What Is Vacation Liability RV Insurance?

So, you’ve finally hit the open road with your recreational vehicle, chasing the sunsets and that much-needed break from daily chaos. The campfire’s lit. The kids are roasting marshmallows. Life’s good. But what if something goes wrong while your RV is parked at a campsite? What if someone is hurt? Will your RV insurance cover it? The answer is yes. But you have to have vacation liability RV insurance. Let’s understand what this coverage is and how it helps, and whether you need it or not.

Definition of Vacation Liability RV Insurance

Vacation liability RV insurance is an optional type of liability insurance that covers you if someone gets hurt or their property is damaged while your recreational vehicle is parked at a campsite. It helps pay for medical bills, legal costs, or damages you’re responsible for during your vacation. But this is only applicable when your RV isn’t moving.

Let’s say your RV is parked and someone slips on your RV steps or your grill sets your neighbor’s tent on fire, your regular vehicle insurance will not cover the mess. But vacation liability insurance will.

You can think of it like the liability insurance portion of your home insurance. But in this case, for your motorhome. Simply, it protects you when your RV becomes your temporary home, but only while it’s parked at a campsite. You won’t need it while you’re driving down Route 66.

What Does Vacation Liability RV Insurance Cover?

So, what exactly does this coverage take care of? Glad you asked.

Vacation liability RV insurance typically covers the following:

• Accidental property damage (e.g., fire and smoke damage, damage from fallen gear/instrument)
• Bodily injury (e.g., medical expenses for injured guests, dog bites)
• Legal fees if you’re sued

Let’s explain these coverages so that you can clearly understand the situations that are covered under vacation liability RV insurance.

Accidental Property Damage

Your neighbor’s awning? Their brand-new camping gear? Their sleek classic car, they brought to the woods for some reason.

If your flaming marshmallow lands where it shouldn’t or your dog’s leash yanks down someone’s camp table, your vacation liability coverage can help pay for the damages.

Real-Life Example: Jake parks his travel trailer next to another family. During breakfast, his propane stove catches fire and singes their new tent and cooler. That’s accidental property damage, and vacation liability helps cover it.

Bodily Injury

Accidents can happen at any time to anyone. And campgrounds are ripe for them.

If someone trips over your tire chocks, slips on your wet steps, or gets bitten by your usually friendly dog, you could be held responsible. And vacation liability RV insurance can help cover their medical bills, legal costs, or even settlement fees.

Example: Sarah’s guest slips inside her motorhome and breaks her arm. That’s an injury. And without this coverage, Sarah would have to bear her guest’s medical expenses.

Legal Liability at the Campsite

When things go sideways and legal fingers start pointing, this insurance could be very useful.

Say someone claims your campfire caused smoke damage to their caravan’s interior. Or your grill exploded and hit someone’s kid’s bike. If you’re found legally responsible, or if any of them sue you, your vacation liability insurance will pay the legal costs.

Situations That Aren’t Covered by Vacation Liability Insurance

Like any insurance policy, vacation liability RV insurance has its limits. It’s designed to protect you while your recreational vehicle/travel trailer is parked at a campsite. However, not everything falls under its shield.

Here’s what vacation liability coverage doesn’t take care of:

• It doesn’t cover accidents while your vehicle is moving on the road.
• It won’t pay for your own property damage or personal losses inside your motorhome.
• It doesn’t cover theft or vandalism of your RV or belongings.
• It won’t cover liability if you’re a full-timer living in your RV over 150 nights per year.
• It doesn’t apply if your RV is parked somewhere that’s not a designated campsite.
• It won’t cover damages to you, or your own vehicle caused by floods (e.g., water damage), fire, or storms unless you have comprehensive coverage.
• It doesn’t include towing, breakdowns, or roadside assistance services.
• It won’t cover fuel, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures.
• It doesn’t protect against injuries caused while you’re driving on public roads.
• If your trailer is parked illegally, it won’t cover anything.
• It won’t help if the accident was caused by your criminal or reckless behavior.

Learn More: Does RV Insurance Cover Water Damage?

How Much Is RV Vacation Liability Insurance?

The RV vacation liability insurance is typically an add-on. So, it won’t cost you a fortune. However, it’s hard to tell the exact costs. Because it depends on several factors such as:

• RV type
• Coverage limit
• Driving experience
• Driving record
• Claim history
• Location
• Insurance provider

However, on average, RV insurance costs can range from $100 to $1,500 per year. For example, some providers offer basic liability coverage for as low as $20 per month. However, if you go with more comprehensive plans, the rate can go up to $600+ per year.

Do I Need Vacation Liability RV Insurance?

Even if you have only liability coverage, you will need vacation liability to ensure maximum protection. Although it’s not legally required like basic liability RV insurance, it can help you if you frequently go on RV adventures.

Liability insurance for RVs only protects you while you’re driving. But accidents can happen anywhere at any time, even when you’re parked at the campsite and using your RV like home. But you can’t get liability home insurance for a few days of adventure. Instead, you can simply choose vacation liability coverage and safely spend your days of thrill and joy.

Because you won’t have to worry about money if someone slips and falls outside or inside your RV. If you have this vacation liability, it will cover medical costs or legal fees if you’re sued.

So, again, yes, you need vacation liability RV insurance along with liability coverage for moving RVs if you often leave your home for camping. Without this, you could end up paying out of pocket. This coverage becomes utterly important, especially if your RV is stationary for a few days or weeks.

If you need this vacation liability coverage add-on for your recreational vehicle, you can contact L.A. Insurance. We operate in many states, including Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Nevada.

Our cheap RV and motorhome insurance can protect you from all possible risks. If you’re interested, please give us a call at (800) 893-9393 or get your RV insurance quote online by providing us with a few details about your RV. And get a step closer to choosing the most affordable insurance agency near you.

How Do I Add Vacation Liability RV Insurance?

If you’re a full-time RV resident, this insurance isn’t for you. But if you take your RV out just for vacation, you likely need vacation liability coverage. It’s not mandatory like liability RV insurance. It’s best for weekend campers, summer road warriors, or occasional RV users. If you fall into one of these categories, this part is for you.

Here's how you can add a vacation liability add-on to your existing RV insurance policy:

• Call your RV insurer and ask to include vacation liability in your insurance policy.
• You can also contact your insurance company directly via phone call, app, or website.
• Tell them your current policy number and details.
• Get the quote and the total increased premium of your existing policy
• If you’re comfortable, move forward.

Since it’s an add-on, the process is quick and easy. Please note that you can’t add it to your auto insurance policy. To add it, you’ll need an actual RV insurance coverage plan.

Related FAQs: Vacation Liability RV Insurance

Is liability RV insurance mandatory?

Yes, liability insurance is a legal requirement in most states for drivable recreational vehicles like motorhomes and truck campers. However, it’s not required for travel trailers unless separately insured.

What does vacation liability mean on RV insurance?

Vacation liability is extra liability coverage that helps you protect yourself from unexpected property damage or physical injury-related costs you cause to others while camping with your RV.

What type of liability insurance is required?

States require bodily injury liability and property damage liability while your vehicle is on the road. Vacation liability is optional but important when the RV is parked and in use.

What are the benefits of using vacation liability RV insurance?

It protects your budget from unexpected expenses due to injuries or property damage at the campsite. It adds peace of mind while enjoying your vacation.

Do I need separate insurance for my travel trailer?

Yes, a travel trailer isn’t automatically covered by your auto insurance. You need separate trailer insurance to add vacation liability coverage and protect your gear and property.