Insurance for RVs and motorhomes has become more prevalent, but they’re still not as common as regular home insurance, and their policies are not the same. If you’re having trouble finding one or cannot understand how their policies work, here’s what you need to know.
1. Use the Internet to Find the Insurance You Need
The easiest to find insurance is to use the Internet, as all major motorhome insurers have a website where you can get more information about the packages. Eight types are usually covered: A-class, low profile, compact, micro, coachbuilt, camper van, RV and van conversion. Keep in mind that most motorhome insurers don’t cover self-built and DIY models.
2. Learn the Policy Types
Once you have determined which model your vehicle belongs to, you need to choose the insurance policy. There are several types available such as comprehensive, third party and fire and theft. Policy covers will vary depending on the insurance company, but they usually provide equipment cover, vandalism cover, courtesy car options, European cover, personal effects cover and new for old cover.
3. Know What the Exclusions are
Insurers typically exclude motorhomes that are used as permanent homes as well as insurance claims ensuing from use of the vehicle as a trading place. Theft is not covered unless there’s forcible entry, as well as wear and tear, vermin and insect damage. While this is the general rule some insurance companies may provide exceptions so check their policy.
4. Learn How to Reduce Insurance Costs
The cost of insurance can be reduced if you improve security by installing an alarm system, tracking device and other safety measures. Insurers also offer discounts if your model has a secure storage place, part of an owner’s group or club, have low mileage and has a sensor or reversing camera installed.
5. Provide the Required Information
The steps needed to get insurance are quite straightforward. First you need to determine where your model fits and what policy you think is best suited for it. Next you have to get price quotes and compare the features relative to the cost. When you look for quotes online, you’ll need to provide some basic information such as what model you’re driving, your driving record, how you’ll use it and so on.
To get the best possible quotes you also need to provide the make, model, year, if it’s manual or automatic, berths, registration number, mileage and value. Depending on the website you may also be asked if your motorhome has a storage location, what the security set up is like and if it is serviced regularly. If your motorhome is serviced by a professional on a consistent basis you can expect the insurance cost to be lower than the regular rate.
If you’re going to get motorhome insurance, research will be necessary and it will also help to look up guides on responsible driving. You might also get discounts for motorhome insurance by learning as much as you can about towing and camping so you can show the insurer you’re not a risk.