How to Get RV Insurance in Virginia

Recreational vehicles (RVs) offer unparalleled freedom—whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, living full-time on the road, or seasonal camping along the Chesapeake Bay. But with that freedom comes responsibility. In Virginia, like in most states, RV insurance isn’t just a smart financial choice—it’s a legal requirement for motorhomes and certain types of towables. Understanding how to get RV insurance in Virginia ensures you’re protected against accidents, theft, natural disasters, and liability claims while complying with state laws. This guide walks you through every critical step, from understanding coverage types to selecting the right provider, so you can hit the road with confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine Your RV Type and Insurance Requirements

Virginia classifies RVs into three main categories: Class A, B, and C motorhomes; travel trailers; and fifth-wheel trailers. Each type has different insurance requirements. Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C) are considered self-propelled vehicles and must carry liability insurance minimums identical to those for automobiles under Virginia Code § 46.2-472. These minimums include:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $20,000 for property damage per accident

Travel trailers and fifth-wheels, which are towed by another vehicle, are not required by law to carry separate liability coverage. However, the towing vehicle’s insurance may provide limited liability protection. Comprehensive and collision coverage for the trailer itself is optional but highly recommended. If you plan to live in your RV full-time or use it as a primary residence, additional coverage like personal property protection and emergency expense reimbursement becomes essential.

Step 2: Assess Your Coverage Needs Beyond the Minimum

While meeting Virginia’s minimum liability requirements is mandatory, it’s rarely sufficient. Consider these common coverage options:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against theft, fire, vandalism, weather damage (hail, wind, flooding), and animal collisions.
• Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your RV from accidents, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver without adequate insurance—common in rural areas where compliance is low.
• Personal Property Coverage: Reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings inside the RV, such as electronics, clothing, or camping gear.
• Full-Time Living Endorsement: Required if you use your RV as a primary residence. This expands liability and personal property limits and may include coverage for temporary living expenses if your RV is uninhabitable.
• Emergency Expense Coverage: Pays for lodging, meals, and transportation if your RV breaks down more than 50 miles from home.
• Roadside Assistance: Covers towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services specific to RVs, which often require specialized equipment.

For full-time RVers, consider adding replacement cost coverage for personal property instead of actual cash value. This ensures you receive the cost to replace items new, not depreciated.

Step 3: Gather Essential Documentation

Before requesting quotes, prepare the following documents:

• RV title and registration
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Make, model, year, and mileage
• Proof of prior insurance (if applicable)
• Driver’s license for all operators
• Driving record (some insurers request this directly, but having it ready speeds up the process)
• Estimated annual mileage and usage patterns (recreational vs. full-time)
• Storage location (home garage, storage facility, or roadside)

Accurate information ensures accurate pricing. Misrepresenting usage (e.g., claiming recreational use when you live in the RV full-time) can void your policy or lead to claim denials.

Step 4: Compare Quotes from Specialized RV Insurers

Not all auto insurers offer robust RV coverage. Seek out providers with dedicated RV programs. Top insurers in Virginia known for RV expertise include:

• Progressive
• Geico
• Foremost
• Good Sam Insurance
• Allstate (with RV-specific endorsements)
• USAA (for military members and veterans)

Use online comparison tools to gather at least three quotes. When comparing, ensure you’re matching identical coverage levels. For example, one quote may include $5,000 in personal property coverage while another includes $10,000. Adjust for consistency. Also, note whether the insurer offers:

• Agreed value coverage (pays out the agreed-upon value if your RV is totaled, not market value)
• Flexible payment plans
• Discounts for safety devices, anti-theft systems, or defensive driving courses
• Claims service with RV-specific adjusters

Don’t base your decision solely on price. A cheaper policy with poor claims handling or low coverage limits can cost far more in the long run.

Step 5: Apply and Finalize Your Policy

Once you’ve selected a provider, complete the application. Most insurers allow online applications, but phone support is often available for complex cases (e.g., full-time living or custom modifications). During application:

• Confirm all vehicle details match your title and registration
• Specify if you’re using the RV for full-time living
• Disclose any modifications (e.g., solar panels, extended awnings, upgraded appliances)
• Confirm your primary driver and any additional operators
• Choose your deductible (higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs after a claim)

After submission, you’ll receive a policy summary and declaration page. Review it carefully. Verify:

• Policy effective date
• Liability limits
• Comprehensive and collision deductibles
• Personal property limits
• Endorsements (e.g., full-timer, roadside assistance)
• Payment schedule

Once confirmed, make your first payment. Your policy will activate on the start date listed. You’ll receive a digital or mailed proof of insurance. Keep a printed copy in your RV and save a digital version on your phone.

