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July 2, 2019

In Case of Disaster: 6 Insurance Tips for Your Motorhome

Camping continues to gain steam as one of the nation’s favorite pastimes. According to last year’s Kampgrounds of America North American Camping Report, the number of people who go camping at least three times per year surged more than 60 percent over the last three years alone. While connecting with the great outdoors takes a certain amount of forethought, many people fail to factor in the chances of a catastrophe.

Covering All the Bases

As you’re browsing a dealership’s inventory of new motorhomes, it’s easy to imagine all the possibilities stretching out in front of you. Ultimate freedom opens the doors for endless road trips to virtually anywhere you might want to go. Taking all the amenities of home along for the ride means there’s more time to enjoy the attractions and scenery.

Still, no one can predict what lies around the next curve. Having the right motorhome insurance coverage is the key to making sure the fun doesn’t have to come to a permanent end if disaster strikes.

1) Liability is a Must

As is the case with passenger vehicles, RV owners are required by law to carry basic liability insurance on their motorhomes. This type of policy will pay for other people’s injuries and property losses in the event you cause a crash.

Minimum liability requirementsvary by state, but many mandate at least 25/50/25 coverage. This means the policy will pay for up to $25,000 per person with a $50,000 maximum payout for bodily injury per accident. Property damage coverage tops out at $25,000 in this case.

2) Collision is Recommended

Collision helps pay for motorhome repairs if you’re in an accident with another vehicle whether you or the other driver is at fault. It’ll also cover repairs up to your maximum payout limit in the event of a rollover or a collision with a stationary object, like a tree or utility pole.

If you’re leasing a motorhome or it’s financed through a dealership, collision coverage may be required until the lease ends or it’s paid off. Also, keep in mind, collision coverage doesn’t bridge all gaps left behind by liability.

3) Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage is Helpful

Though all drivers are expected to maintain minimum liability coverage, some just don’t play by the rules. At the same time, if you’re in an accident for which another driver is at fault, his or her policy may not cover the full extent of your injuries or damage to the motorhome.

Uninsured and underinsured motorists are separate policies, each with its own set ofcoverage restrictions. Some states require drivers to carry one or both types of coverage whereas others simply suggest adding them to a basic policy.

4) Med Pay May Be Beneficial

Liability only covers other people’s injuries and damages when you’re responsible for an accident. Collision will pay for repairs to the motorhome but doesn’t cover injuries. Medical payment policy will help take care of the cost of your medical treatments no matter who is at fault.

5) Comprehensive Caters to Additional Issues

Comprehensive coverage encompasses motorhome damage not resulting from a collision. It’ll pay for repairs stemming from fires, flooding, and storms as well as theft and vandalism. This isn’t an all-inclusive coverage solution, though. It’s meant to be used as a supplement to other policies.

6) Seek Professional Advice

You may not need all these coverage options. If the motorhome is at a greater risk of fire, flood or storm damage while it’s parked on your property, homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement. It’s also possible to make do with either underinsured motorist or collision coverage.

Speak with a professional to ensure you get the right coverage for your unique situation without spending a small fortune on unnecessary policies. Also, consider calling coverage providers to speak with a live representative rather than relying solely on the online route. In many cases, they can give you discounts and bundle rates not available with online quotes.

In a Nutshell

Motorhomes offer a number of benefits for those who enjoy traveling and connecting with nature. Unlike other types of RVs, though, they’re not covered by standard automobile insurance. Several policies are available for motorhomes, each of which is designed to provide protection against a specific set of potential disasters. While you may not need the full range of coverage options, going a step or two beyond basic liability is recommended.

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