Although most states require some insurance for self-powered RVs, the specific requirements differ by state. Today, we are exploring state rules for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance, and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). We will also cover full-time RV insurance.
The two main types of liability coverage are bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability insurance covers injuries inflicted to others for which you are responsible when driving your RV. For example, if you rear-end a vehicle with your RV and the vehicle’s occupants are injured, your bodily injury liability insurance would pay for their medical expenses within your policy's coverage limits.
Though most states require bodily injury liability coverage, minimum coverage rules vary by state. The most common bodily injury liability coverage requirements for RV operators are a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Over 30 states enforce this requirement, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Some states, such as California, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania, only require $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, while others, like Alaska, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia, demand a higher coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
While bodily injury liability insurance covers medical expenses you are responsible for, property damage liability insurance pays for damages to vehicles or property. For instance, if you hit a streetlamp with your RV, the insurance would pay for the repair or replacement costs. Similarly, if you sideswipe a car with your RV, your policy will cover the damage to the other vehicle within your coverage limits.
Some states, like Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, only require RV operators to carry property damage liability coverage in the amount of $5,000 per accident. Meanwhile, California, Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin require $10,000 per accident, whereas Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, and Utah mandate $15,000 per accident. Illinois, Missouri, and Montana demand coverage of $20,000 per accident.
Most states require RV operators to carry coverage of $25,000 per accident, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Meanwhile, North Carolina has the highest requirement with $50,000 per accident.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage covers your injuries if another motorist hits your RV and either does not have insurance or does not carry enough insurance to cover the injuries they are deemed responsible for inflicting on you and/or your passengers. Unlike liability insurance, RV owners may be able to secure a lower coverage plan than the one required by the state if they submit a signed form.
States like Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota require uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Maine, North Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia mandate $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Some states, like Vermont, go further by requiring uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage. In this case, if another vehicle collides with your RV and its driver is uninsured or has inadequate coverage, this policy will cover the damages to your RV.
Another coverage option is Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for medical costs if you and your RV passengers are injured in an accident, irrespective of who is at fault. Depending on the state, it may also cover lost wages. For example, if you or your passenger is injured in an accident, and you are consequently unable to work for a period due to recovery or other reasons, then PIP insurance will not only pay the medical bills; it will also cover lost wages within the limits of your policy.
Unlike liability coverage, where there is a degree of consistency in state coverage requirements, PIP requirements vary greatly. For instance, Maryland requires operators to carry $2,500 per person. In contrast, North Dakota mandates $30,000 per person. Some states, like Minnesota, request a total coverage of $40,000, broken down into $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for economic loss. In Minnesota, PIP provides coverage for medical expenses, funerals, lost wages, and other services.
The coverages discussed thus far focus on issues that might arise when traveling in an RV. However, many RVs are used as primary residences, making full-time RV insurance a worthwhile consideration.
Although not required by law, a full-time RV insurance plan offers optional coverages such as loss assessment. This is something one might add to their homeowner’s insurance policy if they live in a homeowner’s association. Loss assessment coverage provides support when your condo association files an insurance claim that requires an additional assessment from owners. For example, if your RV association must repair a common area due to weather damage and the RV owners are billed for the shared cost, then loss assessment can provide coverage within the limits of the policy.
Personal liability coverage in a full-time RV insurance policy functions much like a homeowner’s insurance policy. It can cover expenses if visitors are injured in your RV and you are held responsible.
RVs are unique because they can serve both as a home and a vehicle. As a result, there are different coverage options to ensure you are protected whether you are on the road or parked in an RV park. While some coverage requirements are similar across the country, there are significant differences in the insurance amounts and types needed in each state. Therefore, RV owners should carefully review their state’s policies to make sure they meet the legal requirements when selecting the best plan for their lifestyle.
Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & Affiliates. Prices, products, and providers will vary if you shop online, by phone, by mobile device, or using an agent or broker. Coverage subject to policy terms and conditions. Not available in all states or situations.