Exploring the open road in your RV or camper can be one of life’s greatest adventures. Whether you’re driving across Wisconsin or parking at your favorite lake campground, your RV is more than a vehicle; it’s a second home. Like any home or vehicle, it’s important to protect it with the right insurance.
This guide explains what RV and Camper Insurance generally covers, why it differs from Auto or Homeowners Insurance, and how to find the right coverage for your travel lifestyle.
Understanding RV and Camper Insurance
RV and Camper Insurance is designed to protect both the vehicle and the living space inside it. Unlike a regular car, an RV combines features of a motor vehicle and a residence, which means it can face unique risks—accidents on the road, weather damage while parked, or theft of belongings.
In Wisconsin, insurance requirements depend on the type of RV you own and how you use it. Some RVs fall under standard Auto Insurance rules, while others need specialized coverage to protect the living area and attached equipment.
Types of RVs and Campers
Before looking at coverage options, it helps to know how your RV or camper is classified. Most insurance companies group them into three main categories:
- Class A Motorhomes: The largest and most luxurious, often built on a bus or truck chassis.
- Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans): Smaller and easier to drive, built on a van frame.
- Class C Motorhomes: Mid-sized RVs with a distinctive cab-over design.
If your camper is towable, such as a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or pop-up camper, it’s not motorized and may require different coverage since it relies on another vehicle to move.
What RV and Camper Insurance Typically Includes
While specific coverage varies by insurer and policy, most RV and Camper Insurance policies may include the following protections:
- Liability Coverage: Helps protect you if you’re at fault for an accident that causes injury or property damage. This is usually required by law for motorized RVs.
- Comprehensive Coverage: May help pay for damage from non-collision events such as fire, theft, hail, or falling objects.
- Collision Coverage: Applies to damage caused by an accident with another vehicle or object.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Can help if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance.
- Personal Belongings Coverage: Helps protect the personal property inside your RV, such as electronics, clothing, or camping gear.
- Vacation Liability: May help if someone is injured while your RV is parked and being used as a temporary residence.
Some policies also offer optional coverage, including emergency expense coverage, roadside assistance, and total-loss replacement for newer RVs.
How RV Insurance Differs from Auto and Homeowners Policies
It’s a common mistake to assume your Auto or Homeowners Insurance automatically covers your RV or camper. While some protection might extend in limited ways, it’s usually not enough.
- Auto Insurance: Typically only applies to the vehicle you drive, not to the living quarters or personal items inside an RV.
- Homeowners Insurance: Might offer limited coverage for a camper or travel trailer when it’s parked on your property, but not when it’s on the road or used for camping.
That’s why it’s generally recommended to have a separate RV or Camper Insurance policy. It’s designed to address the unique combination of driving and living risks associated with these vehicles.
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Several factors can influence how much you pay for RV or Camper Insurance, including:
- Type and Size of RV: Larger and more expensive RVs usually cost more to insure.
- Usage: Whether you use it seasonally or live in it full-time can affect the cost.
- Storage: Keeping your RV in a secure facility during the off-season can lower the risk of theft or damage.
- Driving Record: Like Auto Insurance, your driving history often plays a role in your rate.
- Location: Wisconsin weather and local risk factors can influence premiums, especially if you camp in areas prone to hail or heavy storms.
If you bundle your RV policy with Auto, Homeowners, or Business Insurance, you may also qualify for multi-policy discounts.
Tips for Choosing the Right Policy
When comparing policies, take time to review what’s included and what might be optional. Here are a few things to consider:
- How You Use Your RV: Occasional weekend trips may require less coverage than full-time living.
- Personal Belongings: Estimate the value of your property inside the RV. You may want higher limits if you carry expensive gear or electronics.
- Emergency Assistance: Look into roadside coverage that includes towing, flat tires, and battery service.
- Deductibles: A higher deductible can lower your premium, but it means you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if you file a claim.
- Replacement Options: Some policies may offer actual cash value, while others provide replacement cost or total loss coverage for newer models.
Seasonal and Storage Considerations
Many Wisconsin RV owners store their rigs during the winter months. You might be able to adjust your policy while it’s parked to reflect reduced usage, though it’s usually smart to maintain some level of protection for fire, theft, or weather-related damage.
If you store your RV at a campground or a storage lot, make sure the facility’s rules and insurance requirements align with your coverage.
Why Work with a Local Agency
Choosing an insurance agency that understands Wisconsin’s seasons, local travel habits, and camping culture can be helpful. A friendly and experienced agent can walk you through the details, answer questions about how different policies apply to your situation and help you find coverage that fits your lifestyle.
Protect Your Travel Freedom
Owning an RV or camper gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, explore new places, and make lasting memories. Protecting that freedom with the right insurance can help you stay focused on the road ahead rather than worrying about unexpected setbacks.
If you’d like to learn more about RV and Camper Insurance options in Wisconsin, contact Lakeview Insurance to discuss your needs and request a quote. Your adventure deserves protection that travels with you.
