Posted on January 26, 2026

RV ownership comes with costs that extend far beyond the sticker price, and insurance is one of the most significant ongoing expenses that catches many buyers off guard. Whether you're eyeing a compact campervan for weekend getaways or a luxury Class A motorhome for full-time living, understanding RV insurance costs is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions.
The good news? RV insurance costs vary widely, which means there's likely an affordable option for your situation. According to Progressive's 2024 data, the average annual premium for a travel trailer policy was $594, while motorhome coverage averaged $1,052. But your actual costs depend on factors like your RV type, how you use it, where you live, and how much coverage you need.
This comprehensive guide breaks down real RV insurance costs by vehicle type, explains every coverage option available, compares top insurance providers, and shares proven strategies for finding the most affordable policies in 2026.
Whether you're a first-time buyer researching total ownership costs or a seasoned RVer looking to lower your premiums, you'll find everything you need to make smart insurance decisions.
The question everyone wants answered comes down to real numbers. Let's look at what RV owners are actually paying for coverage across North America, broken down by every factor that matters.
RV insurance costs anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on your situation. The national average sits around $1,500 per year or $125 per month for comprehensive coverage on a mid-range RV. However, this number varies dramatically based on how you use your vehicle.
Recreational Users (Part-Time RVers)
If you take your RV out occasionally—weekend trips, summer vacations, or a few weeks per year—expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 annually. That breaks down to roughly $40 to $125 per month. Recreational users benefit from lower rates because their RVs spend most of their time safely stored, reducing the risk of accidents and claims.
Insurance companies typically define recreational use as driving fewer than 5,000 miles per year or using your RV for fewer than 150 days annually. If you fall into this category, you'll qualify for standard RV policies with the most competitive rates.
Full-Time RV Insurance
Full-time RV insurance is a different story entirely. If you live in your RV for more than six months per year, insurers treat you more like a homeowner than a casual traveler. Full-time coverage typically runs $1,500 to $4,000 per year—roughly $125 to $333 per month.
The higher cost reflects the expanded protection you need when your RV is your primary residence. Full-timer policies include personal liability coverage when parked (similar to homeowners insurance), contents coverage for all your belongings, emergency expense coverage if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, and loss assessment coverage for campground or RV park HOA fees.
Think of it this way: a recreational RV policy protects a vehicle you occasionally use for trips. A full-timer policy protects your entire living situation—your home, your belongings, and your liability as a resident. The additional coverage justifies the higher premium.
Liability-Only Policies
For budget-conscious RV owners who own their vehicles outright (no financing), liability-only policies offer the most affordable option. These policies can start as low as $125 per year and cover only the damage you cause to others—not damage to your own RV.
Liability-only coverage makes sense for older, lower-value RVs where the cost of comprehensive coverage exceeds the vehicle's worth. However, if your RV has significant value or you've invested in upgrades and personal belongings inside, you'll want more protection.
Your RV's class significantly impacts your insurance premium. Motorized RVs cost more to insure than towable trailers because they require liability coverage and tend to have higher values. Learn more about RV classes and categories to understand how each type affects your costs. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect by RV class:
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most expensive RVs on the road, with new models costing anywhere from $100,000 to over $500,000. These bus-style coaches offer the most living space and luxury amenities, but their size and value translate to the highest insurance premiums.
Insurance costs for Class A motorhomes vary significantly based on whether you have a gas or diesel model. Diesel pushers—with their powerful engines and premium build quality—typically cost more to insure than gas Class A units. A brand-new luxury diesel pusher might cost $3,000 to $4,000 or more annually to insure, while an older gas Class A might fall in the $1,000 to $1,500 range.
Full-time Class A dwellers can expect premiums at the higher end, potentially exceeding $4,000 per year for comprehensive full-timer coverage on a high-value coach.
Class B motorhomes—also known as campervans—are the most compact motorized RVs. Built on van chassis from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Ram, these nimble vehicles are easier to drive and park than larger motorhomes.
Insurance costs for Class B RVs range from $500 to $1,500 annually for recreational users, with the variation largely depending on the base vehicle and conversion quality. A basic Ford Transit conversion might cost $500 to $800 per year to insure, while a luxury Mercedes Sprinter with professional conversion and premium amenities could run $1,200 to $1,500 or more.
