Living full-time in an RV is an exciting lifestyle, but it comes with its own unique challenges—one of the biggest being finding the right RV insurance. When you’re on the road year-round, your needs are very different from the average weekend RV user, which can make it tricky to find the right policy. But don’t worry—it’s entirely possible to get full-time RV insurance that will protect you and your home on wheels.
In this post, we’ll break down the different insurance options available for full-time RVers, discuss the pros and cons of each, and share our own experience with Progressive, the company we chose to insure our RV.
Why You Need Full-Time RV Insurance
If you’re living in your RV full-time, regular RV insurance may not provide the coverage you need. Standard RV insurance is designed for recreational users—those who travel part-time or use their RV occasionally. Full-time RV insurance, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to cover the unique risks and needs of full-time RV living, offering more extensive protection. This includes coverage for your personal belongings, liability, and even emergency expenses if something happens while you’re on the road.
Common Full-Time RV Insurance Options
Here are some of the most popular options for full-time RV insurance, along with their pros and cons:
1. Progressive Full-Time RV Insurance
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes liability, collision, personal belongings, and emergency expense coverage.
- Roadside Assistance: Available 24/7, which is a lifesaver for full-time travelers.
- Good Rates for Full-Time RVers: Progressive offers competitive pricing, and in our experience, we were able to get a great rate.
- Positive Customer Experiences: We’ve had to use our Progressive insurance a couple of times for minor issues on the road and had a smooth and positive experience each time.
Cons:
- Higher Premiums: Since this is a comprehensive policy, premiums can be higher compared to basic RV insurance plans.
Our Take: As full-time RVers, we chose Progressive because of their good rates, reliable coverage, and positive reviews from other RVers. So far, we’ve been happy with our decision.
2. Geico Full-Time RV Insurance
Pros:
- Customizable Coverage: Geico offers various add-ons and flexibility in coverage to suit your specific needs.
- Emergency Expense Coverage: Similar to Progressive, this includes expenses for lodging and transportation if your RV is being repaired.
Cons:
- Availability Varies: Full-time RV insurance might not be available in all states.
- Mixed Reviews for Claims Handling: Some RVers report issues with claims processing, especially for full-time coverage.
Our Take: Geico is a solid option if you want flexible coverage options, but make sure to read reviews on claims handling, as full-time coverage is often more complex.
3. National General Full-Time RV Insurance
Pros:
- Replacement Cost Coverage: Offers coverage to replace your RV if it’s damaged or totaled.
- Full-Timers Package: Designed specifically for people who live in their RV full-time, offering liability coverage similar to a homeowners policy.
Cons:
- Higher Premiums: Some users report that National General tends to be on the pricier side, especially for full-time coverage.
- Limited Availability: Not available in all areas, so make sure it’s offered in your state.
Our Take: National General’s full-timers package is worth considering if you want high levels of protection, but be prepared for a higher price tag.
4. Good Sam Insurance
Pros:
- Full-Time RV Insurance Specialist: Good Sam specializes in RV coverage and understands the needs of full-time RVers.
- Additional Discounts: Offers discounts for Good Sam Club members, safe drivers, and more.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: Some users report limited options for tailoring the policy to their exact needs.
- Average Claims Handling: Mixed reviews when it comes to how claims are processed and handled.
Our Take: If you’re already a Good Sam member, this is an option worth exploring, but make sure the policy covers all your full-time living needs.
Key Things to Look for in Full-Time RV Insurance
When shopping for full-time RV insurance, here are some key features you’ll want to make sure are included:
- Liability Coverage: This is similar to homeowners insurance and protects you in case of an accident or injury on your “property” (your RV).
- Personal Belongings Coverage: Since your RV is your home, you’ll want to make sure all your personal items inside the RV are covered in case of damage or theft.
- Emergency Expense Coverage: If something happens to your RV while you’re on the road, this coverage will help with lodging, food, and transportation until your RV is repaired.
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: These protect your RV in the event of an accident or other damage (such as weather, theft, or vandalism).
- Roadside Assistance: Full-time RVers rely on their vehicles, so having roadside assistance included is a must.
Challenges of Finding the Right Full-Time RV Insurance
It can be tricky to find the right full-time RV insurance because not all insurance companies offer policies tailored to the unique needs of full-time RV living. Some companies don’t even offer full-time coverage in certain states, and others may charge higher premiums because of the increased risks of living on the road year-round.
However, with a little research and comparison shopping, you can find a policy that works for you. Make sure the insurance company understands that you’re living in your RV full-time, as this affects your coverage needs. Don’t settle for standard RV insurance, as it likely won’t provide the level of protection you need.
Our Experience with Progressive Full-Time RV Insurance
As mentioned earlier, our family chose Progressive for our full-time RV insurance, and we’ve been really happy with our decision. We’ve had a couple of minor issues while on the road and the process was smooth and stress-free. Progressive’s 24/7 roadside assistance has also been a huge help in keeping us safe while traveling.
When shopping for full-time RV insurance, make sure your policy covers your lifestyle so you can be protected no matter what happens on the road. The right coverage will give you peace of mind and let you focus on what’s important—enjoying life on the road with your family.
Final Thoughts: Take Your Time and Compare Policies
Finding the right full-time RV insurance might take some time, but it’s crucial to get a policy that fits your needs. Compare rates, ask questions, and make sure you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. For our family, Progressive worked best, but every situation is different. What’s most important is that you have the right protection in place so you can enjoy your full-time RV lifestyle with peace of mind.