Step 6: Register Your RV with the Virginia DMV

Virginia requires all motorhomes to be registered annually. While insurance is not submitted directly to the DMV at registration, you must be able to prove coverage if requested during a traffic stop or accident. To register:

1. Complete the Vehicle Registration Application (Form VSA-14)
2. Provide the original title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
3. Present proof of insurance (insurer’s declaration page)
4. Pay registration fees (based on weight and type)
5. Pay applicable taxes

Registration can be completed online via the Virginia DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV customer service center. Renewals are due annually on the anniversary of your initial registration. Failure to maintain insurance can result in fines, license plate suspension, and mandatory SR-22 filing.

Step 7: Maintain and Review Your Policy Annually

RV insurance is not a “set it and forget it” product. Review your policy every year before renewal. Changes in your usage, vehicle modifications, or personal circumstances may require updates:

• Did you upgrade your RV’s electrical system or add a generator? Notify your insurer—this may affect coverage.
• Did you start using your RV full-time? You may need to switch to a full-timer policy.
• Did you add a second driver? Ensure they’re listed on the policy.
• Did you move to a new state part-time? Some policies have geographic restrictions.

Annual reviews help prevent coverage gaps and ensure you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage or underinsured for new risks.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Never Rely Solely on Your Towing Vehicle’s Insurance

Many assume their car insurance extends to their trailer. While liability may transfer under certain conditions, physical damage to the trailer is not covered. If your trailer is damaged in an accident, your car’s policy won’t pay for repairs. Always secure a separate comprehensive and collision policy for towables.

Practice 2: Choose Agreed Value Over Actual Cash Value

Actual cash value (ACV) pays out based on the RV’s depreciated market value at the time of loss. Agreed value means you and the insurer set a fixed value upfront. If your RV is totaled, you receive that amount—minus your deductible. This is especially critical for vintage, custom, or high-value RVs where depreciation doesn’t reflect true replacement cost.

Practice 3: Document Everything

Before hitting the road, create a detailed inventory of your RV’s contents. Take photos or videos of each room, appliance, and valuable item. Store this digitally in the cloud and keep a printed copy in a waterproof folder. In the event of theft or damage, this documentation expedites claims and ensures you’re reimbursed for all eligible items.

Practice 4: Install Safety and Security Devices

Many insurers offer discounts for:

• Alarms and GPS trackers
• Wheel locks and hitch locks
• Fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors
• Surveillance cameras

These devices not only reduce premiums but also deter theft and improve safety during roadside stops.

Practice 5: Understand Your State’s Financial Responsibility Laws

Virginia allows drivers to post a $50,000 cash or securities bond instead of insurance, but this is impractical for most RV owners. Insurance remains the only viable option. Additionally, Virginia is a “fault” state, meaning the at-fault party’s insurance pays for damages. This makes liability coverage even more critical.

Practice 6: Avoid Lapses in Coverage

Even if you store your RV for the winter, maintain continuous coverage. A lapse—even one day—can result in higher premiums upon renewal or denial of coverage. Many insurers offer “lay-up” or seasonal policies for stored vehicles, reducing premiums while keeping comprehensive protection active.

Practice 7: Know Your Claims Process

Before an incident occurs, familiarize yourself with your insurer’s claims procedure. Know who to call, what documentation to gather, and whether they require an inspection before repairs. Some insurers have mobile adjusters who can visit your location—ideal if you’re on the road.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Virginia DMV Online Services

The official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website (dmv.virginia.gov) provides tools to check registration status, renew plates, view insurance requirements, and access forms. Use the “Verify Insurance” feature to confirm your policy meets state standards.

Tool 2: RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) Resources

RVIA offers educational materials on insurance best practices, safety standards, and state-by-state regulations. Their website (rvia.org) includes downloadable checklists for RV owners, including pre-trip inspection guides and insurance documentation templates.

Tool 3: Quote Comparison Engines

Use third-party platforms like Insurify, Policygenius, or The Zebra to compare RV insurance quotes from multiple providers. These tools allow you to filter by coverage type, usage, and location. Always cross-check results with direct insurer quotes to ensure accuracy.

Tool 4: RV Owner Forums and Communities

Join online communities like RV.net, Fulltime Families, or Facebook groups such as “Full-Time RVers in Virginia.” Members often share real-world experiences with insurers, claim outcomes, and tips on finding local repair shops and storage facilities with insurance-friendly policies.

Tool 5: RV Insurance Calculators

Some insurers offer interactive calculators on their websites that estimate premiums based on your RV type, usage, location, and deductible. While not exact, they provide a realistic range to guide your budgeting.

Tool 6: State Insurance Commissioner’s Office

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (scc.virginia.gov/boi) publishes annual reports on insurer complaint ratios, premium trends, and consumer rights. Use this to evaluate insurers’ reliability and customer satisfaction before purchasing.

Tool 7: Digital Document Storage Apps

Apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Evernote allow you to securely store digital copies of your policy, registration, maintenance records, and inventory lists. Enable two-factor authentication and set automatic backups to ensure access even if your RV is damaged.

