Who in Massachusetts should have motorhome insurance?
Most Massachusetts residents who own RVs or motorhomes should have motorhome insurance. State law generally requires vehicles to be insured, and this tends to be the best insurance for these vehicles.
Additionally, residents who have financed or leased their RVs may be doubly required to carry insurance. Many lenders stipulate that loan or lease holders carry certain coverages for the duration of their RV’s financial arrangement.
What types of motorhome insurance policies are available?
Insurance companies generally classify motorhome insurance policies into three categories. The categories are defined by what size motorhome can be insured:
- Class A policies normally cover the largest RVs and converted school/coach buses
- Class B policies normally cover smaller motorhomes, travel trailers and camper vans
- Class C policies normally cover the smallest motorhomes and fifth-wheel trailers
What coverages are available through motorhome policies?
Motorhome policies often have a combination of auto coverages and homeowners coverages.
The auto-related coverages tend to protect the motorhome, the driver, passengers, and others who could be injured in an accident. These coverages can include:
- Collision Coverage, which might cover motorhome damage occurring during accidents
- Comprehensive Coverage, which might cover motorhome damage occurring during other incidents
- Property Damage Liability Coverage, which might cover damage to other vehicles and/or property
- Personal Injury Coverage, which might cover injuries to the motorhome driver and/or passengers
- Bodily Injury Coverage, which might cover injuries to other drivers, passengers or bystanders
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, which might cover accidents caused by uninsured drivers
The property-related coverages tend to add protections for personal belongings, when a motorhome is parked, and some other items. These coverages can include:
- Personal Property Coverage, which might protect belongings (e.g. clothing, electronics) in a motorhome
- Emergency Expenses Coverage, which might protect against unanticipated costs following an incident
- Campsite and Vacation Coverage, which might protect against certain risks while traveling on vacation
- Full-Timer Coverage, which might add extra liability and property protections for RVers who don’t have another residence
Can RV owners save money by canceling their motorhome policy when not traveling?
Some RV owners change coverages when their motorhome is parked in the driveway, in order to save on insurance premiums. While this is possible to do, a policy normally shouldn’t be altogether canceled.
Canceling a policy may leave a motorhome unprotected against damage from falling tree branches, falling icicles, fire, vandalism, and similar perils. Any belongings in the motorhome would also likely be unprotected against theft or other loss.
Instead, a policy may be adjusted so that it protects against these risks but doesn’t include other protections that are unnecessary when not driving. This could leave important protections in place, while also reducing premiums some.
An insurance agent who specializes in motorhome policies can help RVers adjust their coverages when not traveling.
Should RV owners purchase personal property coverage through their motorhome policy?
Before purchasing personal property coverage through a motorhome policy, RVers should first check whether they have coverage through their main homeowners' insurance policy. Most homeowners policies offer this coverage, but where it extends to can vary.
Homeowners' policies that have “worldwide coverage” for their personal property coverage normally protect belongings wherever they are (except for select places, such as war zones). In this case, additional personal property coverage through a motorhome policy is likely unneeded.
If a homeowners policy doesn’t have “worldwide coverage,” the policy may provide only limited protection for belongings that aren’t at the insured residence. In this case, additional personal property coverage through a motorhome policy is likely recommended.
An insurance agent who knows motorhome policies well can help RVers sort through these details.
How can Massachusetts residents get RV insurance?
For assistance insuring a Massachusetts-registered motorhome, contact the independent insurance agents at Paul T. Murphy Insurance. Our agents will work with you to identify coverage needs, and then we can help you explore RV insurance policy options that meet those needs.
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