paperless transactions and communication by receiving documents via email can sometimes lead to a small discount.
• Homeownership: Being a homeowner in addition to owning an RV can also get you a discount on your RV insurance with certain companies.
• Quote in advance: Getting a quote for your RV insurance at least one day before your policy starts can be another way to save money.

RV insurance exclusions

While RV insurance can protect you financially against a lot of things, there are some exclusions to what is covered. Here are some of the incidents and circumstances that are typically excluded from RV insurance policies:

• Mold or fungi: Even if a storm causes water damage to your RV, most policies won't cover repairs or replacement if it's damaged by mold. It's important to clean up any water damage properly to prevent mold growth.
• Awnings: Some policies cover awnings, but others exclude them. You may have the option to include or exclude them from your policy, which can affect your premiums.
• Rodents: Rodent damage is not always covered. Policies may differ, and sometimes they will cover damage caused by rodents, but it's not a given.
• Earthquakes: Similar to rodent damage, some policies cover earthquake damage, and some don't. If you plan to travel in earthquake-prone areas, you may need to purchase this coverage as an add-on.
• Poor maintenance: Many policies won't cover water damage resulting from poor maintenance, such as a roof leak.
• Travel outside the US: If you plan to take your RV to Canada or Mexico, you'll need to consult your insurance company, as coverage in these countries may not be included in your policy.
• Towed vehicles: Travel trailers or other towed vehicles typically require a separate policy.

It's important to carefully review the exclusions and limitations of any RV insurance policy before purchasing it to ensure you understand what is and isn't covered.

RV insurance coverage

Optional coverages can include roadside assistance, personal property coverage, and vacation liability. In the event of a total loss, RV insurance can provide replacement cost coverage, paying out the cost of a new RV without depreciation.

The cost of RV insurance depends on various factors, including the type, age, and condition of the RV, as well as the location, usage, and driving experience of the owner. Motorhomes are generally more expensive to insure than travel trailers due to the additional liability coverage required. The average premium for a 12-month RV insurance policy can range from $573 for a travel trailer to $958 for a motorhome.

RV insurance classes

The cost of insuring a camper trailer or RV varies depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, location, usage, and driving experience. The type of RV or camper trailer can be broken down into classes, each with its own insurance costs and considerations. Here is a breakdown of the different RV insurance classes:

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious type of RV, often comparable in size to a commercial or tour bus. They are built on heavy-duty frames, such as bus or truck chassis, and offer ample living space and accommodations for larger groups. Due to their size and high-end features, Class A motorhomes are generally the most expensive to insure. The average insurance cost for a Class A RV is around $1,000 to $1,300 per year for recreational use.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, are smaller and more compact than Class A motorhomes. They typically have a convertible interior that can be transformed from a bed to seating, along with a basic food preparation area. Class B motorhomes are often covered under standard auto insurance policies, but additional coverage may be needed to protect any custom features or equipment. The cost of insuring a Class B RV can vary depending on the state, age, value, and size of the vehicle.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are mid-sized, falling between Class A and Class B in terms of size and amenities. They can accommodate up to six people and are easily recognizable for their sleeping compartment over the cab. The cost of insuring a Class C RV is generally lower than that of a Class A but can still vary based on factors such as age, value, location, and usage. On average, Class C motorhome owners pay around $800 to $1,000 or more per year for their insurance premiums.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are not technically motorhomes as they don't have a motor and need to be towed by another vehicle. They come in various sizes, from small pop-up campers to large conventional trailers. The cost of insuring a travel trailer can vary significantly, with premiums ranging from $200 to over $1,000 per year. The type of travel trailer, its size, usage, and additional coverages will impact the overall insurance cost.

Frequently asked questions