3 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Motorhome

We live in a great state, don’t we? Home to the wondrous Grand Canyon, the frigid mountains of Flagstaff, and Saguaro forest, Arizona is one of the best states to travel – even for residents. The weather allows us to camp whenever we feel like it – regardless of the season. It’s no wonder why you’re thinking about leasing or purchasing a motor home!

If a road trip is on your bucket list, or if you’re planning a secluded getaway with your loved one this spring, it’s critical to be prepared for the unexpected events your journey can bring you.

1. Your auto policy most likely doesn’t cover what you need in your motor home

The last thing you want on the road is to experience anything that’ll ruin your trip. Even more, you definitely don’t want to be unprepared or underinsured in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. It starts with understanding what your auto policy does and doesn’t cover.

Most auto policies won’t cover personal items in a motor home, nor do they typically include liability insurance when it’s parked and used as a residence. Or if you’ve got built-in accessories like awnings, roof-top air conditioners, and satellite dishes – your auto policy probably won’t protect them against damage or destruction.

What happens if you find yourself without your motorhome? Most auto policies don’t cover expenses for lodging or traveling home because of a covered loss. Yikes. Your motor home is no cheap investment, so you need to make sure that every square inch of your motorhome is protected with the proper coverage.

2. A motorhome is not the same as your car

This should be an obvious one, with the size difference, purpose, and ability to carry several hundreds of gallons of water and wastewater.

The coverage required for a moving living space is quite different from your mid-sized sedan. You’ve got a full-functioning restroom, kitchen, and sleeping quarters that requires different coverage than your everyday vehicle.

3. Your homeowners policy won’t cover your personal property on the road

This is a common misconception among many motor home owners. Most auto policies don’t include comprehensive coverage for personal belongings, and homeowners policies are usually restricted when it comes time to covering off-premises coverage. And what little off-premise coverage it may cover, you can expect higher out-of-pocket expenses to meet the deductible.

However, if you’ve got motorhome insurance, your personal items are covered, and there won’t be any deductibles. But what exactly is included in motor home insurance policies?

What’s included with motor home insurance coverage:

• Comprehensive Coverage to protect your motorhome from collision, fire, smoke, flood, hail, landslide, windstorms, theft, lightning, vandalism – and animals. Might be helpful if you’re taking a wildlife trip, right?

• Coverage for attached accessories including awnings, satellite dishes, antennas, and more.

There’s never a one-size-fits-all policy, and there are several ways to customize yours to fit your needs. Some of the most popular coverage options include:

• Total Loss Replacement Coverage to protect your RV from depreciation. If your new model motor home is destroyed within its first 5 years, our team at Farmers will pay to replace it with a brand new one of similar type and quality. In years 6 – 10, we’ll give you up to what you originally paid toward the purchase of a new motor home.

• Emergency Expenses Coverage pays for lodging or travel expenses home in case your precious RV is damaged or destroyed more than 50 miles from home.

• Campsite and Vacation Liability Coverage makes sure you’re covered under liability when you’re parked and using your motor home as a residence

• Replacement Cost Coverage keeps your personal belongings protected in case of theft or damage

• TraveLine Towing & Roadside Assistance leaves you worry-free with towing, jump starts, roadside service, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and locksmith services readily available. No loopholes, no out-of-pocket expenses, no funny business. Just sign and drive

• Full-Timer Coverage is similar to a homeowners policy. While an auto policy only provides liability protection when you’re using your motor home as a vehicle, this policy covers you when you’re using your motor home as a residence.

Enjoy your trip, with the peace of mind knowing you’re covered, no matter where you go. Make sure you’re prepared for anything your journey throws at you with 24/7 roadside assistance, no deductibles, and protection for everything – including your personal belongings and swanky accessories.

If you’re thinking about leasing or buying a new motorhome, give me a call. Let’s talk about the best motorhome policy options that fit what you need – at the best possible rate.