Posted by on Mar 19, 2012
Your first order of business after buying your RV online is to arrange insurance. First-time RV owners often think they can adequately insure their RV by simply adding a rider to their present home or auto insurance policy; but if you do, you’d better read the fine print. RVs are neither house nor car, but a unique amalgam of the two that requires specialized RV insurance that is specifically designed to protect the vehicle’s dual functions.
There are a number of reliable insurance carriers that have focused their business on serving the unique insurance needs of the RV community. Specialized RV insurance companies have years of experience handling RV claims and understand the importance of getting your rig fixed quickly so you can get back on the road. A few national insurance carriers have also started offering RV-specific insurance and may offer similar benefits. Before deciding on a carrier, it’s smart to get 2 to 3 RV insurance quotes and spend some time comparing coverage, cost and helpful features such as roadside assistance, long-distance towing, car rental and hotel accommodations while your RV is being repaired, and coverage of after-market improvements such as awnings.
If you’ve just found your dream RV online, look under the Resources tab on the RVT.com website for a list of insurance carriers that offer specialized RV insurance.
Posted by on Mar 02, 2011
When you buy an RV online, you want to protect your investment with insurance that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of RVers. Purchasing specialty RV insurance as opposed to merely adding your RV to your auto policy ensures that, in case of an accident, the claims adjuster will be trained and experienced in looking for damage and estimating repair costs on recreational vehicles.
In our previous post we discussed the value of RV insurance that includes roadside assistance and extended towing. Here are some other features to look for when shopping online for RV insurance:
> Several settlement options should be available if your RV is totaled or stolen. Actual Cash Value is the standard for motor vehicles, but RV insurers may also offer Agreed Value in which a firm settlement amount is agreed to when the policy is purchased. Total Loss Replacement that replaces your loss with a new RV may also be available for RVs under 5 years old.
> Personal effects coverage protects all the things you keep onboard your RV from loss or damage.
> RV systems and appliances should be covered to protect you if a major appliance or the electrical or plumbing system breaks down.
> Personal liability coverage protects RV owners if someone is injured while at your RV campsite. Some campgrounds hold each camper liable for injuries occurring at his campsite.
>Acts of nature such as storms, flooding, fire, etc. should also be included in your RV insurance policy.
Posted by on Feb 28, 2011
After you buy your RV online, you’ll want to insure your RV to protect your investment just like you insure your car. In fact, that’s what nearly half of U.S. RV owners do. They insure their new RV just like they insure their car. They simply ask their insurance agent to add their RV to their auto policy as if it were another family vehicle. The problem is your RV is much more than another vehicle.
Recreational vehicles are a combination of car and home that requires specialized RV insurance tailored to protect both functions of the vehicle. Specialized RV insurance is offered online by insurers that cater to the specific needs of the RV market. Some major national insurance companies also offer specialized RV insurance.
When shopping online for RV insurance, look for these features:
> Roadside assistance with extended towing. If you have an accident or mechanical problem in an RV, you’re likely to be far from home and may be pretty far off the beaten path. The cost to tow an RV can be triple that of towing a car. Long-distance tow coverage will save you money and provide peace of mind. You should also look for an RV insurance policy that will return your RV to your home after an accident or mechanical problem. If the repair to your RV takes a while, it will be more convenient to have your RV repaired at home.
More insurance tips next time
