Do You Need RV Insurance?

Last Updated on December 29, 2025

RV insurance can protect your motorhome or trailer from big, unexpected costs—everything from liability claims after an accident to theft, weather damage, and more. But do you actually need RV insurance?

It depends on what you own and how you use it. In general:

• Motorized RVs (Class A, B, and C motorhomes) usually need at least liability insurance if you drive them on public roads.
• Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups) often don’t require a separate liability policy while you’re towing—but they still may need coverage to protect the trailer itself.
• Financed or leased RVs typically require “full coverage” (comprehensive + collision) because the lender wants the RV protected.

Below is a practical breakdown of when RV insurance is required, when it’s optional, and what coverage is worth considering.

Key Takeaways

• Motorized RVs (Class A, B, and C motorhomes) typically need at least liability insurance if you drive them on public roads.
• Financed or leased RVs usually require comprehensive and collision coverage because the lender wants the RV protected as loan collateral.
• Towable RVs often rely on the tow vehicle for liability while hitched, but that doesn’t automatically cover damage to the trailer itself.
• RV policies can include useful add-ons like roadside assistance, personal belongings coverage, and vacation/full-timer liability—depending on how you travel.

When Is RV Insurance Required?

RV insurance is most commonly required in these situations:

• You own a motorhome and drive it on public roads. Most states treat motorhomes like cars for insurance purposes, meaning you’ll typically need at least liability insurance.
• You’re financing or leasing the RV. If you’re financing or leasing, the lender/lessor usually requires comprehensive and collision coverage to protect the collateral.
• You’re renting an RV. Rental companies typically require you to carry (or purchase) coverage for the rental period, and the rules can vary by company and RV type.

Even when RV insurance is optional, many owners still buy it because RVs can be expensive to repair or replace—and a single liability claim can dwarf the value of the RV itself.

How RV Insurance Works

RV insurance works a lot like car insurance, but it often includes RV-specific options (like campsite liability, roadside assistance for larger vehicles, and personal belongings coverage). Most policies are built from these core pieces:

Liability Coverage

Bodily injury liability pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident. Learn the basics here: bodily injury liability coverage.

Property damage liability pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property (their car, a building, a fence, etc.). Here’s how it works: property damage liability coverage.

Physical Damage Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your RV after a crash (even if you’re at fault). More details: collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision events like theft, fire, hail, vandalism, and falling objects. If you’ve ever wondered how “full coverage” fits in, here’s a helpful explainer: is full coverage the same as comprehensive coverage?

Popular RV Add-Ons to Consider

Depending on your RV and how you travel, these options can be worth asking about:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (protects you if the at-fault driver can’t pay).
• Medical payments (MedPay) or PIP (helps with injury costs regardless of fault in some cases).
• Personal effects coverage (covers belongings kept in the RV).
• Roadside assistance for RVs (often different from regular auto roadside due to towing needs).
• Vacation liability (liability coverage while the RV is parked and used like a temporary residence).
• Full-timer coverage (for people who live in the RV as a primary residence).

Some of these options are similar in spirit to common auto insurance add-ons, but RV versions can be tailored to travel, storage, and campsite risks.

How Much RV Coverage Should You Get?

For many RV owners, “just the minimum” isn’t enough. RVs are large, heavy, and expensive to repair—so accidents can lead to major injury and property damage claims.

As a starting point:

• Choose liability limits that protect your assets (not just the legal minimum).
• If the RV is financed or relatively new, consider full coverage (comprehensive + collision) so you’re not paying out of pocket after a loss.
• Pick deductibles you can afford quickly (especially if you travel far from home).

If you’re leaning toward full coverage, this guide translates well to RV decisions too: buying full coverage insurance.

Why Financed RVs Usually Require Full Coverage

Lenders require full coverage because the RV is the collateral for the loan. If the RV is totaled or stolen, the lender still expects to be repaid—so they require comprehensive and collision to protect the collateral.

This is similar to how collateral protection insurance works in other lending situations: the party with a financial interest in the vehicle wants to reduce the risk of an uncovered loss.

Do You Need RV Insurance for a Rental RV?

If you’re renting an RV, don’t assume your normal car insurance automatically covers it. Some personal auto policies may extend certain protections to rentals, but RVs can be treated differently than standard passenger cars. Start here, then confirm exclusions with your insurer: does my auto insurance policy cover rental cars?

Also, many credit cards that offer rental coverage exclude motorhomes and certain trailer rentals. Here’s what to check before you rely on it: what does your credit card cover when renting a car?

In many cases, the simplest (and safest) option is to purchase the rental company’s protection package for the exact RV you’re renting, then coordinate it with any coverage you already have.

When Is RV Insurance Optional?

RV insurance may be optional (or partially optional) when:

• Your RV is towable (travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop-up) and you’re asking about liability coverage while towing.
• You own the RV outright and you’re deciding whether to insure it for physical damage (comprehensive/collision).

For towables, the tow vehicle’s liability coverage commonly extends while the trailer is hitched and being towed—but that doesn’t automatically protect the trailer itself from theft, hail, or collision damage. For more on how towing and coverage typically work, see: do auto insurance policies cover trailers?

Even if a separate policy isn’t required for a towable, many owners still buy coverage because repairs (or replacement) can be expensive, and campsite risks like theft and storm damage are real.

Where to Buy RV Insurance

Many major insurers sell RV coverage, and you can often start by asking your current auto insurer for an RV quote. If you want more guidance on coverage choices, discounts, and shopping strategies, working with an insurance agent can help—especially for full-timer coverage, high-value rigs, or specialty situations.

FAQs on RV Insurance

Final Word on RV Insurance

If you drive a motorhome, you’ll usually need at least liability coverage. If your RV is financed or leased, you’ll typically need full coverage. If you own a towable RV, you may not need a separate liability policy while towing—but you may still want insurance to protect the trailer itself.

Ultimately, RV insurance comes down to risk and budget. If replacing (or repairing) your RV would be financially painful, buying the right coverage is often worth the peace of mind.