DIY conversions present unique insurance challenges. Professional conversions with documented values typically face higher premiums but qualify for better coverage options. Some insurers are hesitant to cover DIY builds, so shop carefully if you've converted your own van.
Class C motorhomes sit between Class A and Class B in size, price, and insurance cost. Built on truck or van cutaway chassis with a distinctive cab-over sleeping area, Class C units offer a good balance of living space and drivability.
Insurance premiums for Class C motorhomes typically range from $800 to $2,500 annually depending on age, value, and usage. A new Class C with full coverage might cost $1,500 to $2,500 per year, while an older model with fewer amenities could fall in the $800 to $1,200 range.
Class C motorhomes are popular with families and first-time RVers, and insurers have extensive data on this class, which generally results in competitive pricing.
Travel trailers are towable RVs that you pull behind a truck or SUV. Since they don't have engines, they're significantly cheaper to insure than motorhomes. Your tow vehicle's liability insurance typically extends to the trailer while it's hitched, so you're primarily paying for physical damage coverage.
According to Progressive's data, the average annual premium for travel trailer insurance was $594 in 2024. Most recreational travel trailer owners pay between $300 and $600 per year, with larger or more expensive units toward the higher end.
Travel trailer insurance is straightforward and affordable, making towables an attractive option for budget-conscious RVers.
Fifth wheel trailers connect to a special hitch mounted in a pickup truck bed, offering superior towing stability and often more living space than conventional travel trailers. They're popular among full-timers and extended travelers.
Insurance costs for fifth wheels range from $500 to $2,500 per year, with the wide range reflecting the diversity of fifth wheel sizes and values. A compact fifth wheel might cost $500 to $800 annually to insure, while a luxury triple-slide model could run $1,500 to $2,500 or more.
Like travel trailers, fifth wheels benefit from being towable rather than motorized, keeping insurance costs lower than comparable motorhome coverage.
Pop-up campers and folding trailers are among the most affordable RVs to insure, often costing $200 to $400 per year due to their low values.
Truck campers—units that mount in a pickup truck bed—typically cost $300 to $600 per year to insure as separate policies, though some owners add them to their auto insurance.
Toy haulers (trailers with built-in garages for ATVs, motorcycles, or other toys) cost $400 to $1,200 per year depending on size and value. The garage space and heavier construction increase values compared to standard travel trailers.
Understanding the different types of RVs helps you anticipate insurance costs before you buy and choose the right vehicle for your budget.
Beyond RV type, several factors influence what you'll pay for coverage. Understanding these can help you make choices that lower your premium.
Your RV's value is the single biggest factor in determining your insurance cost. A new $300,000 Class A motorhome costs significantly more to insure than a 15-year-old $30,000 travel trailer simply because the potential payout is much higher.
Age affects premiums in complex ways. Newer RVs cost more to insure due to higher values, but very old RVs can sometimes cost more due to increased mechanical risk and difficulty finding replacement parts. The sweet spot for affordable insurance is often RVs that are 5-10 years old—depreciated enough for reasonable premiums but new enough to avoid "classic" or "antique" complications.
To determine your RV's value accurately for insurance purposes, check NADA guides, consult with dealers, or use our RV valuation guide for detailed pricing information.
A clean driving record is one of the most powerful tools for lowering your RV insurance premium. Insurers view drivers with accidents, tickets, or claims as higher risk and charge accordingly.
At-fault accidents can increase your premium by 40% or more, and the impact typically lasts three to five years. Multiple violations compound the effect. Conversely, drivers with five or more claim-free years often qualify for significant discounts—sometimes 20-25% off their premium.
Even non-RV incidents on your regular auto insurance affect RV rates, since insurers evaluate your overall driving behavior. Maintaining a clean record across all vehicles pays dividends.
The coverage you choose directly impacts your premium. Liability-only policies cost the least, while comprehensive coverage with low deductibles costs the most.
Choosing a higher deductible is one of the easiest ways to lower your premium. Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10-20%. Just ensure you can comfortably afford the higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
Full coverage (liability plus comprehensive and collision) typically costs roughly double what liability-only policies cost, but provides substantially more protection.
Geography significantly impacts RV insurance rates. Insurers evaluate risk based on where your RV is registered, stored, and where you typically travel.
Florida averages 35% higher premiums than the national average due to hurricane risk and higher repair costs. California adds wildfire surcharges in high-risk areas. Coastal regions generally face higher rates due to weather exposure.
