{"id":6091,"date":"2022-05-09T12:19:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T19:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/?p=6091"},"modified":"2022-12-23T23:54:41","modified_gmt":"2022-12-23T23:54:41","slug":"does-your-auto-insurance-cover-your-rv-or-trailer-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/blog\/does-your-auto-insurance-cover-your-rv-or-trailer-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Your Auto Insurance Cover Your RV or Trailer in California?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It depends on whether or not that additional vehicle is motorized. If it is, then most likely not. Insurance companies base this decision on whether or not your RV or trailer is considered a self-contained vehicle or a towed object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take it a step at a time and figure out what your existing auto insurance policy covers and the possible benefits of obtaining a separate insurance policy for your RV or trailer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, What Do We Mean by RV and Trailer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The distinction is generally between motorized and non-motorized vehicles: those that can be driven vs. those that must be towed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RV stands for recreation vehicle, and that definition from an insurance standpoint might encompass more than you might expect. Sure, it\u2019s those big self-contained vehicles and temporary homes you see lumbering down the road all summer long. But the category also includes a wider range of self-contained motorized vehicles that you don\u2019t tow. Camper vans, mini motor homes, and even converted buses, among other forms of transport, fall into this group. We\u2019ll refer to the coverage associated with these vehicles as motorhome\/RV insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-motorized vehicles, such as campers<\/u><\/a> and small trailer homes, must be towed. As a further distinction, this post will only address trailers pulling non-motorized homes, not those that tow boats, motorcycles, or other personal or commercial items. This coverage is called travel trailer insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motorized RVs and trailers are treated quite differently when it comes to insurance, so let\u2019s look at them one at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You Need Motorhome\/RV Insurance for Your Motorized Vehicle in CA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t add your motorized recreational vehicle to your existing auto insurance policy. Special motorhome\/RV insurance is mandatory in every US state except New Hampshire and Virginia. Those are the two states that also don\u2019t demand auto insurance coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But with the high cost of RVs and the relative difficulty in driving them, it would be unwise to not have motorhome\/RV insurance even in the non-mandatory states. Besides, if your vehicle is financed, your lender will almost certainly make this coverage a condition of obtaining the loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determining the rates you pay for your motorhome\/RV insurance coverage starts with a lot of back and forth between you and your agent, as well as being a smart consumer and doing some comparison shopping for RV insurance. That\u2019s because an RV is both a home and transportation, so you should determine how it will be primarily used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will it be taken out only for the occasional long weekend or week\u2019s vacation? Or are you planning on living in your RV? This is one big factor that will determine what you pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Camper<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Does RV\/Motorhome Insurance Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It works much like regular auto insurance, with insurance types and amounts agreed upon by you and your insurer. It\u2019s one thing if you suffer a fender bender while on the road and quite another if your RV is broken into and a large-screen television is taken. Let your insurance agent ask the questions that will help you determine your premiums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much like your auto insurance, you\u2019ll have coverage options<\/u><\/a> that will include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n