Real Examples

Example 1: Full-Time RVer in Roanoke

Julia, a retired teacher, converted a 2018 Class C motorhome into her primary residence in Roanoke. She initially purchased a standard recreational policy but was denied coverage for a kitchen fire because her policy excluded full-time use. After switching to a full-timer policy with Foremost, she gained $25,000 in personal property coverage and emergency expense benefits. When a storm damaged her awning, her claim was processed within 48 hours, and she received a rental RV while repairs were made.

Example 2: Weekend Camper in Shenandoah National Park

Mark and Lisa own a 2020 travel trailer towed by their pickup. They only used it for weekend trips and assumed their car insurance covered the trailer. When a deer jumped into the road and caused their trailer to jackknife, the trailer sustained $8,000 in damage. Their car insurer refused to pay, citing lack of coverage. They paid out of pocket. Afterward, they purchased a standalone trailer policy with Progressive for $320/year. The next year, when their trailer’s generator was stolen from a campground, their claim was approved in full.

Example 3: Military Veteran with a Custom Motorhome

David, a veteran, owns a 2016 Class A motorhome with solar panels, a backup battery system, and custom cabinetry. He used USAA’s RV insurance, which offered agreed value coverage and military discounts. When hail damaged the roof during a storm in Harrisonburg, USAA sent a specialized adjuster who understood the value of custom installations. He received $12,000 for repairs, including replacement of the solar array, which would have been undervalued under a standard policy.

Example 4: Snowbird Traveling from Virginia to Florida

The Thompsons spend winters in Florida and summers in Virginia. Their insurer initially canceled their policy because they didn’t disclose out-of-state usage. After switching to a national provider (Good Sam), they gained coverage for both states and received roadside assistance in Florida when their battery failed. They also benefited from a multi-policy discount by bundling their RV with home insurance.

FAQs

Is RV insurance required in Virginia?

Yes, if you own a motorhome (Class A, B, or C), you must carry liability insurance meeting Virginia’s minimums: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage. Travel trailers and fifth-wheels are not legally required to have separate insurance, but the towing vehicle’s liability may not cover trailer damage.

Can I get RV insurance if I live in my RV full-time?

Yes, but you must purchase a full-time RV insurance policy. Standard recreational policies exclude full-time living. Full-time policies offer higher liability limits, personal property coverage, and emergency expense benefits.

How much does RV insurance cost in Virginia?

Costs vary widely. A basic travel trailer policy may cost $200–$500 annually. A Class A motorhome with full-timer coverage can range from $1,200 to $3,500 per year, depending on value, usage, deductible, and location. Discounts for safety devices, bundling, and low mileage can reduce premiums by 10–30%.

Does my auto insurance cover my trailer?

Only liability coverage may extend to your trailer if you’re at fault in an accident. Physical damage (collision, theft, fire) to the trailer is not covered. You need a separate comprehensive and collision policy for your trailer.

What happens if I drive without RV insurance in Virginia?

Driving a motorhome without insurance is illegal. Penalties include fines up to $500, suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license, and mandatory SR-22 filing for three years. You may also be held personally liable for damages in an accident.

Can I get roadside assistance for my RV?

Yes. Most RV insurers offer specialized roadside assistance that includes towing for large vehicles, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout services. Standard auto roadside plans often cannot handle RVs due to size and weight restrictions.

Do I need insurance for a vintage or antique RV?

Yes. Many insurers offer “classic RV” or “antique vehicle” policies with agreed value coverage, limited use terms, and specialized repair networks. These policies often cost less than standard RV insurance due to lower annual mileage.

How do I file a claim for RV damage in Virginia?

Contact your insurer immediately after the incident. Provide photos, a police report (if applicable), and repair estimates. An adjuster will assess the damage. If you’re on the road, ask if they offer mobile adjusters or approved repair shops near your location.

Can I bundle RV insurance with my home or auto policy?

Yes. Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts if you bundle RV insurance with your home, auto, or umbrella policy. This can save 10–25% on premiums.

What if my RV is damaged while parked at a campground?

Comprehensive coverage protects against damage from fire, theft, vandalism, weather, or falling objects—even when parked. Always verify your policy includes off-premises coverage.

Conclusion

Getting RV insurance in Virginia is not merely a bureaucratic step—it’s a foundational element of responsible, stress-free travel. Whether you’re a weekend explorer, a seasonal snowbird, or a full-time nomad, the right insurance policy shields you from financial ruin and ensures compliance with state law. By understanding your RV’s classification, assessing your true coverage needs, comparing specialized providers, and maintaining your policy annually, you position yourself for peace of mind on every journey.

The tools, best practices, and real-world examples outlined here are not theoretical—they are battle-tested strategies used by thousands of Virginia RV owners. Don’t wait for an accident to realize your coverage is inadequate. Take action now: gather your documents, request quotes from trusted insurers, and secure a policy that matches your lifestyle. Your next adventure deserves protection as strong as your desire to explore.