Rural Midwest states like Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas often offer the lowest RV insurance rates—sometimes 50% below coastal averages. Lower population density means less traffic, fewer accidents, and reduced theft risk.
Urban areas increase premiums due to higher theft rates and accident frequency, even in otherwise affordable states.
How often you use your RV affects your rate. Insurance companies assess risk based on time on the road—more driving means more exposure to potential accidents.
Recreational users driving under 5,000 miles annually qualify for the lowest rates. Weekend warriors who take occasional trips pay less than frequent travelers logging 15,000+ miles per year.
Full-timers face higher rates regardless of mileage because their RVs are constantly in use as living spaces, creating continuous exposure to both driving and stationary risks.
Where you store your RV when not in use affects your premium. Insurers prefer secure storage because it reduces theft, vandalism, and weather damage risk.
RVs stored in enclosed garages or secure, monitored storage facilities typically qualify for 10-25% lower premiums than those parked in driveways or on the street. Some insurers offer specific storage discounts for documented secure storage arrangements.
If you store your RV at home, security measures like wheel locks, hitch locks, and alarm systems can help lower your rate.
In most U.S. states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores as a factor in determining premiums. Statistical models show correlation between credit history and insurance claims, so higher credit scores typically result in lower premiums.
This factor doesn't apply in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and a few other states that prohibit credit-based insurance pricing. In Canada, credit scores generally don't affect RV insurance rates.
If your credit score is lower than you'd like, improving it over time can reduce your insurance costs across all your policies.
If you're used to standard auto insurance rates, RV premiums might seem high. Understanding why helps you evaluate whether the costs are reasonable for your situation.
RV insurance typically costs more than car insurance for several legitimate reasons:
Higher Vehicle Values
The average new car costs around $48,000, while RV prices range from $25,000 for a basic travel trailer to over $600,000 for a luxury diesel pusher. Higher replacement costs require higher coverage limits and result in higher premiums.
Even mid-range RVs often cost $75,000 to $150,000—two to three times the average car price. Insuring a more valuable asset simply costs more.
Increased Liability Exposure
RVs are larger, heavier, and more difficult to maneuver than cars. A Class A motorhome can weigh 30,000 pounds or more and stretch 45 feet long. Accidents involving these vehicles can cause more damage than typical car accidents, so insurers build higher liability limits into policies.
Additionally, RVs create liability exposure that cars don't—injuries that occur inside a parked RV, accidents at campsites, and other scenarios unique to RV living.
Living Space Considerations
Unlike cars, RVs function as living spaces. This means policies often include contents coverage for personal belongings, appliances, electronics, and gear stored inside. Standard auto policies don't cover personal property, but RV policies often include $5,000 to $50,000+ in contents protection.
Full-timer policies add even more coverage paralleling homeowners insurance, including personal liability away from the vehicle and emergency living expenses.
Specialized Repairs and Parts
RV repairs cost more than car repairs due to specialized systems (propane, water, electrical), custom parts, and fewer qualified repair facilities. Insurers factor these higher potential claim costs into premiums.
RV-specific components like slide-outs, leveling systems, generators, and roof-mounted air conditioners don't exist on cars and require specialized knowledge and parts to repair.
Despite generally higher costs, RV insurance can be very affordable in certain situations:
Travel Trailers and Towables
Since towable RVs don't have engines or require their own liability coverage (your tow vehicle provides that while hitched), insurance is significantly cheaper than motorhome coverage. Many travel trailer owners pay less than $50 per month for comprehensive coverage.
Liability-Only Policies
If you own an older RV outright with modest value, liability-only coverage starting around $125 per year provides legal compliance and basic protection at minimal cost.
Storage and Seasonal Discounts
If you store your RV seasonally, many insurers let you suspend collision and liability coverage during storage while maintaining comprehensive coverage against theft and weather. Good Sam offers storage savings up to 53%—potentially cutting your annual premium nearly in half if you only use your RV during summer months.
Bundling Discounts
Combining RV insurance with your auto and homeowners policies through one insurer typically saves 10-20% across all policies. For RV owners with multiple insurance needs, bundling can make overall coverage very affordable.
Understanding your coverage options helps you build a policy that protects your investment without overpaying for unnecessary extras. RV insurance combines elements of auto insurance and homeowners insurance into specialized policies designed for recreational vehicles.
