One of the last things you may be thinking about before setting off on a road trip is insurance. After all, what could possibly go wrong? You have your trip planned perfectly. You’ve booked your campgrounds and packed all the gear you need. You have a list of your desired activities and sites to hit along the way. You’ve been to the RV rentals lot and chosen your perfect vehicle. Well, no matter how well you have planned out a trip there is always the possibility that things can go wrong. It may be by no fault of your own, but the fact remains that there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip, and for this reason traveler’s insurance is always recommended.
Medical Payments Coverage
There are a plethora of very important things that are covered by travel liability insurance. First of all, should you get into an accident with your RV the insurance will pay the costs for any necessary medical treatment regardless of fault. It cannot be stressed enough how important this is. No matter how well you handle the RV and drive it safely, there is always the chance that someone else on the road will cause an accident or that you will inadvertently cause one yourself. Either way your medical costs will be covered.
Your liability insurance will also cover the medical costs for any other individuals injured in an accident if you happen to be at fault. This is key since these individuals would instead be coming for your money personally to cover their expenses. If the cost of not being sued is a simple liability insurance payment, then this is an expense that is completely worth it.
Deductibles
One of the most common mishaps when it comes to RV rentals is a cracked windshield. This can happen from a rock on the roadway, falling debris, or other common annoyances. The issue is that a cracked windshield will cost you several hundred dollars to replace or at least a hundred dollars to have fixed. Most liability policies have around a $50 deductible, meaning all you will have to pay is this amount to have them fixed. The insurance will cover the rest.
Emergency Expenses
Should you have an emergency while traveling such as an accident or a breakdown, liability insurance will cover some or all of your costs for expenses in this situation. These expenses could include lodging, transportation, and other necessary expenses. For example, let’s say you get into a fender bender on the road. You have to wait two days until your RV is fixed. Therefore you spend two nights in a hotel plus take a cab to the garage to pick your vehicle. Your insurance will cover the hotel and cab bills. Please note that there is often a cap on expenses, with the standard being $1,000 in expense coverage.
Vacation Liability
One of the most important aspects of traveler’s liability insurance is vacation liability. Should you be hurt during your trip or lose property as a result of theft, a portion of these expenses will be covered. One example would be if someone were to break into your RV and steal some of your gear. In this instance you would be covered for a portion of the replacement costs. Another situation would be if you were injured while on your trip. The insurance would cover your medical expenses in this situation. The level of insurance you purchase will determine the amount covered, so make sure to research the individual policy you are considering purchasing.
Replacement Cost Personal Effects
In the case of an accident with your RV, the personal effects clause in your policy will cover any items damaged or lost. This is an important thing to consider since chances are you will be carrying a certain amount of expensive gear, devices, and other personal items with you on the trip. Just remember that insurance doesn’t just cover your medical expenses in the case of an accident, it helps replace your belongings as well.
Total Loss Replacement
For those renting their RV, something to think about is what happens should the RV become totaled in an accident. If you aren’t covered by insurance, you will be liable for the costs of the RV to the dealership. Your travel insurance will help smooth this awkward situation by covering the loss. In this case, your insurance would pay back the dealer the worth of the RV and free you from any personal monetary obligation in the matter.
Travel liability coverage should be taken seriously by any road tripper using RV rentals or traveling with their own rig. You may not think about until you need it, but by then it will be too late.