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Motorhome Insurance Basics for RV Owners in CNY

September 21st, 2023 | 5 min read

By Daniel J. Middleton

If you’re an RV owner in Central New York, you know how much fun and freedom a motorhome can offer. You can explore new places, enjoy nature, and spend quality time with your loved ones. But you also know that owning a motorhome comes with some challenges and risks.

You need to protect your investment and your safety from accidents, theft, vandalism, weather damage, and other unforeseen events. That’s why you need motorhome insurance.

But not all motorhome insurance policies are created equal. Some may offer more coverage and benefits than others. Some may have hidden fees and exclusions that could leave you vulnerable. Some may not suit your specific needs and preferences as an RV owner. How do you choose the right motorhome insurance policy for your motorhome?

That’s where we come in. We’re Horan, an independent insurance agency in Baldwinsville. We have been serving the RV community since 2009, and we know what it takes to provide the best motorhome insurance for our clients.

In this article, we will share with you some dos and don’ts for RV owners when it comes to motorhome insurance. We will help you understand what motorhome insurance covers, how much it costs, how to save money on it, and how to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to get the most out of your motorhome insurance policy. That way, you’ll enjoy your RV lifestyle with peace of mind.

What is Motorhome Insurance, and How is it Different from Other RV Insurance?

You love your motorhome. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel and explore new places. But do you have the right insurance coverage for your RV? Motorhome insurance is different from other types of RV insurance. A separate vehicle pulls a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or pop-up camper. But motorhomes are self-propelled.

Because of that, motorhome insurance is more like auto insurance. And this policy has its own do’s and don’ts you need to know.

How to Ensure Adequate Coverage for Your Motorhome and Its Contents

One of the do’s of motorhome insurance is to make sure you have enough coverage for your motorhome itself and its contents. Your motorhome is not just a vehicle, it is also a home. It has features and amenities that are fixed to the inside of the unit, such as benches, beds, cabinets, appliances, etc.

These are part of the cost of the unit, and they need to be covered in case of damage or loss. Say you made modifications or improvements to your motorhome. Maybe you replaced the furniture, added new appliances, or upgraded the flooring. You need to let your agent know this.

These enhancements may increase the value of your motorhome, and you may need more coverage to reflect that.

Adjust Your Coverage Based on Your Radius of Travel

Another thing to consider is your radius of travel. How far do you go with your motorhome? Do you cross state lines or even country borders? This can affect your exposure and liability. We want to know upfront how you use your motorhome so we can provide the best protection for you.

A good tip is to insure your motorhome separately from your other vehicles. This way, you can choose higher liability limits for your motorhome than for your regular cars. You don’t want to be underinsured if you cause an accident with your motorhome. You could do a lot more damage with a Tiffin Allegro than with a RAV4.

Your Motorhome Class and Size Matter

Another do of motorhome insurance is to consider the size and class of your motorhome. Motorhomes come in different sizes and classes, such as Class A, B, or C. These affect the cost and coverage of your motorhome insurance.

For example, a Class A motorhome is much larger and more expensive than a Class B or C motorhome. It may need more liability and collision coverage.

A Class B motorhome is smaller and more fuel-efficient, but it may not have as many amenities and safety features as a Class A or C motorhome.

A Class C motorhome is a mid-sized RV, slotting between Class A and B. It is often built on a truck chassis and has a sleeping area over the cab of the vehicle.

Each class of RV needs to have a policy design specific to that vehicle.

Choose the Right Insurance Carrier for Your Motorhome

If you own a vehicle that is not a typical car, such as an RV, a motorcycle, or a classic car, you might wonder how to find the best insurance carrier for your needs. You might think that any carrier that can insure your car is good enough. That’s not always the case.

You should look for a carrier that specializes in your type of vehicle and offers some features that are tailored to your specific needs. This is true for motorhomes.

Why You Need Specialized Insurance for Your Motorhome

Your motorhome is not just a means of transportation. It’s also a source of enjoyment, adventure, and lifestyle. You use your motorhome in different ways than a regular car, and you face different risks and challenges on the road.

For example, you might use it for long trips across the country, or even live in it full-time. You might encounter situations where you have a breakdown or an accident and need to find alternative accommodations while your RV is being repaired.

You might also have personal belongings or equipment inside your RV that are valuable and need protection.

That’s why you need an insurance carrier that understands your needs and offers some additional features that suit your situation.

For example, you might want to have vacation liability coverage. This covers your liability for bodily injury or property damage while you are using your motorhome as a temporary residence. Those long tranquil nights at Cranberry Lake Campground will be more enjoyable once you have the added peace of mind.

You might also want to have emergency expense coverage. This pays for your expenses if you need to stay somewhere else while your RV is being repaired. This is sometimes called lodging coverage.

You might also want to have personal effects coverage, which covers the loss or damage of your personal belongings inside your RV.

These are just some examples of the features you might need for your RV. Depending on your type of vehicle and how you use it, you might need other features as well.

Your Cherished Motorhome Deserves the Right RV Insurance

You deserve to enjoy your motorhome and the adventures it brings you. But you also need to protect your investment. That’s why you need to have the right motorhome insurance for your needs. By following the tips in this article, you can find the best carrier, coverage, and features for your motorhome. You can also save money and avoid hassle in the long run.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that any auto insurance policy will do for your motorhome. You need a specialized policy that reflects the unique characteristics and risks of your vehicle. Otherwise, you could end up paying more than you should, or worse, not having enough coverage when you need it most.

You don’t want to ruin your vacation or your lifestyle because of an accident or a breakdown.

So, take some time to research and compare different carriers and policies. Look for the ones that specialize in motorhomes and offer the features that suit your situation. Read reviews and testimonials from other customers who have similar vehicles and needs as yours.

Then go with a carrier that pays more attention to the kind of benefits that you need and expect for your vehicle.

By taking these steps, you can find the right motorhome insurance for you and enjoy your travels with confidence and security.

Remember, your motorhome is not just a vehicle, it is also a home. It deserves the best protection possible.

But we know that searching for the right can be a daunting task, even if you’re armed with the right info. We’re here to help. Horan can do the heavy lifting for you. We’ve helped many motorhome owners in CNY find the right coverage for their cherished rig. We can do the same for you.

To get started, click the Get a Quote button below. One of our friendly insurance specialists will contact you to discuss your policy options.

Want more RV insurance insight? Learn how you can save money on RV insurance without sacrificing coverage.

Daniel J. Middleton

Daniel is an accomplished content creator. He has been working in publishing for almost two decades. Horan Companies hired Daniel as its content manager in November 2022. The agency entrusted its messaging to him. Since then, Daniel has written insurance articles, service pages, PDF guides, and more. All in an effort to educate CNY readers. He's helping them understand the world of insurance so they can make informed decisions.