Liability Insurance
Almost every state and province requires liability insurance for motorized RVs since they're driven on public roads. Liability coverage pays for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident—it doesn't cover your own vehicle or injuries.
Liability breaks down into two components:
Bodily Injury Liability covers medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and legal fees if you injure someone while operating your RV. Policies express limits as per-person and per-accident maximums, such as $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
Property Damage Liability covers repairs or replacement costs if you damage someone else's vehicle, fence, building, or other property. Typical limits range from $50,000 to $100,000.
State minimum requirements vary significantly. Some states require only $25,000 in bodily injury coverage, while others mandate $100,000 or more. Experts universally recommend carrying higher limits than state minimums—a serious accident can easily exceed minimum coverage, leaving you personally responsible for the difference.
Towable RV Requirements
For towable RVs like travel trailers and fifth wheels, liability requirements are less strict. Your tow vehicle's liability insurance typically extends coverage while the trailer is hitched and moving. However, you'll need separate coverage for physical damage to the trailer itself and for liability when the trailer is parked and unhitched.
Some states require separate liability coverage for towables; others don't. Check your specific state requirements and ensure you're properly covered regardless of legal minimums.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your RV if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object—a guardrail, tree, or pothole, for example. This coverage applies regardless of who's at fault.
If you're financing your RV, your lender will require collision coverage to protect their investment. Even if you own outright, collision coverage makes sense for newer or higher-value RVs where repair or replacement costs would be financially devastating.
Collision coverage includes a deductible—the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase your out-of-pocket cost after an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, falling objects, and animal strikes. If a tree falls on your parked RV or someone breaks in and steals your belongings, comprehensive coverage responds.
Like collision, comprehensive coverage is typically required by lenders and makes sense for RVs with significant value. The combination of collision and comprehensive is often called "full coverage."
Comprehensive coverage is particularly valuable for RV owners because RVs face unique risks—hail damage during travel, theft at campgrounds, and weather exposure during storage—that cars parked in garages don't typically encounter.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages.
Given that approximately 14% of U.S. drivers are uninsured (higher in some states), this coverage provides valuable protection. An accident with an uninsured driver in a high-value RV could leave you with tens of thousands in uncovered damages without UM/UIM coverage.
Some states require UM/UIM coverage; others make it optional. Even where optional, it's generally worth the modest additional premium.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) pays medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who's at fault. This coverage responds quickly without waiting for fault determination, helping cover immediate medical expenses.
MedPay is particularly useful if you frequently travel with passengers or family members. Coverage limits typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per person.
Beyond standard auto-style coverages, RV policies offer specialized options that address the unique nature of recreational vehicles:
Full-Timer Coverage
If your RV is your primary residence—meaning you live in it six or more months per year—you need full-timer coverage. Standard RV policies assume you have a permanent home elsewhere and use the RV occasionally; full-timer policies recognize your RV as your home and provide appropriate protection.
Full-timer coverage functions similarly to homeowners insurance and typically includes:
Personal Liability When Parked: Covers injuries or property damage that occur at your campsite, even when you're not driving. If a visitor trips on your steps or you accidentally damage a neighbor's awning, this coverage responds.
Contents Coverage: Protects your personal belongings inside the RV—furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, and gear. Limits typically range from $5,000 to $100,000+ depending on your needs.
Emergency Expense Coverage: Pays for temporary housing, food, and transportation if your RV becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss. If a fire or storm damages your home and you need a hotel while repairs are made, this coverage helps.
Loss Assessment Coverage: Covers your share of HOA or campground association fees if common areas are damaged. If you're a permanent resident at an RV park and the clubhouse burns down, this coverage helps pay your assessed share of rebuilding costs.
Full-timer coverage costs more than recreational policies—typically 25-50% higher—but provides essential protection for your living situation.
Personal Effects/Contents Coverage
Even recreational RV policies should include personal effects coverage to protect belongings inside your RV. Standard policies may include modest coverage ($3,000-$5,000), but you can purchase additional limits if you travel with valuable electronics, photography equipment, sporting gear, or other expensive items.
Review your coverage limits and consider whether they'd replace your belongings after a theft or total loss. Many RVers underestimate the value of everything they travel with.
