Camper Insurance Facts: What to Know Before Hitting the Road

It’s getting warmer outside, and the notion of a road trip has you ready to pack up your camper or RV and hit the road.  Before you do, you should be sure you have the right insurance to protect you along the way.  Take time to review these camper insurance facts first.  It may help you avoid financial loss in the event of an accident.  

Difference Between Campers, Travel Trailers, and RVs

Camper InsuranceKnowing the difference between recreational vehicles is key to choosing the right insurance policy.  The names camper trailer, travel trailer, and RV are often used interchangeably, so let’s take a look at the basic differences between them.

  • Camper Trailers – A camping trailer is built to provide what you need for camping in a compact space.  They travel well on rough dirt roads and can withstand inclement weather.  A camper trailer is built to be lighter weight than other trailer types so they can be used in remote areas and are easier to tow.  Although campers have many essential amenities, they are far from luxurious.
  • Travel Trailers – The difference between a camper trailer vs travel trailer are worth considering if you’re in the market.  Most travel trailers are larger than camp trailers. They offer more storage space and larger cooking areas than typical trailers.  Some have a bathroom and shower and a spacious living area.  Travel trailers are lightweight enough to be towed by a conventional ball hitch.  
  • RV’s –  The term recreational vehicle (RV) is used to describe any motorized vehicle people use for travel and overnight excursions.  Most Class A RVs may include a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and an interior that ranges from basic to luxury.  However, Class B RVs are less expensive than Class As and look somewhat like a van.  Class C RVs or camper vans often have a sleeping section that rests over the cab of the vehicle. 
  • Motorhomes – Motorhomes are types of RVs.  They are larger than other classes of RVs and more luxurious.  Depending on its size, driving a motorhome may require a special license and a specific type of insurance.  

What Kind of Camper Insurance Do I Need?

Camper insurance facts can be confusing, so here’s a simple method for determining what you need.  Choose travel/camping trailer insurance if the unit has to be towed.  If the vehicle has a motor and can be driven, you may need motorhome insurance.  

These are some of the types of camper trailer insurance you can purchase:

  • Collision – Covers damages to your trailer incurred in an accident.
  • Comprehensive – Covers damages caused by inclement weather, fire, theft, and vandalism.
  • Medical payments – Covers the other vehicle and its occupants.  It helps with medical costs to you or your passengers in the event you are at fault in an accident.
  • Underinsured or uninsured motorists – Protects you if an uninsured or underinsured motorist is at fault in an accident that damages you sustain. 
  • Campsite and vacation liability – Covers injuries to another person that occur in or around your trailer while it is parked.
  • Emergency expenses – Helps with hotels or other costs if your trailer is damaged and you don’t have access to it or your belongings.

What Does Camper Insurance or Travel Trailer Insurance Cover?

Before taking your camper or trailer or RV on the road, make sure you are covered for common risks.  Those risks include storms, fire, collision, and theft.  Camping trailer insurance coverages can vary but can include:

  • Bodily injury to you or someone else that was caused while towing your camper trailer or travel trailer.  
  • Damage to the camper trailer or travel trailer incurred during an accident.
  • Emergency Road Service helps in the event of a breakdown.
  • Fire, theft, or vandalism coverage, even while your travel/camping trailer is in storage.

If you worry about the above losses, take time to review the benefits of travel trailer insurance.

Does Travel Trailer or Camper Insurance Cover Items Inside?

Personal belongings are not typically covered by camper or travel trailer insurance.  Items such as golf clubs, bicycles, cameras, jewelry, and fishing gear need a personal articles policy in addition to camper/trailer insurance.

Will My Auto Insurance Cover My Camper/Travel Trailer?

Your automobile insurance policy covers liability only while the trailer is being pulled.  It will not cover damage to the actual trailer.  However, travel trailer insurance provides physical coverage for your trailer, helping you avoid paying out-of-pocket for damages.  

If you own an expensive camper/travel trailer, consider getting total loss replacement insurance.  The insurance company will replace a totaled trailer with a model that is within 5 years of the age of your trailer.  

Talk to Sandifer Insurance About the Benefits of Travel Trailer or Camper Insurance 

Investing in insurance to protect your assets is a wise move.  If you are having trouble choosing the right camper trailer insurance for your needs, Sandifer Insurance Agency can help.

We have 40 years of experience in helping customers get the best coverage at an affordable rate for all of their insurance needs.  Whether you need homeowners, auto, life, or farm, we will work with top insurance providers to get the right policy for you.

Reach out to us by phone, email, or online to get a free quote today.

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