Do You Need RV Insurance If You Only Use It a Few Times a Year?

If your RV only sees the light of day a few times each year, like maybe for that summer camping trip or the annual holiday visit to the in-laws, you might be wondering if keeping insurance on it year-round is really necessary. After all, it’s not like you’re living in it full-time… unless, of course, you’re Uncle Eddie from Christmas Vacation.

But even if your RV is parked in the driveway or a storage lot for 11 months out of the year, insurance is more important than you might think.

Why Insurance Still Matters

RVs aren’t just oversized vehicles; they’re often loaded with personal belongings, costly features, and systems that make them more expensive to repair or replace. Even when parked, your RV is exposed to potential risks like fire, theft, vandalism, falling trees, or weather damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 20,000 RV fires occur each year, many while the RVs are in storage or parked.

If you finance your RV, your lender will also likely require you to carry insurance year-round, regardless of how often you use it.

What Coverage Do You Really Need?

There are two main types of RV insurance coverage to consider.

• Comprehensive and collision: Protects your RV from damage, even when it's not being driven.
• Liability: Required when your RV is on the road, covering injuries or property damage you may cause to others.

If you only use your RV occasionally, talk to your insurance agent about seasonal policies or storage-only coverage, which can reduce premiums while still providing essential protection during downtime.

But What about My Auto Policy?

It’s a common misconception that your regular auto insurance policy will fully cover your RV. It won’t. While a basic auto policy might provide some limited liability coverage while towing a small trailer, it doesn’t offer the specialized protection that an RV requires, especially when it comes to the living quarters, custom equipment, or personal items stored inside.

Peace of Mind, Year-Round

Whether you’re trekking across the country or parked in Cousin Eddie’s front yard, RV insurance ensures you’re protected from the unexpected. So even if your RV only hits the road a few weekends a year, don’t skip on coverage, because when things go wrong, you’ll be glad it’s not your savings circling the storm drain.