Short Term RV Insurance: Temporary RV Rental Insurance

Have you ever asked yourself or your friend what short term RV insurance is or what is temporary RV Rental Insurance? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

Are you thinking about taking a once-in-a-lifetime nationwide RV road trip? Yes? Excellent! It’s one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do.

However, you’ve probably faced lots of confusing information throughout your research. Not least of which include complex details about various insurance policies!

Well, you’re lucky you’ve stumbled upon us. We’re going to talk you through everything you need to know about temporary RV rental insurance.

First, let us look at what exactly a recreational vehicle is because many people are confused by this.

Table of Contents

What Is a Recreational Vehicle?

Contrary to popular belief, RVs (recreational vehicles) are not a one-size-fits-all affair. There are three different classes of RVs that you can buy or rent.

You must understand the variations as sometimes, they come with distinct insurance requirements.

Class A

These RVs are typically known as “motorhomes” and are the largest of all classes. Of course, this also makes them the most expensive.

Usually, you can pick them out of a line-up as they look like huge buses and are only accessible through a side door.

Class B

Class B RVs, otherwise known as campervans, are much smaller and less glamourous than their Class A counterparts.

However, their size makes them perfect for those of you looking for something easy to drive.

Typically, you access them through a large, sliding door similar to a run-of-the-mill van and have a raised roof to offer exceptional headroom.

Class C

Finally, Class C RVs are built onto a standard van or truck chassis. They have a regular cabin where you (the driver) sit.

Like Class Bs, they have a raised roof that you mostly use for sleeping or storage. Generally, they’re a touch bigger than their Class B cousins.

Do You Need Temporary RV Rental Insurance?

There’s a short and a long answer to this popular question. The short one being: yes, if your RV has its own steering wheel and motor, you must ensure it.

Just like standard car insurance, you must meet the state’s minimum amount of personal injury and liability coverage to legally drive an RV, rental or otherwise.

Put simply, RV insurance is required in every state that mandates private passenger car insurance.

For short-term RV rental insurance, you have a few options. You can usually purchase insurance coverage through the rental company or go the third-party route instead.

Depending on your credit card provider, they may offer primary insurance for rental vehicles. However, it’s important to note that they usually do not cover RV rentals.

So, in this case, your card’s offer isn’t appropriate.

Where to Get Short Term RV Rental Insurance

Since there is no getting around acquiring short-term rental insurance for your RV adventure, you should understand the three ways you can obtain it.

The good news: No matter where you get it from, it will more than likely offer liability coverage, protecting you and the vehicle’s owner/company from third-party claims.

The bad news: You must budget for your own comprehensive and collision coverage, ensuring you remain protected after fire, theft, accident, or loss.

With that in mind, here are the three places you can get temporary RV rental insurance:

The RV Rental Company or Owner — Sometimes, rental companies allow you to go on their coverage for the duration of your holiday. However, you must always check the limits and deductibles before you confirm. There might be different tiers offering better coverage.
Your Auto Insurance Provider — Call your policy provider to see if your current agreement covers RV rentals. They might extend your coverage for a short time while you galavant across the nation in your recreational vehicle.
Third-Party Provider — These providers specialize in rental insurance for countless vehicles. Therefore, they have extensive knowledge and selection of options.

Temporary RV Insurance Costs and Requirements

You know where to get the insurance, but you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to break the bank and what you actually need to obtain it. So, let’s sort that out, shall we?

Firstly, it’s worth understanding that many companies won’t rent you an RV if you’re under 25 years old. Yes, even if you qualify for the insurance coverage! We recommend saving your RV trip for later in life if you’re not yet 25.

If the above doesn’t apply to you, then we can move on to understanding deductibles and limitations. You need to ensure the policy coverage is high enough.

Even a slight bump in an RV can cause expensive repairs.

The specific price of your temporary RV insurance depends on a wide range of factors, including:

The value of the recreational vehicle
Your driving records
The age of the RV
The class and size of the RV
Where you decide to get your temporary RV insurance policy
The coverage tier
The deductibles you decide to go with

Types of Temporary RV Rental Insurance Coverage

Recreational (i.e., temporary) RV coverage is for owners who use their recreational vehicles for holidays only and those renting the vehicle itself.

However, you still have a ton of options to choose from, all of which have different coverage levels.

Standard RV Coverages

Generally speaking, these coverages come bundled into any RV rental insurance policy:

Personal Property — This cover protects your personal items in your RV if they are damaged, destroyed, or stolen. It might not be necessary for week-long rentals. However, if you plan to rent the RV for a substantial time, it’s worth it.
Comprehensive — This cover protects against damage that isn’t due to collision. It includes floods, theft, and fire. Usually, insurers provide a list of everything covered under comprehensive agreements.
Collision — This protects you if you crash your RV. It applies regardless of who is at fault.
Liability — This coverage kicks in if you’re the at-fault party. It covers the cost of bodily injuries and vehicle damage.
Medical — It pays for your and your passengers’ healthcare if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured Motorist — If you crash with someone who doesn’t have enough insurance coverage, it helps fund injury, damage, and lost wages.

Optional RV Coverages

You might also want to consider specialized coverage options.

There are limitless types available, but you can find the most common below:

Roadside Assistance Coverage — Towing an RV is much more involved than a standard car. So, this optional coverage is always a good idea. It can also help in less-severe situations, like flat tires.
Personal Attachments Coverage — This covers things like satellite dishes attached to the outside of the recreational vehicle.
Full Replacement Cost Coverage — This covers 100% of the cost of the vehicle in the event that it’s stolen or a total loss happens during an accident. It’s often meant for RV owners, but there’s nothing stopping renters from obtaining it.

The Bottom Line

You should never let the complicated aspects of temporary RV rental insurance stop you from completing your recreational vehicle trip!

The hassle will no doubt be worth it when you see all the amazing sights that this country has to offer.

Simply follow all our advice and guidance, and you are well on your way to securing the right cover for you and your trip!

Here are some of my favorite services, products, and Stores

I created this resource page to easily list recommended services, products, and companies that I use and/or those I know are valuable.

This way you can quickly find great products and services all in one place. You can save thousands of dollars all from one page!

There are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I´ll earn a small commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact what I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family.

My Best Pick

Money Recommendations

+ Products & Services

+ Earn More

+ Save Thousands of Dollars

+ Live More