The great face-off. Rocky vs. Creed. Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker. Chuck Norris vs. anyone. RV insurance vs. car insurance.
Why? Most people treat their RV, motorhome, or camper van like a car, so they figure their RV coverage is fine on their auto policy. However, there are many benefits to having an RV insurance policy that you wouldn’t have access to with your traditional car insurance. RV insurance, whether you are from Bella Vista, Arkansas, or elsewhere, is designed to give you specific insurance coverage that protects you from the various situations you could find yourself in while traveling down the road in your RV. So, what’s all the hoopla about this RV Insurance? Now it’s time for the face-off: RV insurance vs. car insurance.
RV Insurance vs. Car Insurance
Besides the size of the vehicle, you can find many differences between cars and RVs. Typically, RV insurance offers higher liability limits than your normal car insurance policy. This is no surprise since owning and maintaining an RV is often more expensive than a car. This is why having the right insurance coverage for your RV is so crucial.
RV Insurance Coverage Options
If you have a custom RV insurance policy, it usually will provide you with more coverage as compared to an auto insurance policy. This is because the insurance is designed specifically for your unique RV needs and specifications. Not only do you get specialized coverage with RV insurance, but it costs roughly the same as auto insurance. There are some special coverage options offered for RVs, which may include:
Full-Timers RV Insurance
If you camp under the stars at night and park your bed somewhere new each day, you might be a full-time RVer! Full-time RV insurance is for RV owners who don’t have another dwelling option and use their camper van or motorhome as their primary residence. Full-time RV insurance acts more like a homeowner’s policy since full-time RVers use it as their home as well.
Roadside Assistance
While roadside assistance is a common add-on option for car insurance, it tends to be more extensive coverage for a camper van. Considering the time you spend in your RV, especially if you live in it, towing and roadside assistance can be very important. Given the large vehicle size, many insurance companies will have higher limits on roadside assistance coverage as compared to car insurance limits.
Belongings/Personal Items
Some insurance providers offer coverage for your belongings or personal items in your motorhome. Things like camping gear, furniture, and satellite dishes. This a unique add-on option, since traditional auto insurance doesn’t cover your belongings. Each insurance company is different. Be sure to ask about the exact deductibles and limits that would be included in your RV insurance policy.
Vacation Liability
Vacation liability pays for bodily injury and property damage losses that occur at your vacation site, such as at a park or your campsite. This coverage is similar to standard RV liability coverage, except that it is meant to be used for vacation purposes. Opposed to accidents that happen on the road, which is not a coverage option available on auto insurance.
RV and Car Insurance Similarities
Like your car, collision, and comprehensive coverage options for your RV. Collision coverage protects you when your RV hits another vehicle or object, while comprehensive covers instances where your RV is damaged in other ways, such as theft, falling objects, and vandalism.
Another option for both RVs and cars is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage. This coverage is for instances when your vehicle is involved in an accident. When the other party does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for all of the damages and injuries. In Arkansas, UM/UIM coverage is not required. However, in 2015, Arkansas was ranked 9th for the most uninsured motorists in each state. Given the risk, having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is recommended for your car or RV insurance policy.
There are many differences between RV and car insurance. No matter what you’re driving down the road, you want to make sure you are protected with the right coverage. That is why G&G Independent Insurance recommends having personalized insurance policies that fit your needs, whether it is an RV or car insurance policy.
Call 479-802-0086 for a quote or questions. We offer the best RV insurance provider, Progressive RV Insurance.
