Like the RVs they protect, RV insurance policies differ by company. Coverage varies. Claim expertise does too. Even if you only use your RV for occasional weekend trips, your RV insurance purchase decision should be based on which company provides the best long-term value - a mix of coverage, experience and price. Carefully consider the points listed below. The right choice now will save you plenty of headaches and money later.

Insuring an RV on an auto policy will leave you exposed
Many RV owners choose to insure their RV on the same policy as their car, even though an auto policy was never designed to insure such specialized equipment. Be careful. Most auto policies don't include important coverage that RV'ers like you need. What's more, even minor RV claims can dramatically boost your entire auto insurance bill. Buying a separate, specialized motor home or travel trailer policy avoids this risk.

Auto policies don't provide Guaranteed Total Loss Replacement
If you have a 1990 through 2000 model year RV; you are eligible for Total Loss Replacement. If your RV is destroyed within its first five model years, this coverage will ensure that you get a brand new RV- even if it costs more than you paid for the original unit! This coverage is a great way to protect your investment from the effects of depreciation. During model years 6 through the life of your policy, our companies will pay the original purchase price toward the cost of a new RV.

Auto policies won't offer Agreed Value Coverage
If you have a classic coach, or you've invested a great deal of money and time in a coach that doesn't "blue book" to your liking, we can offer you Agreed Value Coverage. With a simple appraisal, we will agree to cover your RV at the value you specify.

Auto policies won't replace personal property
If you insure your RV on your auto policy, it typically doesn't include coverage for clothes, cameras, tools, bicycles, dishes and other personal property. That's the job of your homeowners policy. Unfortunately, only 10% of your homeowner's personal belongings insurance limit can typically be used to cover off-premises property (i.e. in your RV). That may not be enough. Plus, you'll be stuck paying the $250 or $500 deductible too. Specialized RV insurance policies should provide high limits for personal belongings coverage, at replacement cost value. Replacement cost allows you to replace the stolen or damaged items with new items of similar kind and quality.

Attached accessories may not be covered by auto policies
If you add awnings, antennas, a satellite dish or other attached accessories to your motor home or travel trailer after you buy it, many insurance policies won't cover them. Unfortunately, these expensive items are commonly damaged. Make sure you buy a policy that covers these items, even if you add them after you buy the RV.

Emergency Expense Coverage is not provided
Ordinary auto policies exclude coverage for emergency expenses if you can't stay in your RV due to a covered loss. Check to see that the policy you purchase includes this coverage, and has realistic limits to cover expenses for lodging, meals or travel expenses to get home - costs which can easily top $100 per day.

Auto policies won't cover unlimited towing
While some policies may cover some towing and roadside assistance; they offer only a $50 or $100 limit. This may not be enough to tow a large RV. Our policies offer unlimited coverage for towing and roadside assistance. Whether it is 1 mile or 100 miles to a qualified repair facility, our companies have got your towing bill covered.

Auto policies don't offer Total Loss Replacement
If you own a home, you can buy a homeowners policy that will pay to replace your home if it's destroyed. Unfortunately, most RV insurance policies don't offer this option. By purchasing this coverage, you'll be able to replace your RV with a brand new one of like kind and quality if it's destroyed. If you own a new RV, or are thinking of buying one, this coverage is a great way to protect your investment from the effects of depreciation. (Available for 1990 and newer units.)

Is your claims adjuster an RV expert?
You probably don't think about having to make a claim when you purchase insurance. But having peace of mind when you travel is exactly why you buy it. One easy way to narrow your choices is to only consider insurance companies that have RV claim expertise. Most don't because they focus on life, auto or homeowners insurance and therefore spend far less time handling motor home and travel trailer claims. De Carlo Insurance Services does!

The financial condition of your company is important
Most people don't ask about the financial stability of their insurance company. You should. After major disasters many companies go out of business. How can you tell which companies are financially strong? Listen to the opinion of A.M. Best Company, the nation's leading independent insurance company rating organization. Companies with an "A" (Excellent) or "A+" (Superior) rating are good choices. De Carlo Insurance Services does business with only "A" rated companies.
Choose your RV insurance policy carefully - The right decision now can save you plenty of headaches and money later. 

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