RV Insurance Requirements by State: Complete Guide (2026)

Quick Answer: Do You Need RV Insurance?

Yes, if your RV is motorized. All 50 states require liability insurance for motorized RVs (Class A, B, and C). Requirements vary by state but typically mirror auto insurance minimums.

Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels) generally don't require separate insurance—they're covered under your vehicle's policy while being towed. However, comprehensive coverage for the trailer itself is strongly recommended.

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Motorized RV Insurance Requirements by State

Motorized RVs (Class A, B, and C) are treated as vehicles and must meet state minimum liability requirements:

State Minimum Liability Requirements

Format: Bodily Injury per Person / Bodily Injury per Accident / Property Damage (in thousands)

*New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't require auto insurance, but you must prove financial responsibility if at fault in an accident.

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Types of RVs and Insurance Requirements

Class A Motorhomes

What they are:

• Largest RVs, bus-like design
• Built on heavy-duty chassis
• 26-45 feet long
• Often used as primary residence

Insurance requirements:

• Liability: State minimum (typically 25/50/25)
• Comprehensive/Collision: Required if financed
• Full-timer coverage: Needed if living in RV full-time
• Replacement cost: Recommended (depreciation is significant)

Typical cost: $1,000-$4,000/year depending on value

Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans)

What they are:

• Converted cargo vans
• 17-21 feet long
• Most maneuverable motorized RV
• Mercedes Sprinter, Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit

Insurance requirements:

• Liability: State minimum
• Comprehensive/Collision: Required if financed
• Often cheaper than Class A insurance

Typical cost: $800-$2,500/year

Class C Motorhomes

What they are:

• Built on truck/van chassis
• Distinctive cab-over sleeping area
• 20-33 feet long
• Good for families

Insurance requirements:

• Liability: State minimum
• Comprehensive/Collision: Required if financed
• Personal belongings: Often need separate coverage

Typical cost: $800-$3,000/year

Travel Trailers

What they are:

• Towed behind vehicle (bumper pull)
• 12-35 feet long
• Most affordable RV option
• Not self-propelled

Insurance requirements:

• Liability while towing: Covered by tow vehicle
• Physical damage: NOT required by law but highly recommended
• Comprehensive coverage: Protects against theft, weather, vandalism

Typical cost: $200-$800/year for comprehensive coverage

Fifth Wheel Trailers

What they are:

• Towed via hitch in truck bed
• 20-40 feet long
• Spacious, residential-quality interiors
• Requires heavy-duty truck

Insurance requirements:

• Liability while towing: Covered by tow vehicle
• Physical damage: NOT required but strongly recommended
• Full-timer coverage: Available if living full-time

Typical cost: $300-$1,200/year for comprehensive coverage

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What RV Insurance Typically Covers

Liability Coverage (Required for Motorized)

What it covers:

• Bodily injury you cause to others
• Property damage you cause to others
• Legal defense costs
• Does NOT cover your injuries or RV damage

State minimums are LOW:

• Many states require only 25/50/25
• Accidents involving RVs often exceed these limits
• Recommended minimum: 100/300/100

Comprehensive Coverage (Recommended)

What it covers:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fire
• Weather damage (hail, wind, flood)
• Animal strikes
• Falling objects

Why RVers need it:

• RVs often stored outside
• Vulnerable to weather damage
• High theft target
• Expensive to repair/replace

Deductibles: Typically $250-$2,500

Collision Coverage (Recommended)

What it covers:

• Damage to your RV from accidents
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Collisions with objects
• Required if you have a loan

Subject to deductible: $250-$2,500

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

What it covers:

• Injuries when hit by uninsured driver
• Injuries when hit by underinsured driver
• Often covers RV damage as well

Required in many states:

• Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Nebraska, and others
• Highly recommended in all states
• ~13% of US drivers are uninsured

Personal Belongings Coverage

What it covers:

• Clothing, electronics, furniture inside RV
• Awnings and attached equipment
• Sometimes limited in standard policies

Important notes:

• Homeowners insurance may provide some coverage
• Full-timers need specialized coverage
• Typical limits: $3,000-$10,000 per claim

Emergency Expense/Vacation Liability

What it covers:

• Hotel costs if RV is uninhabitable
• Meals and transportation
• Temporary living expenses

Typical limits: $100-$200/day up to $3,000 total

Roadside Assistance and Towing

What it covers:

