Hitting the road in a travel trailer – do you need travel trailer insurance?

The summer of 2020 is all about staycations and doing a road trip. Lucky for residents of BC, we have one of the most beauty places in Canada if not the world to explore. A desire to venture out while still social distancing drives interest in recreational vehicles of all types:  camper vans, trailers, and the motorhome. Sales are at an all time high. With that in mind if you are new to hooking up a recreational vehicle to your car or truck you will want to make sure you have the right travel trailer  insurance.

In a recent survey commissioned by the US Travel Association, 47 percent of respondents said they were more likely to travel by car after the pandemic subsides, and 42 percent would likely choose destinations closer to home, both of which bode well for the humble travel trailer.  With Covid on our heels but firmly still in our future, we are likely to see increased interest in travel trailer adventures.

What are the benefits of a travel trailer insurance policy?

Since your trailer is more than just your vehicle, you need insurance that covers more than a typical auto insurance policy. Consider this:

• You store things in your travel trailer that you would not keep in your car, including jewellery, a computer, television, outdoor camping gear or a camcorder.
• When parking your trailer at a campsite, you are liable for other people’s safety around your trailer.
• If you have an accident while travelling, you will need a place to stay while the trailer is being repaired.
• Without an insurance policy, none of these would be covered in the event of a loss.

Types of travel trailer insurance

Travel trailer insurance has similar inclusions as compared to automobile insurance coverage, but it is more comprehensive and specialized for trailer owners.

Comprehensive/collision coverage – Protects your RV from damages, such as fire, landslide, windstorm, vandalism and collision with another vehicle or objects.

Liability-only travel trailer policy – Protects against accidental damage to other people’s property or personal injury to individuals not listed on your policy.

Additional Endorsements

Consider also purchasing these endorsements for added protection:

• • • Towing and roadside assistance
    • Emergency expenses – Protection in case of a breakdown or damage to your travel trailer
    • Total loss replacement
    • Guaranteed replacement cost policy
    • Accessories endorsements – For items attached to your trailer, such as satellite dishes, antennas and awnings
    • Full-Timer trailer coverage – For those who live in their travel trailer most of the year
    • Campsite/vacation liability – Coverage while your travel trailer is parked in an RV park
    • Low branch collision – Protection against damages from low-hanging branches to your trailer, awnings and air conditioning units
    • Unit in Storage –  Trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers and campers require special insurance while in storage.

What kind of wheels are you driving or towing?

Travel trailer  coverage will provide protection for the following vehicles:

• • • Fifth-wheels
    • Pop-up campers
    • Stationary travel trailers
    • Park model travel trailers
    • Truck-mounted campers

Money-saving discounts available for travel trailer insurance

• • • Discounts for a good driving record or multiple policies placed with us
    • Increasing your deductible to reduce your out-of-pocket premium
    • Option for 12-month policy renewals
    • Discounts for owning newer vehicles
    • Discounts for mature drivers

Your best bet for hitting the highway

Before you hit the road, call Reliance Insurance Agencies, Ltd. today at 604-255-4616 to learn more about our travel trailer insurance options for you and your adventure-seeking family.

Resources

Reliance Insurance:  Simple car & trailer care tips before going on a road trip

ICBC:   ICBC Recreational Vehicles