What does motorhome comprehensive insurance cover?

While the collision coverage on your motorhome insurance policy is designed to help protect you in the event of an auto accident, the comprehensive portion of the policy is designed to help repair or replace your motorhome if there's damage or a loss from something other than a collision:

• Fire
• Theft (of the motorhome or its parts)
• Vandalism
• Contact with a deer or other animal
• Falling trees, hail or other debris
• Natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes

If you're familiar with car insurance, you'll find that motorhome comprehensive coverage works much the same way as the comprehensive coverage on an auto policy.

While some coverages on a motorhome policy are required by law, others may be optional where you live (your insurance provider can tell you what the law requires in your state). However, there are some circumstances where comprehensive coverage might be required:

• If you're financing your motorhome, your lender may require comprehensive coverage.
• If you're renting a motorhome, you may be required to take out a policy by the rental company, though you'll likely find that in some states, rented motorhomes are protected by an auto insurance policy. Your insurance provider can help you understand your options.

If you do purchase comprehensive motorhome coverage, you may be able to keep your insurance costs down by taking a few steps.

• Check with your insurance provider to see whether you can take any courses and obtain any certifications from an RV-industry association that would result in a discount.
• Ask whether buying multiple policies (like a home policy along with a motorhome policy) would reduce your premiums overall.
• Consider periodically reviewing your motorhome insurance coverage limits — as the vehicles age, they typically decline in value and may require less comprehensive coverage.
• Talk to your insurance provider to see if raising your deductible (which would likely lower your premium) is a good idea for you. If you do take this route, be sure that you go with a deductible that you can still afford to pay if you have to file a claim.

If the open road is calling your name — and a motorhome is your preferred way to travel it — you're clearly not alone. And the protection offered by comprehensive coverage on your motorhome policy can help set you set off with your mind at ease.