RV Insurance – What to Know Before You Buy
If you’re shopping for RV insurance in the United States or Canada, this guide walks you through what’s required, what coverage actually does, how much people really pay, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to save – using current, verifiable data.
RV Insurance Basics: Who Needs What
Motorhomes (Class A, B, C) are drivable vehicles, so they must carry auto liability coverage that meets your state or province’s legal minimums. That’s non‑negotiable if you plan to drive on public roads. Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop‑ups) don’t have their own engine; their liability is typically satisfied by the tow vehicle’s auto policy, but you still buy separate physical‑damage coverage for the trailer itself (e.g., comprehensive/collision).
Why this matters: If your travel trailer is damaged by hail, theft, or a collision while parked, your car’s liability insurance won’t fix the trailer – you need RV comprehensive/collision on the trailer’s policy. Some carriers (e.g., Progressive) require comp/collision on travel‑trailer policies as standard.
What counts as an RV? The RV Industry Association defines RVs as vehicular‑type units designed as temporary living quarters – motorized or towed. That includes motorhomes and towables (travel trailers, fifth wheels, folding campers, truck campers). RVIA
RV Insurance Laws & Minimums (USA & Canada): 2025 Update
United States (examples)
Your motorhome must meet your state’s minimum liability limits. A few notable 2025 updates:
- California increased minimums to 30/60/15 (BI per person/BI per accident/PD) effective Jan 1, 2025. California DMV
- Virginia requires 50/100/25 (effective 2025; check your renewal date). Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Utah raised limits to 30/65/25 effective Jan 1, 2025. State Farm Newsroom
Tip: Minimums are just that – minimums. Medical and legal costs can easily exceed them. Many RVers choose higher limits (e.g., 100/300/100 or more) or add an umbrella policy for extra liability.
Canada (essentials)
- Ontario: You must carry at least $200,000 in third‑party liability (most drivers choose $1–2 million). Ontario
- British Columbia (ICBC): The Basic Autoplan includes third‑party liability (minimum $200,000), with options to purchase extended liability well above that. Basic coverage applies in Canada and the U.S. ICBC
Bottom line: Whether you’re in the U.S. or Canada, motorhomes need liability coverage; towables rely on the tow vehicle’s liability but still need their own physical‑damage coverage.
RV Insurance Cost: What People Actually Pay
While rates vary by RV class, value, usage, storage location, driving record, and ZIP/postal code, we do have credible benchmarks:
- Average 12‑month premiums at Progressive (2024):
- Travel trailer: $594
- Motorhome: $1,052
- Liability‑only RV policies: start at $125/year (availability varies by state)
These are national Progressive averages – your quote may differ.
Also note: at Progressive, travel‑trailer policies include comprehensive and collision (even if you’re not financing), which affects price but protects against common physical losses.
Quick look: Typical costs (Progressive 2024 data)
| RV Type | Typical Policy Setup | Indicative Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travel trailer | Comp + collision on the trailer; liability comes from tow vehicle | $594 (avg.) |
| Motorhome (Class A/B/C) | Liability + options for comp/collision and extras | $1,052 (avg.) |
| Liability‑only (where allowed) | Meets legal minimums for a drivable RV | From $125/year |
Source: Progressive national averages for 2024; not a guarantee of your rate.
Core RV Insurance Coverages to Compare
Liability (BI/PD): Pays if you’re legally responsible for injuries or property damage. Required for motorhomes; not selectable for trailers (towed trailers rely on the tow vehicle’s liability).
Collision: Repairs or replaces your RV after a crash with a vehicle/object, regardless of fault (minus deductible).
Comprehensive: Non‑collision losses – theft, hail, fire, vandalism, animal strikes, glass. Required by lenders, widely recommended even if you own the RV outright.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Helps if you’re hit by someone with little/no insurance (limits vary by jurisdiction).
Medical Payments / Personal Injury Protection: Limited medical bills regardless of fault (varies by state/province).
Vacation Liability (campsite liability): Extends liability while parked and using your RV as a temporary residence –often $10,000 included with upgrade options (e.g., to $500,000 at Progressive). Important protection at campgrounds.
Full‑Timer’s Liability: If the RV is your primary residence (e.g., 6+ months/year), this functions a bit like homeowners liability for premises‑type incidents. Critical for full‑time RVers.
Personal Effects Coverage: Covers belongings inside the RV (you pick the limit).
