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 | J.D. Power | Full-timer coverage | |
| Safeco | A | 4/5 | ✔ |
| Esurance | A+ | 4/5 | ✔ |
| Nationwide | A+ | 2/5 | ✔ |
| Allstate | A+ | 3/5 | X |
| National General | A- | N/A | ✔ |
*Data as of 04/24/2020.
Safeco – Best for Customer Service
Best for Customer Service
Safeco is a great RV insurance provider for people who value good customer service, which can be rare in the insurance industry. In the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, the company received a perfect 5-star rating for call center interactions and 4 out of 5 stars for agent interactions.
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Customer service Coverage options | Fast claims handling |
Esurance: Best for Price
Best for Price
Esurance is known for offering affordable premiums to RV owners across the country. J.D. Power rated Esurance 4 out of 5 stars for price, which is considered ‘better than most.’ It’s a good option if you’re looking to keep costs down.
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Affordable premiums | Customizable coverage |
Nationwide: Best for Discounts
Best for Discounts
Nationwide offers the best discounts of any RV insurance provider we evaluated. Customers can save money by paying their policy in full, taking an RV safety class, being part of an RV association and much more.
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Discounts | Customer service Fast claims handling |
Allstate: Best for Retired RVers
Best for Retired RV owners
If you’re retired and travel around in an RV, Allstate might be a good option for you. Allstate is the only provider on our list that offers a special discount for RV owners who are over 55 years old and not actively seeking employment.
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Retired RVers | Full-time RVers |
National General: Best for Customized Coverage
Best for Customized Coverage
National General offers customizable coverage for RV owners that want more protection above and beyond what their basic policy offers. They offer coverage for additional living expenses, permanent attachments, roadside assistance, no charge for new parts after a collision, and a free RV inspection after a claim.
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Customizable coverage | Affordable premiums |
How to Find the Right 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 home and personal finance writer with a degree in International Business and Journalism from American University. She’s written about internet and TV for MYMOVE, Freshome and Safety.com.
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