Buying a motorhome or camper is a big investment—and so is protecting it. But when it comes to insurance, many RV owners unknowingly make costly mistakes that can leave them underinsured, paying too much, or completely unprotected in the event of an accident, theft, or disaster.
Whether you’re a first-time RV owner or an experienced road tripper, avoiding these common missteps can help you get the coverage you need without overpaying—or being caught off guard.
Here are the top mistakes to avoid when insuring a motorhome or camper.
1. Assuming Your Auto Insurance Is Enough
A major misconception is that a standard auto insurance policy will fully cover your RV. In reality, while some auto policies may extend minimal coverage to smaller campers or trailers, they don’t offer the specialized protection motorhomes require.
What You Could Be Missing:
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Personal belongings coverage
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Vacation liability (for when you’re parked and using the RV as a home)
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Full-time RV living protection
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Emergency expense coverage
Fix: Always purchase a separate RV insurance policy tailored to your motorhome or camper’s size, usage, and value.
2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Coverage for How You Use Your RV
How often and how you use your RV affects what kind of coverage you need. Are you:
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A full-time RVer?
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A seasonal traveler?
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Taking long road trips?
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Stationary for most of the year?
Choosing the wrong type of policy—like a recreational policy for full-time use—can lead to denied claims or insufficient liability protection.
Fix: Tell your insurer exactly how you plan to use the RV so they can match your policy accordingly.
3. Underinsuring Personal Belongings Inside the RV
Your RV isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a temporary home. Most motorhomes and campers carry valuable items like:
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Electronics
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Furniture
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Kitchenware
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Clothing
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Tools and gear
If your policy doesn’t include personal effects coverage, you may be stuck paying out-of-pocket to replace stolen or damaged items.
Fix: Make an inventory of what’s inside your RV and ensure your policy covers personal belongings—either through your RV insurance or a rider on your homeowners/renters policy.
4. Not Adding Vacation Liability Coverage
Standard liability coverage applies when you’re driving. But what if someone slips and falls at your campsite or inside your parked RV?
Without vacation liability coverage, you could be personally responsible for injuries or damages that occur when your RV is used as a residence.
Fix: Add vacation liability to your policy—especially if you spend extended time at campgrounds or RV parks.
5. Overlooking Coverage During Storage Months
Some RV owners cancel their insurance when storing the RV in the off-season to save money. This is risky.
Even when parked, your RV can be damaged by:
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Fire
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Theft
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Vandalism
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Weather (hail, snow, falling trees)
Fix: Ask your insurer about storage-only or comprehensive-only policies that protect your RV while it’s parked—at a reduced cost.
6. Forgetting to List All Drivers
If someone else drives your RV—even occasionally—they should be listed on the insurance policy.
Why it matters: If an unlisted driver gets into an accident, your insurer may deny the claim or raise your premium significantly.
Fix: List anyone who may operate the RV, even for short trips, to avoid surprises.
7. Not Knowing the True Replacement Value
Many RV owners underestimate the value of their motorhome or camper, especially when choosing actual cash value (ACV) policies over agreed value or replacement cost coverage.
With ACV, depreciation is factored into claims—meaning you might get much less than what it costs to replace your RV after a total loss.
Fix: Consider replacement cost or agreed value coverage to avoid unexpected shortfalls.
8. Skipping Roadside Assistance Coverage
RV breakdowns can be expensive and complicated. Standard auto roadside assistance may not cover larger vehicles or towing over long distances.
Fix: Add RV-specific roadside assistance to your policy for services like:
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Towing to the nearest qualified repair shop
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Flat tire changes
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Battery jumpstarts
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Emergency fuel delivery
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Locksmith services
9. Failing to Review and Update Your Policy Annually
Life changes, and so does your RV usage. You may:
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Travel more or less frequently
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Add new equipment or upgrades
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Store the RV in a new location
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Move to a different state
Failing to update your policy means your coverage could be outdated, or you could be missing out on discounts.
Fix: Review your policy every year and update it with any new details.
10. Choosing Price Over Protection
While it’s important to keep costs down, choosing the cheapest policy often means compromising on coverage, limits, or customer service quality.
A low premium may look good—until you have a claim and find out it doesn’t cover what you thought it did.
Fix: Balance affordability with quality coverage. Ask about discounts (bundling, safe driver, storage) and focus on value—not just cost.
Insuring your motorhome or camper is more than checking a box—it’s protecting your investment, lifestyle, and safety. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be in a better position to enjoy the open road with fewer risks and more peace of mind.