Whether it is due to the rise in remote work or a growing desire to explore new destinations, RVs have become more popular. Renting an RV is a great way to combine travel adventures with the comfort of a home. Today, we will discuss why you might choose to rent an RV, the rental requirements, the different rental options, and the insurance choices available for RV rentals.
There are many benefits to renting an RV instead of buying one. First, the upfront costs of buying an RV are high. While some towable RVs are available for $23,000, others can easily surpass six figures. Meanwhile, some camper vans, like the Westfalia Wave Pop-Top, start at $179,849, and larger Class A RVs, like the Coachmen Euro 25EU, start at $218,878.
This can be costly for a vehicle you might only use for a few weeks each year. Not only do RVs require a significant investment, but they also need regular maintenance, storage, and, for towable models, a vehicle with enough towing capacity. If you are unsure whether RV life is right for you, renting offers a great opportunity to test different models and see which one best fits your lifestyle. Then, if you do decide to buy an RV, you will proceed more confidently.
Fortunately, there are several RV rental options, including peer-to-peer offerings. One example is Outdoorsy, which reaches 600,000 travelers globally. Similar to how homeowners might offer short-term rentals of their property on Airbnb, Outdoorsy connects RV owners with renters. A variety of types are available to rent, including toy haulers, fifth wheelers, vintage Airstreams, and Class A, B, and C motorhomes.
RVezy offers similar rental options to Outdoorsy along with a platform for buying and selling RVs. Both services offer RV delivery and pickup options. RVezy claims that drivable RVs cost an average of $200 per night, and towable trailer RVs cost $120 per night.
In addition to a clean insurance history, most RVezy rentals require drivers to hold an unrestricted license for at least 8 years. According to Outdoorsy, one of the most important factors in RV licensing requirements is the vehicle's weight. A 26,000-pound weight threshold is significant because vehicles weighing less than this can typically be operated with a standard driver’s license, and most RVs fall within this weight limit.
Outdoorsy notes that Class C RVs generally weigh between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds, while Class A RVs range from approximately 13,000 to 40,000 pounds. Thus, renters operating heavier Class A RVs exceeding 26,000 pounds may need to obtain a different type of license, depending on their jurisdiction. For instance, in states such as California and Maryland, a Class B non-commercial license would be required.
Before renting an RV, be sure to check the weight of the RV you plan to rent and the requirements in your state.
Many RV rental companies provide their own insurance options. If they do not, you should not rely on your existing auto or RV insurance to cover rentals, as it often excludes such coverage. Both Outdoorsy and RVezy offer protection plans.
When you rent your RV from RVezy, you can choose one of four protection plans. The lowest level options have higher deductibles. They include windshield protection and towing within a 100-mile radius. The third tier is the Standard plan, which provides towing coverage up to 200 miles, along with coverage for the roof, windshield, awning, tires, a fuel top-up, and emergency lodging. Meanwhile, the Premium plan adds more coverage, extends the towing radius to 400 miles, and includes mobile mechanic and trip interruption coverage. Roadside assistance is also available.
Outdoorsy offers insurance options that include 24/7 Customer Support, accident interruption coverage, windshield coverage, physical damage coverage up to $300,000, and state minimum liability coverage. Jump starts, towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, roadside assistance, and more are available through Outdoorsy’s partner Coach-Net.
Your homeowners policy is unlikely to cover theft or damage to the rented RV. Likewise, your personal liability coverage probably would not cover injuries that occur in or around the rental RV. Coverage might apply if items are stolen while the RV is parked or if the damage is due to weather. Still, it is wise to review your policy to confirm the specifics.
Renting an RV combines your accommodation and transportation into one. For those who want to hit the open road but prefer a consistent place to stay each night, an RV rental can be the ideal option. Before you start your trip, research your state's requirements and the RV rental company’s policies for renters and insurance to make sure you are adequately protected.
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.