Vacation Liability Coverage
Vacation liability covers injuries that occur in or around your parked RV while you're camping. This coverage is designed for recreational users rather than full-timers—it provides liability protection at your campsite without the full scope of full-timer coverage.
If you regularly invite guests to your campsite, host gatherings at your RV, or set up awnings and outdoor spaces, vacation liability adds an important layer of protection.
Roadside Assistance and Towing
RV breakdowns are more complex and expensive than car breakdowns. Standard auto club memberships often don't cover large RVs, and towing a 40-foot motorhome costs significantly more than towing a sedan.
RV-specific roadside assistance covers emergency help including towing (with appropriate equipment for your RV's size), tire changes, fuel delivery, battery jumps, and locksmith services. Some policies include trip interruption coverage that helps pay for lodging and meals if a breakdown strands you far from home.
Given the complexity and cost of RV repairs, roadside assistance is one of the most valuable add-ons available.
Total Loss Replacement
If your RV is totaled within its first few model years, standard insurance pays the actual cash value (ACV)—what your depreciated RV is worth at the time of loss. Since new RVs depreciate quickly, ACV might be significantly less than what you paid.
Total loss replacement coverage pays to replace your totaled RV with a brand-new equivalent model rather than the depreciated value. This coverage is especially valuable for newer RVs and typically applies for the first five model years.
If you're financing a new RV, the gap between ACV and your loan balance could leave you owing money on a totaled vehicle. Total loss replacement (or gap coverage) protects against this scenario.
Pest Damage Coverage
Rodents, insects, and other pests can cause significant damage to RVs, especially during storage. Mice chew through wiring, nesting materials block vents, and insect infestations damage upholstery and insulation.
Some RV policies include pest damage coverage; others offer it as an add-on. If you store your RV in areas with rodent problems or have experienced pest issues before, this coverage can save thousands in repair costs.
Mexico Coverage
Standard U.S. and Canadian RV policies typically don't cover travel in Mexico. If you plan to cross the border, you'll need specific Mexico coverage or a separate Mexican insurance policy.
Some RV insurers, including Good Sam, offer Mexico physical damage coverage as an add-on. Verify coverage details carefully—some policies cover only certain distances from the border or specific regions.
Insurance is just one piece of the RV ownership puzzle. Understanding total costs helps you budget realistically and decide whether ownership makes financial sense for your situation.
Purchase Price and Financing
RV prices range dramatically based on type and features. Here's what to expect across categories:
If you finance your purchase, monthly loan payments depend on your loan amount, term, and interest rate. According to LendingTree's 2024 data, a $50,000 RV loan with good credit (11.86% APR) over 10 years results in a monthly payment around $713.
RV loans can extend up to 20 years for larger purchases, which lowers monthly payments but significantly increases total interest paid. A $100,000 loan at 8% for 20 years results in payments around $836 per month but costs over $100,000 in interest over the loan term.
Most lenders require 10-20% down payments for RV loans, with larger down payments resulting in better interest rates and lower monthly payments.
Insurance Costs
As detailed throughout this guide, insurance typically costs:
Full-time coverage adds 25-50% to these estimates.
Storage Costs
Unless you have space at home, you'll need to pay for RV storage. Costs vary significantly by location and storage type:
Storage costs are highest in urban areas and lowest in rural regions. Some RV owners purchase property specifically for RV storage to avoid ongoing fees.
Maintenance and Repairs
RVs require regular maintenance including roof inspections and sealing, tire replacement, brake service, battery maintenance, generator service (if equipped), appliance maintenance, and winterization/de-winterization in cold climates.
Budget approximately 1-2% of your RV's value annually for maintenance and repairs. A $100,000 motorhome might cost $1,000-$2,000 per year in maintenance, with occasional larger repairs adding to this amount.
RV repair labor rates typically run $100-$150 per hour at specialized shops, and parts can be expensive due to RV-specific systems. Major repairs—roof replacement, slide-out motor failure, transmission issues—can cost thousands of dollars.
Campground Fees and Fuel
Your usage pattern determines these variable costs:
Campground fees range from $20-$50 per night at basic public campgrounds to $50-$150+ per night at resort-style RV parks. Full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer cost more than basic sites.
Fuel costs depend on your RV's fuel economy and travel distance. Class A diesel pushers might get 6-10 MPG, while travel trailers towed by efficient trucks might effectively get 10-15 MPG. A 2,000-mile trip at 8 MPG with $3.50 diesel costs $875 in fuel alone.