• Towing to nearest repair facility
• Flat tire changes
• Fuel delivery
• Lockout service
• Battery jump-starts

Important for RVs:

• Standard AAA may not cover large RVs
• Need RV-specific roadside assistance
• Typical coverage: $100-$500 per incident

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Full-Timer RV Insurance

If you live in your RV full-time, you need specialized coverage:

What's Different

Standard RV insurance assumes:

• You have a permanent home
• RV is for recreational use only
• Limited annual usage

Full-timer insurance provides:

• Full-time liability protection (like homeowners insurance)
• Personal belongings coverage (higher limits)
• Additional living expenses (if RV is damaged)
• Personal liability (guest injuries)
• Medical payments (for you and passengers)

Who Needs Full-Timer Coverage

• No permanent home/apartment
• Live in RV 6+ months per year
• Use RV as primary residence
• Mailing address is RV park or mail service

Cost Difference

Full-timer coverage typically costs 20-40% more than standard RV insurance.

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Lender Requirements for Financed RVs

If you finance or lease your RV, lenders require:

Mandatory Coverage

1. Comprehensive coverage

   • Protects lender's investment
   • Covers theft, weather, vandalism

2. Collision coverage

   • Covers accident damage
   • Protects loan value

3. GAP insurance (often required)

   • Covers difference between value and loan balance
   • RVs depreciate rapidly (20-30% first year)
   • Without GAP, you could owe $20,000+ after total loss

4. Lienholder as loss payee

   • Insurance check goes to lender first
   • Ensures loan is paid before you get funds

Deductible Limits

Lenders often require:

• Maximum deductible: $1,000-$2,500
• Some allow higher deductibles for lower premiums

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RV Insurance Costs by State

Average annual premiums for Class A motorhome ($200,000 value):

Factors affecting cost:

• RV value and age
• Your driving record
• Location (urban areas cost more)
• Coverage limits and deductibles
• How often you use RV
• Storage location (covered vs. outdoor)
• Security features

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need RV insurance if I only use it a few times a year?

Yes, if it's a motorized RV. State law requires liability insurance whenever the RV is registered, regardless of how often you drive it. For towable RVs, you should still get comprehensive coverage to protect against theft and damage while stored.

Will my auto insurance cover my travel trailer while towing?

Liability while towing: Yes, your vehicle's liability insurance covers you while towing.

Physical damage to trailer: No, your auto policy won't cover damage to the trailer itself. You need separate RV insurance with comprehensive/collision coverage.

Can I use my homeowners insurance for RV contents?

Maybe, but coverage is usually very limited:

• Homeowners may cover up to 10% of personal property limit
• Only covers named perils (not comprehensive)
• May not apply if you're living in RV full-time
• Better to get proper RV contents coverage

Do I need insurance if my RV is in storage?

Motorized RVs must maintain liability insurance as long as they're registered. You can often reduce coverage to comprehensive-only during storage (no collision) to save money. Towable RVs should maintain comprehensive coverage to protect against theft and damage.

What's the difference between stated value and agreed value coverage?

Stated Value: You state the RV's value, but insurer pays actual cash value (depreciated) at claim time. You might get less than expected.

Agreed Value: You and insurer agree on value upfront. That's what you get paid in total loss (minus deductible). Better protection, slightly higher premium.

Does RV insurance cover me in Canada or Mexico?

Most US policies cover you in Canada. Mexico requires separate insurance—US policies typically don't provide coverage there. Purchase Mexican RV insurance before crossing the border.

What if someone is injured in my parked RV?

Standard RV liability may not cover stationary use. If you live in your RV or park it for extended periods, you need full-timer liability coverage or vacation liability coverage to protect against guest injuries.

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Key Takeaways

• Motorized RVs require liability insurance in all 50 states (except NH)
• Towable RVs don't require separate insurance but should have comprehensive coverage
• State minimums vary from 15/30/5 to 50/100/25 for liability
• Recommended coverage: 100/300/100 liability minimum
• Full-timers need specialized coverage for permanent RV living
• Lenders require comprehensive, collision, and often GAP insurance
• Average cost: $800-$4,000/year depending on RV type and value
• Agreed value coverage recommended over stated value

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about RV insurance requirements based on publicly available sources and state laws. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements vary by state and individual circumstances.

Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and consult with a licensed insurance professional specializing in RV coverage for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: State DMV regulations, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, RV industry associations