Do I need to insure my RV when not using it?
There are a lot of reasons you might not be using your RV and you might have begun to wonder if you can save some money by cancelling your RV insurance. However, in most cases, you should keep your RV insured even if you’re not using it. Here’s why:
- Your RV can be damaged at any time.
- Even if it’s parked, your RV can cause damage or injury.
- You might be legally or contractually required to have your RV insured.
- RV insurance is priced for year-round coverage.
We’ll discuss each reason to keep your RV insured in detail below.
1. Your RV can be damaged even if you’re not using it.
Even if your RV is stored in an indoor, protected facility (which, let’s be honest, most are not), it can still be damaged when you’re not using it. Common scenarios we see of damage while an RV is parked are:
- theft
- damage caused by a storm (hail or wind)
- fire
- getting hit by another vehicle
If it isn’t insured when the damage occurs, you’re paying for repairs out of pocket.
2. Your RV can cause damage or injury even if it’s parked.
People can get hurt or have their property damaged by your RV. For example, if your RV is parked on your driveway and rolls down into the street, striking a parked car, you could be liable for damages. Your RV insurance could cover you, but if you’re not insured, you have to pay out of pocket for the repair expenses for both your RV and whatever property was damaged.
3. You might be legally or contractually required to have insurance on your RV.
Many municipalities require any vehicle (including RVs) parked on public roadways to be registered and insured. If you have a motorhome, you’ll also need insurance before you can drive it.
If your RV is financed, your lender may require insurance coverage on your RV as well. Furthermore, some storage facilities also require insurance. Make sure you understand any contractual obligations you have before cancelling anything.
4. RV insurance policies are priced for year-round coverage.
You’ll see higher rates if you cancel your policy and don’t insure your RV year-round.
Speak to your broker about your options if you’re not planning on using your RV for a long time. In most cases, you should continue insuring your RV, as it protects your property and liabilities and keeps your insurance costs down.