Total Loss Replacement / Agreed‑Value‑style options: If your RV is totaled in its early years, total loss replacement can provide a new RV of same/later model year rather than depreciated value; otherwise, policies often pay actual cash value (ACV). Terms vary by insurer and RV age.
Roadside Assistance & Emergency Expense: Towing, tire, fuel delivery; emergency expense helps with hotel/food if a covered loss sidelines your trip far from home.
Specialty add‑ons (varies by carrier): Roof protection, pest damage, diminishing deductibles.
Coverage at a glance
| Coverage | What it Does | Best For | U.S./Canada Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability | Pays others you injure/damage | Everyone with a motorhome | Minimums vary by state/province; many buy higher limits. Ontario+3California DMV+3Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles+3 |
| Comp | Hail, theft, fire, weather, animals | All RVs (especially towables) | Required by lenders; widely recommended; covers hail/theft. Progressive+2Progressive+2 |
| Collision | Crash with vehicle/object | All RVs | Deductible applies; protects your RV regardless of fault. Progressive |
| Vacation Liability | Liability at campsites | Recreational users | Often $10k base, upgrade to $500k possible. Progressive |
| Full‑Timer’s Liability | “Premises” liability | Full‑time RVers | Required if your RV is your residence. Progressive |
| Personal Effects | Belongings inside RV | All | Choose a limit; read exclusions. Progressive |
| Roadside + Emergency Expense | Towing & trip interruption | All | Strong value if you travel far from home. Progressive |
| Total Loss Replacement | Replaces RV new (early years) | Newer RVs | Scope, RV age, and eligibility vary by insurer. Progressive |
Cross‑Border RV Insurance (USA ↔ Canada)
U.S. policies generally remain valid in Canada (bring your proof of insurance). Mexico is different: most U.S. carriers require separate Mexican liability insurance or only provide limited border‑zone coverage (e.g., within 25 miles for up to 10 days, per Farmers—longer trips require a Mexican insurer).
ICBC (B.C.) states that Basic Autoplan covers you in Canada and the U.S.; if you plan extended travel stateside, consider higher third‑party limits and optional coverages. Ontario
Proof of insurance (“pink card”) in Canada: Several provinces accept digital pink cards, but not all jurisdictions do; carry a paper copy when crossing borders or driving out of province. Staebler Insurance
Real‑World Risk: What Claims Look Like
- Hail can dent panels, destroy roof membranes, and shatter skylights; comprehensive typically covers hail damage (minus deductible). Progressive
- Theft (entire RV or contents) is a comprehensive claim; coverage limits and deductibles apply. Progressive
- Fires still happen: the U.S. Fire Administration estimates an average of ~4,200 RV fires annually (2018–2020) with associated injuries, fatalities, and ~$60.3M in losses. Install and test smoke/CO alarms, and review your policy’s fire protections. U.S. Fire Administration
Examples: 3 Realistic Buyer Profiles
Note: These scenarios illustrate how coverage pieces fit together using widely available features and actual industry averages; they are not quotes and your price will vary.
1) Weekend Warrior with a 27′ Travel Trailer (USA)
- Rig: 27′ travel trailer, financed.
- Core setup: Comprehensive + collision (required by lender), personal effects $3,000, roadside assistance, vacation liability.
- Why this setup: Tow vehicle’s policy handles liability; the trailer still needs comp/collision for hail, theft, and crash damage.
- Cost anchor: Progressive’s 2024 average for a travel‑trailer policy was $594/year nationwide; final price swings with ZIP code, storage (indoors vs. driveway), and deductibles.
2) Full‑Time RVer in a Class C (USA → Canada Snowbird)
- Rig: 2019 Class C motorhome, paid off; owner lives in it 8 months/year.
- Core setup: Liability higher than state minimums (e.g., 100/300/100), comp/collision, full‑timer’s liability, personal effects $10k, emergency expense, roadside.
- Cross‑border: U.S. policy typically valid in Canada; confirm proof of insurance documents before you go. Mexico trips require separate coverage.
- Cost anchor: Progressive’s motorhome average was $1,052/year in 2024 for 12‑month policies; full‑timer endorsements add cost.
3) B.C. Motorhome Owner Touring the U.S. Northwest (Canada → USA)
- Rig: 2021 Class B camper van, B.C. plates.
- Core setup: ICBC Basic Autoplan (includes $200,000 TPL) + Extended Third‑Party Liability (often $1–2M), comp/collision, travel medical as needed. Basic is valid in Canada and the U.S.
