Do you need personal RV insurance for a travel trailer before hitting the open road? Your towing vehicle's auto insurance covers basic liability in the event of an accident, but it won't protect your trailer itself from damage, theft, or total loss.

Travel trailer insurance fills those gaps with comprehensive coverage, collision protection, and specialized options like contents coverage. So whether you financed your rig or own it outright, having the right insurance means you can focus on the open road instead of worrying about what happens when things go sideways.

Let's get into what travel trailer insurance actually covers and why it might be worth adding to your policy.

Which Type of Travel Trailers Get Insurance?

Not all types of trailers are eligible for insurance. Some may not even require insurance. It is essential to understand how insurance firms and government agencies classify your particular vehicle to determine your coverage type. Also, travel trailers may be classified depending on the various campgrounds and manufacturers.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) generally fall into one of three categories: Class A, Class B, or Class C.

Class A vehicles are usually motorhomes. These are the largest and most potent RVs on the road.

Class B vehicles can also be driven, but are usually much smaller than Class A vehicles. Most are equivalent in size to a large van and do not have the slide-out features common to many motorhomes.

Class C vehicles are between Class A and Class B in size. Most have over-cab extensions that provide more interior space.

Some non-motorized RVs are Class C vehicles. But they are more commonly classified into a separate category called “campers and trailers.” It is impossible to drive these vehicles, and they cannot be towed behind motorized vehicles.

What Types of Coverage Are Available for Travel Trailers?

Think of travel trailer insurance as a hybrid between auto and homeowners' protection. Here's what you can get.

Liability Coverage

Your tow vehicle's auto policy typically covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others while towing. Most policies extend this coverage automatically when you're pulling a registered trailer you own.

Campsite and Vacation Liability

This liability insurance covers claims resulting from injuries that occur in or near your trailer. It applies to cases wherein your vehicle is parked instead of being in motion.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage can help if you suffer an injury in an accident in which you are at fault. It also covers the medical expenses of your passengers.

Collision Coverage

It protects you from accidents that occur while your vehicle is in motion. It covers costs related to the repair and replacement of your vehicle’s structure and some of its interior features. This type of coverage is subject to the deductible of your insurance policy.

Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage

It covers you for property damage caused by another driver who doesn’t have adequate insurance.

Contents Coverage

It covers the value of personal belongings that you have in your trailer. It applies to electronic devices, jewelry, appliances, and other valuable items that other insurance policies do not usually cover.

Comprehensive Coverage

This insurance covers damages caused to your recreational vehicle by natural conditions or non-vehicular accidents. It typically covers damage from fire, flood, storms, and vandalism.

How Much Does Travel Trailer Insurance Cost?

Your actual travel trailer insurance cost depends on several factors. Higher-value trailers cost more to insure because they're more expensive to repair or replace. For example, a $15,000 travel trailer typically costs $100-$200 more annually than an $8,000 model.

Weekend campers who use their trailer 30-50 days per year pay standard recreational rates, while full-time RVers face higher premiums due to increased exposure to risks. They typically pay 20-40% more than recreational users.

Where you store your trailer significantly impacts costs. Trailers stored in secure, monitored facilities typically qualify for discounts of 10-25%.

What's Not Covered by Travel Trailer Insurance?

Let's be clear about the exclusions. Your policy won't help with routine maintenance or mechanical failures unrelated to accidents. If your water heater stops working or your tires wear out from regular use, you'll be responsible for those repairs.

Most standard policies also exclude coverage when you rent out your trailer through platforms like Outdoorsy or RVshare. If you're thinking about earning income from your rig, make sure your policy specifically allows this. Roamly offers insurance that allows you to rent out your RV through peer-to-peer platforms without voiding your coverage.

What Should You Look for in a Travel Trailer Insurance Policy?

Smart trailer owners prioritize coverage quality and insurer experience over low-cost policies. Consider these factors before buying a travel trailer insurance policy:

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

Replacement cost coverage pays to replace your trailer with a new one, whereas actual cash value coverage pays only the depreciated value of your trailer at the time of loss. For newer trailers, replacement cost is worth the extra premium.

Roadside Assistance Built for RVs

Car-level towing won't cut it for a 30-foot trailer. You should look for RV-specific roadside assistance that includes towing to an RV repair facility (not just the nearest shop), tire changes for larger trailer tires, and lockout service.

Agreed Value Coverage

Some insurers allow you to set an agreed-upon value for your trailer upfront. If your trailer is totaled, you get that agreed-upon amount without arguing about depreciation

Insure your Travel Trailer

The last thing you want is to discover that your coverage falls short after an unexpected event occurs. Travel trailer insurance isn't just a checkbox—it's about protecting your investment and your peace of mind on every trip.

At Roamly, we specialize in providing robust policies custom-made for your travel trailer needs. You can get a quote within minutes and customize a policy built for RV owners, by folks who actually understand life on the road.