Who Needs Motorhome and Trailer Insurance Coverage?
Posted on Tue, Jun 01, 2010
From: By Bobbie Sage, About.com Guide
Ahhh... RV and motorhome travel. But, as you are relaxing, have you made sure you have adequate motorhome or trailer insurance? Yes, it is a nice convenience to motorhome travel or trailer travel because you get to take along the comforts of home. While camping or just RVing, having the comfortable luxuries of furniture, cookware, TV's, and even a cell phone and computer access right at your side makes for a nice vacation. Unfortunately though, by forgetting to review their motorhome insurance and trailer insurance coverages, many RVers don't take the time to adequately insure all of those comforts.
You Do Need a Separate Motorhome Insurance Policy or Trailer Insurance Policy
A common practice for RV owners is to insure their RV under their current auto policy instead of purchasing a separate motorhome insurance policy. But too often the owner does not take the time to read what and how much is covered under their auto policy. In many instances, RV's covered under auto policies are not adequately covered.
Don't Forget that Personal Property Before Your RV and Motorhome Travel Plans
RV owners often hesitate to buy RV insurance for their personal property because they think that the personal property in their RV will be covered under their homeowners policy. This is true, but again, coverage on personal property is limited when the property is kept somewhere other than the "residence premises." Often the limit in a standard policy is very low and the usual policy deduction would apply.
You May Need to Search for a Speciality Trailer Insurance or Motorhome Insurance Company
To insure proper and adequate coverage, a RV owner should add a separate RV insurance coverage to their current auto policy. If the RV owner's insurance carrier does not have this type of RV insurance coverage available, there are insurance companies that specialize in RV insurance coverage. Usually the cost is minimal, especially compared to the alternative of finding out the RV and it's possessions are not covered after a disaster happens.
Motorhome Travel is More Fun Without an Insurance Claim
Making less claims on your RV insurance will keep your premiums down. Use these travel tips to help prevent any problems before they happen:
RV Emergency Tool Box:
Adjustable Wrench
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Jumper Cables
Flashlight with Extra Batteries
Road Flares
Duct Tape (useful for many quick fixes, especially radiator hoses)
Before your trip, make sure you get a complete travel check-up for your RV including inspection of all belts and hoses, headlights, tires, and turn signals. Also don't forget to make sure the towing hitch, fire extinguisher and smoke alarms are in working order.
Other good before trip tips are to make sure your cooking vent hood is clean to help avoid fires and to make sure you leave your trip plans and phone numbers with a relative or friend.
Finally, it is important to go over with everyone on the trip basic emergency procedures. Remind everyone that it is safer to be in the RV during lightning. If there is a tornado warning you will want to find a tornado shelter or the next best thing which would be parking under a bridge or similar structure. Also, don't ever drive through any deep water as the depth can be deceiving.