Monthly memberships with organizations like Thousand Trails or Passport America can reduce campground costs for frequent travelers.
As a general rule, expect insurance to cost 2-4% of your RV's value annually. For a $50,000 RV, that's $1,000 to $2,000 per year, or roughly $85 to $165 per month.
Here's how insurance typically fits into total monthly ownership costs for different RV types:
$30,000 Travel Trailer Example:
$75,000 Class C Motorhome Example:
$200,000 Class A Motorhome Example:
When planning your budget, remember that seasonal RVers can reduce costs significantly by suspending certain coverages during storage months and choosing less expensive storage options.
Finding affordable coverage requires comparing multiple providers and taking advantage of available discounts. The RV insurance market includes both major national insurers and specialty providers—each with different strengths.
Progressive
Progressive is often cited as the most affordable option for RV insurance, with policies starting at $125 per year for liability-only coverage. Their 2024 data showed average premiums of $594 for travel trailers and $1,052 for motorhomes—competitive with or below most competitors.
Progressive offers several standout features:
Progressive is a solid choice for most RV owners seeking competitive rates with comprehensive coverage options.
Good Sam/National General
Good Sam Insurance Agency partners with National General (owned by Allstate) to offer specialized RV coverage popular among experienced RVers. Key benefits include:
Good Sam's storage discount is particularly valuable for seasonal RVers who store their vehicles 4-6 months per year. The potential to cut premiums nearly in half during storage makes Good Sam very competitive for part-time users.
Nationwide
Nationwide offers the most extensive discount program among major RV insurers, with savings opportunities including:
For RV owners who belong to camping clubs, have completed RV driving courses, and want to bundle multiple policies, Nationwide's stacked discounts can result in very competitive pricing.
Nationwide also offers specialized coverage options including scheduled personal effects coverage, pet injury protection, and replacement cost coverage for newer RVs.
Roamly
Roamly specializes in full-time RV coverage and policies for RV owners who rent out their vehicles—two niches that many competitors don't serve well.
For full-timers, Roamly offers comprehensive homeowner-style protection including personal liability, emergency expenses, debris removal, adjacent structure coverage, and loss assessment for campground HOA fees.
Uniquely, Roamly provides coverage for peer-to-peer RV rentals, allowing owners to protect their investment while earning rental income. Most standard policies exclude commercial use, making Roamly an important option for RV owners interested in offsetting costs through rentals.
GEICO
GEICO provides enhanced RV coverage in most states with several valuable features:
GEICO is competitive for many RV types and worth including in your quote comparisons.
Auto-Owners Insurance
Auto-Owners consistently receives high marks for customer service and claims satisfaction. While not available in all states and requiring agent contact for quotes (no online quoting), their personalized service and strong reputation make them worth considering if customer experience is a priority.
Bundle Policies
Combining RV, auto, and homeowners insurance with one provider typically saves 10-20% across all policies. Even if individual policies might be slightly cheaper elsewhere, bundling discounts often result in the lowest total insurance cost.
When comparing quotes, get bundled pricing from insurers who cover all your vehicles and property.
Take Safety Courses
Completing an RV driving or safety course can earn 5-15% discounts with many insurers. Organizations like the RV Safety & Education Foundation offer courses covering safe driving techniques, RV systems, and emergency procedures.
Beyond the insurance discount, the knowledge gained can help you avoid accidents and claims that would raise your rates—a double benefit.
Choose Higher Deductibles
Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10-20%. A $2,500 deductible saves even more but increases your financial risk.
Choose a deductible you can comfortably pay out of pocket if needed. The premium savings over several years often exceed the higher deductible amount, making this a smart financial choice for careful drivers.
Install Safety Devices
Anti-theft devices, wheel locks, hitch locks, alarm systems, smoke detectors, and other safety features may qualify you for additional discounts. These devices reduce risk for insurers and demonstrate that you take protection seriously.
Ask your insurer specifically which devices qualify for discounts and how much you can save.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
This is the most impactful long-term strategy for low insurance costs. Drivers with five or more claim-free years can qualify for discounts of 20-25%—savings that compound year after year.
Avoid accidents, traffic violations, and unnecessary claims. The premium impact of a single at-fault accident can exceed thousands of dollars over the years it affects your record.