- Why higher limits: U.S. medical/legal exposures can exceed $200k quickly; many Canadians boost TPL to $1–2M. (Ontario regulator/industry sources commonly recommend at least $1M.)
How to Save on RV Insurance (Without Undercutting Coverage)
Carriers offer stackable discounts—a few examples from Progressive’s current list:
- Multi‑policy (bundle), quote in advance, original owner, pay in full, responsible driver, prompt payment, claim‑free, homeowner, continuous insurance, paperless.
Other rate levers that don’t gut protection:
- Right‑size your deductibles: A higher comp/collision deductible lowers premium; keep it affordable for your emergency fund.
- Store smart: Secure, indoor or gated storage often rates better than curbside.
- Match coverage to use: Recreational vs. full‑time matters—misclassifying full‑time use can lead to denied claims; add the correct endorsement instead.
- Raise liability, skip “nice‑to‑haves” (if budget is tight): Prioritize adequate liability; you can add extras later.
- Compare annually: Rates, discounts, and even state minimums change (as 2025 shows).
Shopping Checklist & Smart Questions for Your Agent
Documents & details to gather
- RV VIN, year, make/model, length, purchase price and lienholder (if financed)
- Primary storage address (and storage type)
- Usage: recreational vs. full‑time; expected nights per year; typical mileage
- Travel plans: USA only? USA+Canada? Mexico? (Mexico usually needs separate coverage.)
- Accessories to itemize (awnings, satellite, solar, racks) and personal effects limit needed
- Desired deductibles and liability limits
Questions to ask
- Does the policy include vacation liability and at what limit? (Many include $10k, with options up to $500k.)
- If I live in the RV, do I have full‑timer’s liability?
- How does total loss work on my RV’s age (ACV vs. replacement)? Any age caps?
- Is roadside assistance sized for RVs (towing length/weight limits)?
- If I’m traveling cross‑border, what proof of insurance should I carry (paper + digital)? Any Mexico limitations?
U.S. vs. Canada – Legal & Paperwork
| Topic | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Liability minimums | Vary by state (e.g., CA 30/60/15; VA 50/100/25; UT 30/65/25 as of 2025) | Example minimums: Ontario $200k; B.C. Basic Autoplan $200k (often buy $1–2M) |
| Proof of insurance | Insurance card; carry at all times | “Pink card”; many provinces accept digital but bring paper for cross‑border/out‑of‑province |
| Cross‑border validity | U.S. auto policies generally valid in Canada; Mexico often needs separate coverage | ICBC valid in Canada & U.S.; check endorsements/limits before long trips |
Sources: California DMV; Virginia DMV; State Farm/Utah updates; Ontario.ca; ICBC; and broker guidance on digital pink cards. Staebler Insurance+5California DMV+5Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles+5
Coverage Comparison (Quick Reference)
| Coverage | Typical Limit | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Meet/Exceed legal min; consider 100/300/100+ (U.S.) or $1–2M (CA) | Injuries / property damage you cause |
| Comprehensive | Your chosen deductible | Hail, theft, fire, animals, glass |
| Collision | Your chosen deductible | Crash repairs/replacement |
| Vacation Liability | Often $10k base; up to $500k possible | Liability while parked at a campsite |
| Full‑Timer’s Liability | Varies (similar to homeowners liability) | If your RV is your primary home |
| Personal Effects | You choose (e.g., $3k–$10k) | Gear inside the RV |
| Emergency Expense | Carrier‑set (upgrade available) | Hotels/food after a covered loss away from home |
Representative features/limits vary by insurer and province/state. Progressive
Why RV Insurance Is Having a Moment
The RV market has stayed active: for example, RVIA reported 30,595 wholesale shipments in Oct 2024, up 7.8% year‑over‑year. More rigs on the road means more exposure—and more reason to get coverage right. RVIA
Final Take
- Know your legal minimums (and consider higher limits). 2) Match coverage to how you use the rig (vacation vs. full‑time). 3) Don’t skip comp (hail/theft/fire are real RV risks). 4) Plan cross‑border (Canada is usually fine; Mexico needs special coverage). 5) Stack discounts instead of stripping protections.
If you follow the checklists and compare against the tables above, you’ll buy RV insurance that actually fits your rig, your trips, and your budget – without nasty surprises at claim time.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice, recommendation, or guidance of any kind. The content herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a licensed insurance agent or other qualified professional. Always seek personalized advice before making any insurance-related decisions.
