Understanding Comprehensive Camper Insurance Coverage

When it comes to insurance for your camper, there are a few different options to consider. The type of insurance you need will depend on factors such as whether your camper is a towable or drivable RV, and whether you own it outright or are still paying off a loan.

If you have a towable camper, your car insurance policy may cover basic liability while it's on the road, but it won't cover damage to the camper itself. For that, you'll need specialised insurance. If your camper is drivable, you'll need its own RV insurance policy from the start.

RV insurance can cover a range of incidents, including damage to your vehicle, damage to other vehicles or people, theft, vandalism, and uninsured or underinsured drivers. You can also add extras like towing and roadside assistance.

In terms of cost, RV insurance is generally less expensive than car insurance and is more specifically geared towards your camper. When choosing an insurance policy, it's important to consider the level of coverage you need and whether you want additional protection, such as personal effects coverage.

Liability protection

Bodily Injury Liability

Liability insurance covers medical expenses incurred by other drivers or pedestrians injured in an accident caused by you. This coverage ensures that the injured party's medical costs are taken care of, providing peace of mind for all involved.

Property Damage Liability

In addition to bodily injuries, liability protection also covers damages to objects, vehicles, and other personal property. For instance, if you lose control of your camper and collide with a parked car or a fence, the insurance will help cover the cost of repairs. This aspect of liability insurance is crucial, especially considering the large size of campers and the potential for significant property damage.

Vacation Liability

Vacation liability is an optional coverage that pays for injuries sustained by individuals near or inside your parked camper while on vacation. This added protection provides peace of mind during your travels, knowing that any accidental injuries to others are covered.

Full-Timer's Liability

If you use your camper as your permanent residence, full-timer's liability coverage is essential. It safeguards you from liability claims and covers medical costs for guests who may injure themselves in or around your camper. This coverage is similar to the personal liability protection provided by standard homeowners insurance policies.

Understanding Liability Limits

It's important to understand the limits of your liability coverage. Policies typically list maximum coverage amounts for bodily injury per person and per accident, as well as property damage per accident. For example, coverage limits of 20/40/20 mean that your insurer may cover up to $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 total for bodily injuries per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.

Mandatory Requirements

Liability coverage is required by law in most states, so it is crucial to have at least the minimum liability insurance before operating your camper. This requirement ensures that you are financially responsible for any accidents or damage caused while on the road.

In summary, liability protection for your camper provides essential financial coverage in the event of accidents or injuries involving others. It covers bodily injury expenses, property damage, and optional protections like vacation and full-timer's liability. Understanding the limits and requirements of your liability insurance is key to ensuring you have adequate coverage while enjoying your camper adventures.

Comprehensive coverage

If you plan to travel internationally, you may need a separate travel or country-specific insurance policy. For example, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage with Progressive, physical damage protection while travelling in Mexico is included as long as you also purchase a Mexico liability policy from a Mexican car insurance company.

Medical payments coverage

MedPay can help cover medical expenses for a range of injuries, including those sustained by passengers in the camper or even friends playing catch nearby. It can also cover ambulance fees, emergency room services, x-rays, prostheses, nursing care, and funeral costs following a fatal crash. In some cases, MedPay may also extend to non-relatives who are passengers in the camper at the time of the accident.

The coverage limits for MedPay vary by policy, and you can typically purchase it in set dollar amounts such as $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000. The limit you choose will determine how much your insurance will pay out after an accident. It is important to consider your financial situation when selecting a coverage limit. If you have high-deductible health insurance, you may want to choose a higher MedPay limit to ensure you're adequately covered in the event of an accident.

MedPay is a valuable addition to your camper insurance policy, especially if you have gaps in your health insurance coverage or high deductibles. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your passengers are protected in the event of an accident, regardless of fault.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

In the case of an accident caused by an uninsured driver, this coverage will protect you from having to pay out of pocket for repairs and replacements to your camper. It will also cover medical bills for you and your passengers, as well as any costs associated with treating emotional and mental issues resulting from the accident. This type of coverage is especially important as nearly 13% of drivers countrywide don't have auto insurance, and in some states, this number rises to over 20%.

Underinsured motorist coverage, which often goes hand in hand with uninsured motorist coverage, is equally crucial. It ensures that you are protected if the at-fault driver doesn't have adequate insurance to cover the full extent of the damages and injuries caused. For example, if you sustain $40,000 worth of bodily injury expenses but the driver who hit you only has coverage for $25,000, your underinsured motorist coverage can step in and cover the remaining $15,000, up to your policy limit.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can also provide protection in hit-and-run accidents, where the other driver cannot be identified or located. This coverage may include both bodily injury and property damage components, ensuring that you are financially protected regardless of the circumstances of the accident.

While the specific requirements vary by state, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory in many states and highly recommended for all drivers. It is essential to review your state's requirements and understand the options available to ensure you have the necessary coverage to protect yourself, your passengers, and your camper in the event of an accident.

Personal property coverage

In the event of a covered loss, personal property coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your belongings. For example, if your camper is involved in a collision, personal property coverage can help pay for repairing or replacing smashed items. If your camper is stolen and recovered, but some of your personal belongings are missing, personal property coverage can help cover the cost of replacement.

Additionally, personal property coverage can provide protection against accidental loss or damage to your belongings inside the camper, such as a tree falling on the camper and damaging the contents. It's important to note that comprehensive coverage is usually required for protection against non-collision incidents.

Frequently asked questions