Michigan RV insurance for motorhomes, trailers and full-timers

How is a motorhome insured differently from a travel trailer?

A motorhome is a motor vehicle, so in Michigan it needs the same core no-fault coverages as a car: personal injury protection, property protection and liability, plus physical damage coverage for the RV itself. A towable RV, such as a travel trailer or fifth wheel, generally relies on the tow vehicle’s auto policy for liability while it is hitched, and needs its own policy to cover physical damage to the trailer and its contents.

• Michigan Auto Insurance — How PIP levels and liability limits work under Michigan no-fault

What does RV insurance cover?

RV insurance covers damage to the RV itself and your liability to others. Collision pays when the RV hits another vehicle or object, or rolls over. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, vandalism and most other non-collision damage. Both are optional unless you have a loan or lease. Motorhome policies also include liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments for you and passengers inside the motorhome.

• Collision. Damage from striking another vehicle, curb, post, tree or pothole, or from upset.
• Comprehensive. Theft, fire, vandalism and other non-collision damage, minus your deductible.
• Bodily injury and property damage liability. Motorhomes only; injuries and damage you cause to others.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist. Protection when the at-fault driver has no or too little insurance.
• Medical payments. Immediate medical expenses for you and passengers in the motorhome.

How is an RV valued after a total loss?

Without an upgrade, a totaled RV is usually paid at actual cash value: replacement cost minus depreciation and your deductible, close to what a similar RV with similar miles sells for. Because RVs depreciate quickly, many owners choose a stronger settlement option. Common choices are full total loss replacement for newer RVs, agreed value set when the policy is written, or market value. The right choice depends on the RV’s age, value and any loan balance.

What extra coverages should RV owners consider?

The most useful RV add-ons protect your trip and what you carry. Emergency expense coverage pays for transportation and lodging when a covered loss interrupts travel, and roadside assistance pays for towing after a breakdown. Replacement-cost coverage for belongings, vacation liability at your campsite, and disappearing deductibles are also common. Some insurers include certain coverages automatically when you buy collision and comprehensive, so we compare packages across carriers.

• Emergency expense. Transportation and hotel costs when travel is interrupted by a covered loss.
• Roadside assistance. Towing when the RV breaks down near the road.
• Belongings and personal items. Replacement cost instead of actual cash value for what you carry.
• Vacation liability. Injuries to others at your campsite or vacation spot.
• Accident forgiveness and disappearing deductible. Limit premium increases and reduce your deductible over claim-free years.
• Fire department service charges and pet injury. Often included with collision and comprehensive.
• Mexico physical damage. Extends physical damage coverage for trips across the southern border; not included on most policies.

What insurance do full-time RVers need?

Full-time RVers use their RV as a primary residence, so a standard RV policy built for occasional travel leaves gaps. Full-timer coverage adds personal liability similar to a homeowners policy, loss assessment coverage for charges from an RV park or association, and coverage for belongings kept in a storage shed. Tell your advisor if you live in your RV, because using it as a residence without disclosing that can affect a claim.

• Full-timer’s personal liability. Liability protection that follows you like a homeowners policy would.
• Loss assessment. Fines, charges or assessments from an RV park or association, up to a set limit.
• Storage shed contents. Belongings stored on your property, at replacement cost up to a set limit.

Many full-timers also add an umbrella policy above their RV and auto liability.