As the allure of the open road beckons more and more individuals, the RV lifestyle has seen a significant surge in popularity. In fact, recent statistics showcase a whopping 62% increase in RV ownership. Such figures highlight the growing desire for freedom, exploration, and adventure.

Whether you’re an occasional weekend traveler or someone fully immersed in the RV life, it’s crucial to ensure your rolling home is adequately insured, especially as you navigate the picturesque landscapes of the Sunshine State and beyond.

In this blog, we’ll go over the different types of RV insurance in Florida and what else you need to know. We realize there’s a lot to consider when looking at all the options. If you’re wondering, is RV insurance mandatory in Florida, we’ll answer that question too.

As an independent insurance agency in Boca Raton, we’re here to answer all your questions. Contact us at (561) 988-3330 to speak to a licensed insurance agent.

The Diversity of Recreational Vehicles in Florida

RVs come in many shapes and sizes. From small campers to large luxury coaches, each type has its own set of risks and insurance requirements. And it’s not just about the type of RV. How often you use it, where you go, and what you do with it can all affect your insurance needs.

Why Generic RV Insurance Doesn’t Cut It

Think of your Florida RV insurance as a tailored suit. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t give you the best fit or the best protection. Every RV owner has different needs.

For instance, someone who uses their RV once a year for a summer vacation will have different requirements than someone living in their RV full-time.

Florida RV Insurance Requirements

In Florida, all motorized RVs must have insurance coverage. There are minimum state requirements for RV insurance which include the following:

  • Bodily injury liability (BIL) of $10,000 per person and $20,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability (PDL) of $10,000 per accident
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) of $10,000 per person

Keeping your RV insured throughout its state registration period is mandatory, irrespective of whether the vehicle is being driven outside Florida or is non-functional. Financial consequences of an accident could be severe, especially if you don’t have adequate RV insurance coverage.

If you’ve taken out a loan to finance your recreational vehicle, your lender will likely require you to maintain sufficient RV insurance until the loan is paid off in full.

Understanding RV Coverage Options

Owning an RV in Florida is both an adventure and a responsibility. While there are specific mandatory insurance requirements for RV owners, it’s crucial to recognize the broader array of coverages available, ensuring comprehensive protection for your RV and the belongings within.

Primary Coverages

  • Bodily Injury Liability: While this is a mandatory coverage for motorized RVs, ensuring medical bills and potential legal fees for injuries caused by your RV, you may want to carry more than the state-required minimum. This is especially crucial given the potential severity of RV-related injuries. For towable RVs, this coverage is typically derived from the insurance of the towing vehicle.
  • Property Damage Liability: Another mandatory coverage for motorized RVs, it addresses costs if your RV damages another’s property. However, given the size and potential damage an RV can cause, carrying more than the minimum can safeguard against hefty out-of-pocket expenses. Towable RVs usually benefit from the insurance of the towing vehicle.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: A safety net for accidents caused by drivers lacking adequate insurance. It fills the gap between their insurance limits and the actual damage costs, or it covers the full extent if they’re uninsured.
  • Collision: Ensures your RV gets repaired or replaced if it’s damaged in an accident, irrespective of who’s at fault.

Additional Protective Measures

  • Comprehensive: Offers protection against non-accident related damages, such as those from natural disasters, vandalism, or theft.
  • Medical Payments: Addresses medical bills resulting from RV-related injuries, regardless of fault.
  • Personal Effects Replacement: Should items inside your RV, like electronics or apparel, get damaged due to an accident, you can get reimbursed. There are options to enhance this coverage, potentially insuring up to $100,000 of personal belongings.
  • Total Loss Replacement: For newly acquired RV models, if your RV gets totaled, this coverage could either replace it with a new, similar model or provide reimbursement based on purchase price or actual cash value, depending on the RV’s age.

Supplementary Coverages for All-Around Assurance

  • Roadside Assistance: 24/7 support for on-road mishaps, ranging from refueling to jumpstarting or tire changes.
  • Towing & Labor: Covers the costs of towing your RV to a mechanic, plus associated labor costs, if you face a breakdown.
  • Vacation Liability: A valuable add-on when your RV is stationed at a designated living site like an RV park. It takes care of liabilities related to injuries or property damage.
  • Campsite and Vacation Insurance: For damages when your RV is parked at a campsite or resort.
  • Full-Timer Coverage: Similar to homeowners’ insurance, it’s for those living in their RVs full-time.

