How is a motorhome insured?
Traveling in a motorhome for many is a way of life. It gives you the freedom to hit the road, experience the country, and make lasting memories with friends and family. And, most conveniently, you are able to do all this while holding onto many of the amenities that you have at home. But, as your motorhome is going to be driven on the road, you need to make sure you have the proper insurance. Let’s have a look at the different uses for your motorhome and what they mean for your insurance.
What constitutes a motorhome?
So, before we get into how to insure a motorhome, let’s have a look at what it is that constitutes as a motorhome. A motorhome can also be known a “RV” which stands for “recreational vehicle”. For a vehicle to be considered a motorhome, it must be mobile, but must also have certain amenities onboard the vehicle. For instance, there must be a working bathroom, kitchen area, and at least one designated sleeping facility.
Depends on what it is used for
How a motorhome is insured depends on what it is you are using the motorhome for. Driving your motorhome across Canada, or down to the US, or even using it as a “second home” can impact your insurance differently.
Travel within Canada –Using your motorhome to travel throughout Canada is a great way to take in our beautiful country. You are often able to insure your motorhome as usual through your insurer, however premiums may come at a higher cost, as motorhomes carry a high level of risk. But, as long as your motorhome carries the required amount of third party liability, and accident benefit protection that is required by your province, you are good to go.
Travel outside of Canada – If you are traveling outside of Canada, but returning back to Canada with your motorhome, then you are able to get insurance from your home province. It is advised however to add extra liability if you are traveling down to the US, and it is important to alert your insurer of your out of country travel plans. If you are planning on leaving your motorhome in the US, as some caravaners opt to do between trips, you will need to also get an insurance policy in the US. Often when leaving a motorhome down south it ends up in storage, so thankfully the insurance needed does not tend to be too costly.
In addition to insurance for your motorhome, while traveling outside of Canada, or even your own province, it is strongly advised that you get travel insurance.
Second residence –If you use your motorhome as a second home, not just to travel around in, then insurance is a little different. You will want to consider adding additional liability coverage, similar to what you would have for any other property. This way if someone slips and falls while visiting, or damage is done to your motorhome, you will have sufficient coverage.