Is a camper covered under car insurance?

Asked by: Steve Wilderman  |  Last update: November 23, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (33 votes)

Travel trailers or fifth wheels are pulled with a truck. Your auto insurance might pay for accidents you cause while pulling the trailer. But you probably need a separate RV policy or endorsement to cover damage to the travel trailer itself.

Does my car insurance cover my camper?

Your auto policy will typically extend to your trailer when you are pulling it — but only for liability and provides no coverage to your actual trailer. Meaning, auto insurance alone will only cover damage your trailer causes to other people and their property.

Do I need separate insurance for my travel trailer?

RV insurance isn't required by law for travel trailers, but you do need auto liability coverage for the vehicle that you use to tow your RV. On Screen: A man and woman chat, using a smartphone.

Do you have to pay insurance on a camper trailer?

Unlike recreational vehicles, travel trailers are non-motorized. Therefore, insurance coverage is not a legal requirement in most states, including California.

Do I need to add my trailer to my insurance?

Additionally, without proper insurance, an auto policy may not cover damage to the trailer, or its contents, for certain types of losses, such as equipment theft or severe weather damage. Having coverage specifically for your utility trailer means that your trailer will be better protected against damage.

Car insurance for campers

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Does car insurance cover towing?

Roadside assistance coverage can pay for a tow, up to a certain distance specified on your policy, if your vehicle is disabled. Your insurer might also cover the cost of towing if your vehicle is involved in a collision and you're unable to drive it.

Is a trailer covered under home insurance?

Homeowners insurance may also provide limited coverage for damages caused by other named perils such as lightning, storms, hail, and fire while the trailer is stored. Keep in mind that your policy may have a sub-limit for items like trailers.

How much is camper insurance?

The average premium for a 12-month RV insurance policy at Progressive for 2023 was $586 for a travel trailer and $998 for a motorhome. Liability-only RV policies at Progressive start at just $125 per year.

What is liability coverage on a camper?

RV liability coverage

Vacation liability is an optional coverage on your RV insurance policy coverage that may pay for someone's injuries if they're hurt in or near your parked RV while you're on vacation. If you purchase this coverage with Progressive, the minimum coverage limit is $10,000.

What does comprehensive insurance cover on a camper?

Comprehensive coverage protects your RV against events beyond your control: theft, vandalism, windshield damage, acts of nature, rocks and debris kicked up by other vehicles, and accidents with animals.

What states require trailer insurance?

California: California law requires all trailers with an unladen weight of 750 pounds or more to be insured under a separate trailer insurance policy, or added as an endorsement to an existing auto insurance policy.

Is travel trailer insurance worth it?

Accidents happen, and RV insurance can provide financial protection. With comprehensive and collision coverage, your travel trailer will be protected in case of an accident for repair costs, medical expenses, and liability for any damage you may cause.

Are campers covered under home insurance?

Homeowners insurance offers some protection for recreational vehicles and toys like campers, RVs, golf carts, and boats. However, this coverage is usually limited to covering your recreational vehicles while stored at your home, but not when you take them out on the road, water, or the greens.

Is RV insurance more than car insurance?

Specialized RV insurance often features higher liability thresholds than typical car insurance. This makes intuitive sense since RVs are sometimes employed as an owner's primary residence, and the cost of owning and operating an RV is often higher.

Is a camper van considered an RV for insurance?

RV insurance may cover a DIY or "self-built" campervan. Once you add a kitchen and a sleeping area inside your van, your vehicle may be classified as a Class B motorhome and can be insured with an RV policy. You may need to provide documentation of the conversion process, such as photos and receipts.

Does camper insurance cover water damage?

If you carry comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to your vehicle beyond your control, and your motorhome or travel trailer is damaged by water, your RV insurance policy may pay to repair or replace your RV, minus your deductible.

Does liability insurance cover trailer?

In most cases, the liability policy for your vehicle will pay for damage caused by a towed trailer. However, it will not cover accidents caused by a trailer with its own motor. Review this guide to make sure you have the appropriate auto coverage if you own or plan to buy a trailer.

What is full coverage on an RV?

Full-time RV insurance includes optional coverages that provide protection if you use your RV as your permanent residence — typically defined as residing in a motorhome or travel trailer more than six months out of the year. Full-time liability coverage may cover you if you're liable for injuries in or around your RV.

Do you have to keep insurance on a camper?

Generally speaking, the difference between coverage requirements is based on whether or not you tow the RV behind another vehicle. If you tow it, in most cases insurance is optional. But if you can drive the RV to your destination, it's likely that you're required by law to have insurance coverage on it.

How much is insurance for a small trailer?

Basic liability coverage (if offered by your auto insurance): $50-$100 per year. Comprehensive and collision coverage for a low-value utility trailer: $100-$200 per year. Comprehensive and collision coverage for a high-value enclosed cargo trailer or specialized trailer: $300-$500+ per year.

Does insurance cover stolen RV?

Yes, if you carry comprehensive coverage, your RV insurance policy can cover the fair market value of your motorhome or travel trailer against theft, minus your policy's deductible.

Does my car insurance cover my boat when towing?

Your boat will generally not be covered by your auto insurance policy if you bought basic coverage. If you bought trailer or towing coverage, you might have some coverage for the contents of your trailer, but it probably won't be as much as your boat is worth.

What is trailer in insurance?

Simply put, trailer insurance covers your trailer and its contents against potential damage or loss. Whether you're hauling equipment for your business, setting out on a family vacation with your camper, or transporting goods, this kind of policy will have your back.

Do you need extra insurance to tow?

Car insurance and towing

Check your policy before you head out on the road. Car insurance is a legal requirement, but insurance for a towed unit isn't mandatory. However, if you have an accident as a result of towing your caravan or trailer, it can be very costly if you're not insured.

Who pays for towing and storage after an accident?

In many cases, if another driver is at fault for the accident that resulted in your wrecked car, their insurance company may be responsible for covering the towing and storage costs. This scenario assumes that the at-fault driver has liability insurance designed to cover the costs associated with accidents they cause.