Motor Home and Trailer Insurance

The official camping season is just around the corner, and for those who don’t mind the cold and a little snow, it has already begun! In preparation for the season ahead, we wanted to share some information on insuring your motor home or camper trailer.

Types of Motor Homes

There are several types of motor homes, which include:

• Class A – large and luxurious, similar to the size of a tour bus

• Class B – also known as camper vans

• Class C – built with a cab or cutaway chassis

Types of Travel Trailers

There are several types of travel trailers, which include:

• Tent Trailer – also known as soft-top or fold-down trailers

• Truck Camper- mount onto the back of a pickup truck

• Bumper Pull – pulled behind a truck or van

• 5th Wheel – mounts to the truck bed using a special 5th wheel hitch

• Toy Haulers – includes a rear “garage” with a ramp door for access

Insuring your Motor Home

Motor Homes are typically insured under an automobile policy wording. When you are obtaining an insurance quote, your Broker will ask you specific questions about your motor home as well as your driving, licence and insurance history.

The majority of motor home insurance policies include the following coverage:

• $2,000,000 Liability
• Accident Benefits
• SEF 44 Family Protection Endorsement
• All Perils Physical Damage (minimum $250 deductible)
• Personal Property ($7,500 limit)
• Emergency Vacation Expense ($2,500 limit)

If you are purchasing a new unit, most insurers will also offer the SEF 43 Waiver of Depreciation Endorsement for a period of ten (10) years.

Insuring your Travel Trailer

Travel trailers can be insured under an automobile policy wording or a property policy wording, depending on the insurer. Under an automobile policy wording, a separate policy for the trailer is typically required. Under a property policy wording, the trailer can often be added to an existing home policy. There are a few differences between the two options:

Automobile Wording

• Trailer is insured based on the purchase price
• Coverage is a bit broader
• Includes third party liability coverage
• Includes coverage for damage caused by vermin
• Includes coverage for water damage

Property Wording

• Trailer is insured based on List Price New
• Includes premises liability
• Includes coverage for detached structures
• Damage caused by vermin is excluded
• Water damage coverage can be added as an endorsement

The majority of trailer insurance policies include the following:

• $2,000,000 Liability
• All Perils Physical Damage (minimum $250 deductible)
• Personal Property (limits vary)
• Emergency Vacation Expense ($2,500)

If you are purchasing a new unit, most insurers will also offer the SEF 43 Waiver of Depreciation Endorsement for a period of ten (10) years (if insured on an automobile policy) or Guaranteed Replacement Cost for a period of ten (10) years (if insured on a property policy).

Discounts Available

Most insurers offer a range of discounts for both motor home and trailer policies. Some of the most common discounts include:

• Mature
• New Business
• Renewal
• Rubber Roof
• Parked Unit in a Secure RV Park
• Multi-Line (ie trailer + car/home)

Additional Uses

Most insurance companies will provide coverage for additional uses for your motor home or trailer, but it is important to discuss these with your Broker as certain restrictions or limitations to the coverage may apply. Some of the most common situations that we come across include:

• Seasonally parked out of province
• Regularly used out of Country
• Used as a temporary or permanent residence
• Rented out to third parties

For more information on insuring your motor home or trailer, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable Team of Brokers today!

Happy Camping!

The Costen Insurance Team