A recreational vehicle (RV) might have similarities with a car, but a standard auto insurance policy won’t cover a motorhome. Luckily, many of the same insurers that provide auto and home insurance also sell motorhome insurance. It’s good to have choices because all states will require you to have RV insurance.
So the real question is, how do you choose the right coverage from the list of RV insurance companies? We looked at premium prices, discounts available, customer satisfaction ratings and optional coverages to narrow down the list to the five best RV insurance companies.
The 5 Best RV Insurance Companies
- Safeco: Best for Customer Service
- Esurance: Best for Price
- Nationwide: Best for Discounts
- Allstate: Best for Retired RV owners
- National General: Best for Customized Coverage
| AM Best AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | Full-timer coverage | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Safeco | A | 4/5 | ✔ | Show Details PROS
CONS
|
| Pin Esurance | A+ | 4/5 | ✔ | Show Details PROS
CONS
|
| Pin Nationwide | A+ | 2/5 | ✔ | Show Details PROS
CONS
|
| Pin Allstate | A+ | 3/5 | X | Show Details PROS
CONS
|
| Pin National General | A- | N/A | ✔ | Show Details PROS
CONS
|
*Data as of 04/24/2020.
Safeco
Best for Customer Service
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Customer service
- Coverage options
Cons
- Claims handling
Esurance
Best for Price
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Affordable premiums
Cons
- Customizable coverage
Nationwide
Best for Discounts
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Discounts
Cons
- Customer service
- Fast claims handling
Allstate
Best for Retired RVers
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Discounts for retired RVers
Cons
- Not for full-time RVers
National General
Best for Customized Coverage
Whey we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Customizable coverage
Cons
- More costly
How to Find the Best RV Insurance Provider
Before you select an RV insurance provider, there are some things you should consider. You need to know what type of RV you have, how much coverage you need, and how much you can afford or prefer to pay for your premium and deductible.
Decide on Preferred coverage
The amount of coverage you need depends on the class of RV you have, and the value of the belongings inside. The less coverage you have, the more risk you face.
Choose your Premium and Deductible
Your premium is the amount of money you’ll pay each month or year for insurance, and your deductible is the amount of money you’ll pay out-of-pocket towards a covered loss. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium will be.
Know your RV’s class
Most insurance companies offer a certain level of coverage based on RV class. Before getting insurance, you should know what class your RV is:
- Class A motorhomes: These are the largest, and most upscale types of RVs. Class A motorhomes can often sleep up to 10 people.
- Class B motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are also referred to as sleeper vans or campervans. They are smaller than class A, but still come with amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and separate bed area.
- Class C motorhomes: These motorhomes are often built on a truck or van chassis, and are the smallest class of RVs. If your motorhome has an attached cab or an overhead bunk, it’s probably class C.
Check the eligibility of specialized RVs
If your RV was custom built or has expensive add-ons, some insurance companies may not cover you. If you are eligible, you will likely need a higher coverage limit, which means paying a higher premium.
RV Insurance FAQ
What is RV Insurance?
RV insurance covers you financially if your motorhome, also known as a recreational vehicle, is involved in an accident or other type of unexpected event. It’s different from an auto insurance policy because RVs are typically a hybrid of a home and motor vehicle. RVs come in two types — drivable RVs or towable ones. Because they’re larger than a car and typically fitted with a kitchen and bathroom, RV insurance normally comes with higher liability amounts.
What does RV Insurance cover?
RV insurance covers the unique needs of motorhome owners. Much like a car insurance policy, the best RV insurance companies provide a variety of protections. The most basic coverage includes liability for bodily injury and property damage to others.
Optional coverages, such as comprehensive and collision, also pay for damages to your RV in case of an accident, extreme weather or theft. RV insurance companies often sell optional coverages such as roadside assistance, vacation liability and replacement costs for personal effects damaged or lost in the motorhome.
What kinds of additional RV coverage do I need?
Most states will require RV owners to have the same coverage for a motorhome as they would for a vehicle. The average amount of vehicle insurance required by states is 25/50/25 — $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 in property damages to other vehicles or property.
If you go with the state minimums and you’re involved in an accident, a basic RV policy may not cover repairs or damages to your recreational vehicle. Consider adding collision or comprehensive coverage to protect yourself and your property.
What does RV Insurance typically cost?
RV insurance costs vary depending on several factors, including your state’s minimum RV insurance requirements, the age and value of your motorhome, your driving history and whether you’re living in the RV full time. The Wandering RV reports that Massachusetts and North Carolina have the lowest RV insurance prices at $1,128 and $860 per year. Michigan is the most expensive state to insure your RV at an average of $4,490 per year.
About the Authors
Cynthia Paez Bowman is a contributing writer for Reviews.com. Over the last two years, she has covered insurance, home security and more. She has been featured in MSN, Bankrate, Coverage.com, The Simple Dollar and GOBankingRates. She has dual bachelors degrees in International Business and Journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. “Is It Getting Harder to Get Home Insurance in High-Risk Areas?” is Cynthia’s favorite story on Reviews.com.
