RV insurance: Don’t hit the road without it

If you bought a tractor trailer, you wouldn’t add it to your car insurance policy. It’s a specialized vehicle and needs special coverages and claims handling.

So why do more than half of RVers surveyed by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies add their RV to their car insurance policy?

 “We don’t know why, but we know why they shouldn’t,” says Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager with Progressive.

For example, what if …

 … your RV breaks down on a trip?

While a lot of car insurance policies offer roadside assistance, many may not include coverage for your RV. Even if your policy covers some roadside expenses, it may not cover them all. For example, it may pay for towing only up to the amount it costs to tow a car. RV tows can cost three times more. That means out-of-pocket expenses you’re responsible for paying.

 … your RV is involved in a crash?

Auto insurers typically have someone who normally handles car insurance claims inspect your RV. Specialty RV insurers train claims rep to look for damage and write estimates specific to RVs. They also work with repair facilities that know how to repair an RV and guarantee the work.

 … the stuff in your RV is stolen?

You may keep things inside your RV that you never keep in your car like jewelry, laptops and camcorders. Your auto policy won’t pay to replace these items if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Specialty insurers offer “personal effects” coverage that will pay to replace them if they’re used with your RV.

For more information on RV insurance contact an independent agent, The Gardner Group.

Making Life More Fun

Eight Tips For Getting Ready For RV Season

If you enjoy roaming the road with your recreational vehicle (RV), you have lots of company. Millions enjoy that freedom, too. Here are some general tips that will help to steer you towards a stress-free season on the road:

1) Clean it up and air it out

Open all roof vents and windows and then remove any pest control items you may have placed during winter storage. It is also a good idea to clean or replace air conditioner filters.

2) Check for damage

• Look for deterioration of seals around doors, roof vents and windows and reseal as necessary.
• Check awnings for damage, mildew and insects.
• Examine the hitch system for wear, loose bolts and cracks.

3) Change the engine oil and spark plugs

Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter prior to storage and again in the spring. During storage, oil can separate and cause condensation buildup that may harm the engine. While replacing spark plugs, be sure to set the gaps to the recommended manufacturer’s setting.

4) Inspect the engine

• Check the battery.
• Check the cooling and fuel systems
• Drain and flush the entire system of the nontoxic antifreeze you used before placing the RV into storage and replace with the proper coolant.
• Check for crachs in hoses and fan belts and replace if necessary.
• Replace fuel filter, and examine the fuel lines and fittings for cracks and leaks.
• Change the transmission fluid and filter.
• Flush the water system.

5) Inspect the tires

Check for cracks, worn treads and correct tire pressure.

6) Check all lights

Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are all functioning properly.

7) Prepare for a safe season

After checking all mechanical components, it’s always a good idea to inspect your safety equipment. This means installing new batteries in flashlights and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and restocking the first-aid kit.

8) Check your coverage

After making these routine checks, don’t forget to review your insurance policy to make sure it meets your current needs. Progressive, for example, has been insuring RVers for more than 25 years and understands their needs and wants, so it has developed specialized coverages that offer true protection.

It covers more than other companies that simply add RVs onto an existing auto policy.

For more information about specialized RV insurance coverages, contact The Gardner Group. 

Did You Know?

After RVers make routine checks, they should review their insurance policy to make sure it meets current needs. Progressive, for example, has developed specialized coverages that offer true protection, much more than other companies that simply add RVs onto an existing auto policy.

A trip in an RV shouldn’t ruin your marriage … or your day

Mistakes happen, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, but the results of a recent survey may still surprise you.

The survey found that among RVers, a spouse is more likely to be accidentally left behind than the dog.

A leading RV insurer, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, surveyed more than 1,000 RVers countrywide to uncover amusing mishaps they’ve experienced while traveling.

The survey found that the most common blunders made while traveling are:

•driving away with the steps extended
•backing into something
•misjudging overhead or side clearance space
•not connecting taillights correctly
•running out of gas

The survey found that 53 percent of RVers spend a month or more each year traveling the open road, and 42 percent travel more than 500 miles per trip.

Traveling the open road in an RV can be a great adventure, but sometimes it gets a little bumpy. That’s why RVers were also asked about their insurance. When mishaps happen, you want to get back on the road fast—ideally with all of your passengers on board.

Only 28 percent bought a stand-alone insurance policy with specialized RV coverages. In fact, 54 percent simply added their RV to their auto policy, and 14 percent didn’t buy any RV insurance.

Although mishaps can sometimes be funny, they can also lead to costly damages. Simply adding your RV to your auto policy can leave you woefully underprotected. It’s important to know what coverages are available to adequately protect yourself and your vehicle.

“There are huge differences in coverage and services from companies that specialize in RV insurance,” says Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager at Progressive. “Check with your local independent insurance agent or do research online so that you buy the policy and coverages that are right for you.”

The material included in this website is to serve as informational only. Please refer to your insurance policy for your specific coverage details.