9 Factors that Affect Your RV Insurance Rate

9 Factors that Affect Your RV Insurance Rate 
Learn the basics of RV insurance and what coverage options to consider.

By: GoLife Staff

One of the most important steps in becoming an RV owner is getting your rolling home insured. Not only is this a legal requirement for motorhomes, it also helps protect your investment in the event of an accident or other incident. There are multiple options available for insuring your motorhome or travel trailer, and it is key to choose a policy that will cover any potential issue that may arise. However, RV insurance cost is also a big concern and there are multiple factors that will affect your RV insurance rate.

In this article, the team at FCIS Insurance (the RV insurance specialists behind Winnebago RV Insurance) has helped us provide an overview of what is factored into your RV insurance policy rate. Plus, be sure to read how they can help you compare policies to find the best RV insurance coverage for your situation!

9 Factors that Affect Your RV Insurance Rate

The cost of RV insurance can vary greatly depending on your situation and preferences. Here are some of the considerations to take into account when looking into which RV insurance policy will work best for you.

1. What coverage is legally required by the state in which your RV is registered and garaged? 

Where you register your RV and where it will be parked the majority of the time may differ. Your RV insurance provider will be considering where your RV is registered as well as where it is garaged when providing you with a quote. There are actually three addresses that can be include on a policy: where you get your mail, the registration address, and the garaging address.

Areas that are prone to natural disasters, are highly populated, or have a higher incidence of auto theft may have a higher rate to insure an RV there.

2. What type of RV do you have?

Your RV type and its value can be a big determining factor in your RV insurance cost. For example, motorhomes are often more expensive to insure than travel trailers since they are being driven instead of towed. 

Larger Class A motorhomes will also usually cost more to insure than smaller Class B or C motorhomes since they often have more advanced features and a higher value. However, having an RV with multiple safe driving features (like those included in the Winnebago Driver Confidence Package) can help to lower your RV insurance rate. 

3. How often will you be using your RV? 

You will be asked to provide an estimate of how many days per year you plan to use your RV when setting up your insurance. When it comes to RV insurance, you are considered a full-time RVer if you spend 150 nights or more in your RV. Note that this is how often you are using your RV, not just actively driving it. This will be a factor in your insurance rate and level of coverage recommended. 

4. What is your driving record and RV driving experience?

Just like with car insurance, your driving record and claims history will be taken into account when providing you with an RV insurance rate. Your level of RV driving experience may also be considered. In some situations, taking an approved driving course could lower your RV insurance rate.

5. What level of coverage do you want?

While most states require liability coverage, you may want to have comprehensive and/or collision coverage as well. It will also be up to you what level of coverage you want from each as well as how high of a deductible you prefer.

Depending on your RVing style, you may also want to include additional coverage such as campsite liability insurance to cover you if anyone gets hurt by your RV while you are out camping. Other potential options include roof protection, window and awning coverage, and emergency expense coverage. With FCIS Insurance, some of these options are already included at the minimal level!

6. Do you want to include Total Loss Replacement coverage?

Total Loss Replacement can be added to your RV insurance policy if you are the original owner to make sure your RV investment is fully covered. Note that the policy must also be written within 12 months of purchase.

With Total Loss Replacement, if the RV is deemed a total loss during the first five model years, the insurance carrier will replace the unit with a similar make/model to the insured unit. In following years, the original purchase price of the RV is used as a settlement. (Note that the number of years differs by insurance carrier.) 

While TLR may increase your rate, many RVers with brand-new units think it is worth the extra cost.

7. Will you be traveling with valuables you would like covered? 

Your RV insurance policy can also cover most personal items. Just be sure to take photos and document which items you have in your RV with you in case you need to file a claim.

8. Do you plan to rent out your RV?

Peer-to-peer RV rentals have become a popular option through companies like RV Share and Outdoorsy. If you plan to rent your RV out when not using it, it is important to make sure the RV is covered in case of any damage or other issue. However, not all RV insurance companies will cover an RV that is being rented out, so you should make sure you discuss this when setting up your policy. You can also check with the company you will be renting your RV with to see if they offer any coverage.

9. Do you want to bundle your RV insurance with your home and/or auto insurance?

If you have multiple insurance needs, you can often save on RV insurance by bundling it with other policies such as your home or vehicle. You may also want to consider pet and trip insurance. FCIS Insurance is an independent agent that is licensed nationwide, so their team can offer quotes on all personal lines policies.

Note: Remember to contact your RV insurance carrier if your situation changes since certain circumstances will lower your rate or necessitate additional coverage.

For more answers to your RV insurance questions, read this Q&A with the owner and president of FCIS Insurance, Courtney Wooge, who is actually an RVer as well!

Get Help Comparing RV Insurance Policies

As you can see, setting up your RV insurance policy can be complicated and may get a little overwhelming if you aren’t well-versed in insurance lingo. That’s why Winnebago RV Insurance has partnered with the experts at FCIS Insurance to provide owners with a comprehensive portfolio of coverage options at some of the most competitive rates around. Customers have access to RV insurance with Progressive, Nationwide, Safeco, Foremost, and Roamly – all with one agency.

The FCIS Insurance team is happy to use their 40+ years of experience to help you pick the best policy to make sure everything is covered correctly and you don’t pay more than you need to! GoLife Perks members receive an additional discount on Winnebago RV Insurance, which varies depending on the options chosen.

Visit the Winnebago RV Insurance website to learn more and request a free quote.

Other Ways to Protect Your RV Investment

Protect yourself on the road with immediate access to fast, dependable service when and where you need it with Winnebago Premium Roadside Assistance and Winnebago Tire & Wheel Protection. GoLife Perks members also receive 10% off these services!

Winnebago Extended Protection, an RV Service Agreement, is also available to protect your RV after your initial warranty period as part of the Winnebago Protection Suite. 

Learn more about these options.

For more educational resources for RVers, browse the education section of the GoLife Blog!