Use Storage Discounts
If you store your RV seasonally, suspending collision and liability coverage during storage can save significantly. Good Sam offers up to 53% savings during storage periods, and other insurers provide similar options.
You'll maintain comprehensive coverage against theft, weather, and vandalism while your RV is stored, but won't pay for driving-related coverage you're not using.
Compare Quotes Annually
Insurance rates change, and the cheapest provider last year might not be the cheapest this year. Getting quotes from at least three to five companies annually ensures you're not overpaying.
Rates can vary by 40% or more between providers for identical coverage. Spending an hour comparing quotes each year could save hundreds of dollars.
Consider Usage-Based Options
Some insurers offer usage-based or pay-per-mile options for RVs used infrequently. If you only take your RV out a few times per year, these programs can result in significantly lower premiums compared to standard policies.
For occasional travelers, the math on RV ownership doesn't always add up. Between insurance, loan payments, storage, maintenance, and depreciation, owning an RV you use only two or three weeks per year can cost thousands of dollars per use.
Renting an RV eliminates year-round insurance payments and fixed ownership costs. The cost of renting an RV often includes insurance coverage, simplifying your planning and reducing risk.
Consider renting if you:
For many occasional travelers, renting provides the RV experience without the financial burden of ownership.
If you own an RV and want to offset ownership costs, renting it out when you're not using it can generate meaningful income. However, insurance for rental situations requires special consideration.
Standard personal RV insurance policies typically exclude commercial use—meaning your coverage might be voided if you're renting your RV when an accident or theft occurs. This exclusion exists because rental use changes the risk profile: unfamiliar drivers operate your vehicle, and usage increases beyond personal levels.
Peer-to-peer RV rental platforms address this gap by providing their own insurance coverage during rental periods. When you list your RV on a platform like RVezy, the platform's insurance covers the rental period, protecting both you and the renter.
This arrangement allows you to maintain standard personal coverage for your own use while the platform's commercial coverage applies during rentals—giving you the best of both worlds.
RVezy offers comprehensive protection for RV owners who list their vehicles:
$2M Insurance Coverage: During active rentals, your RV is covered by RVezy's insurance policy, protecting against damage, theft, and liability claims.
24/7 Roadside Assistance: If renters experience breakdowns, RVezy's roadside assistance responds without you needing to be involved.
Secure Payment Processing: You receive guaranteed payment for bookings, eliminating the risk of non-payment or payment disputes.
Screening and Support: RVezy screens renters and provides support throughout the rental process.
Many RV owners find that rental income covers a significant portion of their annual ownership costs—sometimes including the entire insurance premium, storage fees, and even loan payments. If you're interested in turning your RV into an income-generating asset, you can list your RV on RVezy and start earning during the times you're not using your vehicle.
The combination of personal coverage when you're using your RV and platform coverage during rentals provides complete protection while maximizing your RV's value.
RV insurance costs range from around $500 per year for basic coverage on a travel trailer to $4,000 or more for comprehensive full-time coverage on a luxury motorhome. Your actual premium depends on your RV type, how you use it, where you live, and the coverage levels you choose.
The key to affordable RV insurance is shopping around, leveraging available discounts, and choosing coverage that matches your actual needs. Don't pay for full-timer coverage if you only camp occasionally, but don't skimp on protection if your RV is your primary residence or represents a significant investment.
Here are the most important takeaways:
Know your coverage needs. Recreational users need different coverage than full-timers. Towable RV owners have different requirements than motorhome owners. Match your policy to your actual situation.
Compare quotes from multiple providers. Rates vary by 40% or more between insurers. Getting quotes from Progressive, Good Sam, Nationwide, and at least one or two other providers ensures you're not leaving money on the table.
Take advantage of every discount. Bundle policies, complete safety courses, install security devices, and maintain a clean driving record. Stacked discounts can reduce premiums by 30% or more.
Review your coverage annually. Your needs change, and so do insurance rates. What was the best deal last year might not be this year. Spend an hour each renewal period comparing options.
Consider the total cost of ownership. Insurance is just one piece of RV ownership costs. When budgeting, include loan payments, storage, maintenance, campground fees, and fuel. If the total exceeds your comfort level, renting might make more sense than owning.
Whether you're buying your first RV or looking to lower your current premiums, informed decisions about insurance can save you hundreds of dollars annually—money better spent on fuel, campground fees, and the adventures that make RV life worthwhile.