Since paying for your RV insurance may be costly, the following savings and general information tips may be useful:
- You can reduce your premium if you store the RV for the winter months. Many companies have provided rates that are already adjusted for seasonal use.
- You can usually loan the RV to friends and neighbors. However, if you’d like to do this on a regular basis or you intend to co-own the RV, you’ll need to provide information on all regular operators.
- Some brokers or agents suggest that you suspend or delete coverage when your RV is in storage. This is not as frugal as it sounds. According to "Choosing the wrong RV insurance provider c an be a costly mistake" by Joe Martin, if you delete liability accident benefits and collision coverages from your policy, you are taking a great risk of financial loss. For example, he had a call from an RVer whose motor home (while in storage) was involved in a hit-and-run. The rear quarter panel was damaged in excess of $5,000. He didn't have coverage under his policy because he deleted collision coverage to save $325.00. According to Joe Martin, the greater concern is “when people forget to add the coverages back on to the policy and are driving around without liability coverage. Just think of the costs if they were involved in an accident.” As unbelievable as it sounds, that sort of thing occurs very frequently.
- Experience is very important when buying insurance for your RV. Comparing all coverages and premiums is also essential. Joe Martin suggests that you ask the insurance company, broker or agent the following questions:
1. Does your insurance company specialize in RV insurance?
2. Does your company know and understand my needs as an RVer?
3. How long has your company been providing insurance for RVs ?
4. How can you look after my claim?
5. Do you provide 24-hour claims service anywhere in North America?
6. What happens to my premiums if I have a claim?
You may also consider the following safety tips to help you avoid unpleasant RV accidents and costly RV insurance deductibles:
Before your trip
- Install a deadbolt door lock on your RV
- Inspect all belts and hoses for cracking and replace where required
- Check headlights, turn signals, and tail lights
- Check your tires for the correct air pressure and sufficient tread depth
- Check any hitch or towing equipment
- Check your fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
- Clean your cooking vent hood to avoid a grease fire
- Leave your itinerary with relatives or friends in case of emergency
Tools to take along
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Flat tire repair spray
- Road flares
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Duct tape (for temporary repairs)
- Paper and mechanical pencil (for use in case of an accident)
Park in a safe area
- Avoid trees and power lines that could fall on your RV
- The safest place during a lightning storm is inside your vehicle. If you are in the path of a tornado, you are safest in a tornado shelter.
- Avoid parking in low areas that are prone to flash flooding