Learn About Insurance for Recreational Vehicles

You are probably not thinking about boat, camper or ATV insurance when you are having fun with your favorite recreational vehicles (RV).

However, obtaining boat insurance or other forms of coverage for a recreational vehicle is important. This coverage may be required by law depending on where you ride. If you are financing your RV, most lenders require some degree of coverage.

Although a motor home or camper feels like a house on wheels, it is probably not covered by your homeowner’s or auto insurance policies. RV camper insurance coverage must be bought separately to cover your investment and any damage you may incur on the road. Keep reading to learn how to get an insurance quote on your recreational vehicles today.

Learn About RV Insurance Basics

RV and auto insurance policies often include similar language. Before trying to get insurance quotes, familiarize yourself with the following definitions used by car and RV insurance providers:

• Deductible: This how much you must pay before your insurance company covers the rest. Make sure your ATV, camper or watercraft insurance quote includes a deductible lower than your recreational vehicle’s current market value.
• Liability: This is what car and RV insurance companies pay for injuries and property damage incurred by others in an accident you caused.
• Collision: This coverage pays to repair RV damage caused by an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
• Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from vandalism, theft, natural disasters and other non-accident situations.
• Underinsured/Uninsured: This covers you and your passengers if you are riding your RV and suffer injuries or damage by another person with little or no insurance.

If you have car insurance, then you are already familiar with what is required to obtain ATV liability insurance and other types of recreational vehicle coverage. As with car insurance, RV insurance companies will require you to provide information about your vehicle, your age, driving habits and driving/boating locations.

How to Find the Best Boat Insurance

If you need to get a boat insurance quote, try starting with your current auto or motorcycle insurance company. Although not all insurers cover watercraft, those that do often provide a discount for bundling your insurance policies. The best boat insurance companies cover all kinds of vessels, including fishing boats, pontoons, motorboats, sailboats and personal watercraft.

When looking for a cheap boat insurance online quote, remember that cheap is not necessarily better. Look for question-and-answer sections to find out what kind of marine emergency situations are covered, such as towing when your boat breaks down on the water.

Top boat insurance companies also offer policies that include professional transport when a hurricane or tropical storm is threatening your usual docking location. Compare the rates and reviews of many boat insurance companies before making a decision.

How to Find Camper or RV Insurance Plans

RV camper insurance coverage is similar to both homeowner’s insurance and auto insurance, but it also provides additional coverage options. For example, pet injury coverage can be added onto the basic coverages listed above. RV users who only travel occasionally will need a different level of coverage than someone who lives in their RV full time. Types of RV campers covered include:

• Class A, B and C motorhomes and camper vans.
• Camping trailers, including fifth wheels, pop-up tent trailers, mounted truck campers and conventional camping trailers.
• Trailers carrying ATVs, camping gear, animals or other cargo.

Note that each RV insurance company may have its own rules regarding the length and overall size of campers and RVs they are willing to cover. Because of their bulky size, RVs frequently suffer damage from low-hanging branches and collisions with stationary objects. Always plan to shop different companies to find the best RV insurance deals.

How to Get a Good ATV Insurance Quote

ATVs are considered an off-road vehicle, which means that traffic laws do not apply to ATV drivers. However, off road driving requires a certain amount of knowledge and skill to avoid accidents. Mandatory ATV insurance may be required when riding in state or public parks and certain private property areas.

Some of the types of ATVs covered by ATV insurance include:

• Dirt bikes.
• Snowmobiles
• Dune buggies.
• Golf carts.
• Three, four and six wheeled ATVs.

An off road ATV comes with unique needs that may be added to your insurance coverage. This includes coverage for towable trailers and sleds, transport trailer coverage and total replacement when necessary. Note that the same factors that can reduce the costs of other types of RV insurance also apply to ATVs. You are likely to receive a discount if you take a safe ATV driving course and/or have a good motor vehicle driving record.

Tips for Getting Cheap ATV, RV and Boat Insurance

You can find cheap ATV insurance and lower the cost of other types of recreational vehicle coverage if you follow certain guidelines. Boat insurance companies may offer a discount if you insure more than one vessel or take a boat safety course.

Most recreational vehicle insurers reward safe driving behavior and will give you a discount if you have had no motor vehicle accidents or violations within a certain timeframe.

Cheap RV insurance is possible when you bundle auto, home or another type of insurance with your RV coverage. Some companies also offer a discount if you are the original owner of your RV or if you pay your policy up front. Insurers also offer incentives to those who install anti-theft locks and other devices to help keep their investment safe from thieves and vandals.

Learn About Boat and ATV Rental Insurance

If you decide to rent a boat or all-terrain vehicle while on vacation, note that watercraft and ATV rental insurance is a good idea. However, you do not need to search for “rental boat insurance near me,” as this is not something that you purchase on your own.

It is usually offered by the boat or ATV rental company and is valid only during the rental period. If you are thinking of renting an RV or a regular car, make sure you know what to keep in mind when renting.