RV insurance policies vary from company to company. Generally, RV insurance provides a high limit for personal belongings coverage; coverage for attached items, such as awnings, antennas, or satellite dishes; and realistic coverage if you have troubles with your RV while traveling.

Whether you own an RV or are just renting, you have property to protect and are exposed to liability. Losses can result from breakdowns, on and off road damage, injury to passengers and others, and interruptions in your vacation. Luckily, you can buy insurance that gives you the peace of mind you want while traveling and using your RV.

What, exactly, is an RV?
An RV, or recreational vehicle, describes several types of units:

• Motorhome--A self-contained, self-propelled camping and travel vehicle, which contains kitchen, sleeping, bathroom, and dining facilities accessible to the driver's area, along with living systems, such as electricity, heating, air conditioning, water, and propane gas.
• Mini motorhome--A scaled down version of the motor home, usually built on a truck chassis.
• Van conversion--A regular van with a raised roof, containing sleeping facilities, but minimal kitchen or bathroom facilities.
• Travel trailers--Towable units that have full living facilities.
• Truck campers--A camping unit mounted on a pickup truck. It has sleeping facilities, and may have kitchen and toilet facilities.
• Folding camping trailer--A towable unit with collapsible sides. When set up, it provides kitchen, dining, and sleeping facilities, but not toilet facilities.

What does RV insurance provide that auto insurance doesn't?
You might think that your auto insurance policy would cover your RV, and it may to an extent. But your RV is different from your car. It contains facilities that your car doesn't, and it's used differently. You live in it, and you generally use campsite facilities when you're not on the road. Your car insurance is not designed to cover the special hazards you face. RV insurance provides coverage where your auto insurance leaves you exposed.

Be advised that RV insurance policies and coverages differ from company to company. So does claims expertise. You might want to shop around for the best coverage at the best price.

Generally, RV insurance provides you with:

• Agreed value coverage--You might own an exceptionally large or expensive RV whose "blue book" value doesn't quite match its actual value. You and the insurance company may be able to agree on a specified value. The insurance company will want to appraise the RV for itself.
• Total loss replacement--This coverage guarantees that you will get a brand new RV if yours is destroyed within a specified time period, typically within the first five years.
• Replacement of personal property--Although your homeowners policy may cover some loss of your personal property if it is damaged or stolen (but only a slight fraction of its value), an RV policy provides very high limits at replacement cost value.
• Attached accessories coverage--You may attach awnings, antennas, or a satellite dish to your RV, which are easily damaged. Most auto or homeowners insurance policies don't cover these items at all, but an RV policy will.
• Unlimited towing--Of course, you will be traveling far and wide in your RV. What happens if you break down? Towing a large RV can be expensive, and most auto policies limit this coverage to $50 or $100. RV insurance will pay to tow your RV anywhere, no matter how far you have to go to find a mechanic qualified to work on your unit.
• Vacation interruption coverage--Say you have an accident and the RV's in the shop for several days. You need to stay at a local hotel until the job is finished. These emergency expenses, including lodging, food, and travel expenses, are covered under an RV policy.

What if you're only renting?
If you're renting an RV, basic insurance will probably be included with the rental (sometimes free of charge). Additional insurance is usually available for a fee.

Basic insurance provides liability coverage in the event that a passenger or other person is injured. But, typically, it only covers damage under $2,500. You will be responsible for any damage over that amount, which could be a significant financial burden. You should consider buying the additional insurance you need for full coverage.

Full coverage generally includes liability protection, on-road damage (such as theft, fire, vandalism, and windshield/glass), off-road damage (such as mechanical breakdown and freezing water), collision, and vacation interruption protection. There are usually deductibles or limits imposed on these coverages.