Towable RVs

Towable Rvs (like travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers) do not require their own separate insurance for liability while they are being towed on the road. The liability coverage from the vehicle that’s doing the towing extends to the towed vehicle (in this case, the RV).

In other words, if your travel trailer, while being towed, was to swerve and cause an accident, the liability portion of the auto insurance on the vehicle you’re using to tow would cover the damages.

However, there’s a significant distinction to note: While the tow vehicle’s liability coverage extends to the travel trailer or fifth wheel when it’s being towed, this does not cover damage to the travel trailer itself or its contents, nor does it cover the travel trailer when it’s unhitched and stationary.

For instance, if a tree branch falls on your travel trailer while it’s parked at a campsite, or if someone breaks into it and steals your belongings, your tow vehicle’s auto insurance would not cover these scenarios.

So, while it’s not legally mandated to have separate insurance for your towable RV in Florida, it’s often highly recommended. By obtaining a specialized RV insurance policy for your travel trailer:

  • You can protect the travel RV itself from physical damage (e.g., from fire, theft, vandalism)
  • You can cover your personal belongings inside the travel RV
  • You can get liability protection for incidents that happen in or around your travel RV when it’s unhitched and parked

Even though towable RVs don’t legally require their own separate liability insurance while being towed, it’s wise to consider comprehensive RV insurance to cover potential damages or losses related to the RV itself and its contents.

Determining Your RV’s Insurance Needs

Several factors come into play when considering RV insurance:

  • Usage: Do you use your RV occasionally, or is it your primary residence?
  • Routes: Do you stick to main roads, or do you venture off the beaten path?
  • RV Type: Is your RV more prone to damage due to its size or design?

Your insurance policy should reflect these and other factors. It’s essential to consider your specific situation and potential risks when selecting coverage.

Factors Influencing the Cost of RV Insurance in Florida

Several factors can influence the cost of RV insurance in Florida, including:

  • The class of RV
  • Driving history
  • Coverage selection
  • Deductible limits

Different classes of RVs may necessitate varying levels of coverage, which can impact the cost of RV insurance.

If you have a history of accidents or violations, you may be considered a higher risk and may face higher premiums. The selected coverage and deductible limits can also affect the price of RV insurance in Florida. Greater coverage and lower deductibles may lead to higher premiums.

Tips for Saving Money on Your RV Insurance

You can economize on your RV insurance through various strategies such as consolidating policies, opting for a higher deductible, and seizing any discounts on offer. Sticking with the minimum coverage needed is recommended unless your RV is of higher value. Investing initially in a newer RV that won’t require numerous repairs can help reduce insurance premiums.

Consistent timely payments on your insurance can result in discounts. Partnering with an independent insurance agent can help ensure you receive the most competitive rates. Opting to pay the annual premium in full rather than in monthly installments can result in savings on RV insurance premiums.

Regular Policy Review

As your life evolves, so do your insurance needs. Whether it’s a change in the frequency of your RV use, new equipment added to your vehicle, or shifts in your financial circumstances, periodic reviews of your policy ensure that you are neither underinsured nor paying for unnecessary coverage. A yearly check with your insurance agent can provide valuable insights and adjustments to match your current situation.

The Open Road Awaits: Insure Your RV with The Gordon Agency

Understanding Florida’s RV insurance landscape can be challenging, but with The Gordon Agency by your side, you can have peace of mind because we’ve got you covered! We recognize the unique challenges and requirements of RV owners in the Sunshine State and are dedicated to offering tailored solutions to meet those needs.

Our commitment goes beyond basic policies. With a meticulous analysis of your RV usage and our extensive connections with top-tier insurance providers, we guarantee coverage that is both thorough and affordable.

Ensure your RV adventures are safeguarded. Reach out to our experienced team at (561) 988-3330 or fill out our online form for a customized insurance quote. With The Gordon Agency, you can embark on your travels with confidence and peace of mind, knowing you have robust protection every mile of the way.

Copyright© 2023. The Gordon Agency Inc. All rights reserved.

The Gordon Agency Inc.
1825 NW Corporate Blvd Ste 110
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 988-3330
https://tgafl.com