Customers must provide an "INSURANCE BINDER" from their own auto insurance company which will cover the caravan with Comp, Collision and Liability for their rental period. 

A Collision Waiver is available for our "Overseas Customers" for $20.00 per night plus an additional Security Deposit, which is fully refundable upon the successful conclusion of your rental. This does not include Liability Coverage. Collision Waiver is available on "selected" units.

Mexican Travel: 
If you are traveling to Mexico it is necessary to obtain "Mexican Insurance" from an American company, such as Automobile Club and other American companies who offer it, as they stand by the policy in the event of a claim. For more information please read our Mexican Insurance page.

Canadian Travel: 
American companies generally pay claims for events that might happen in Canada but you should check your policy to make sure. 

Return to Rental Rates page

The information provided in this page can change at any given day.  This is a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide, it should not be taken as absolute fact.  Each RV is distinct and individual in it's own right, do not take anything written here literally as it may or may not apply to the exact RV you will be using. Some information provided in this page are only suggestions.

 Some basics to understand how insurance works, the terms, what questions should you ask, and where will you get the answers you need.

Insurance is a known amount (premium) to pay for an unknown possible loss in an unknown amount (loss). Insurance is required by law to some extent, but it's also just common sense. RVers need to understand the product called insurance, and to provide adequate coverage to give you peace of mind. 

The various players: 

1. The agent represents insurance companies. 
2. The underwriter determines whether the risk is acceptable and the company can make a profit it on it. 
3. The claims department. All states are regulated by commissions which determine which products can be sold, what coverages can be offered, and even influence rates.

Coverage

It depends by what your policy says and what State your in. The determination is based on what state you're registered in. So the license plate on your vehicle will determine to a significant event your coverage.

How to tell a good insurance company from a bad one? Go to a library, and consult A.M. Best or Standard and Poors -- they both rate them. "A+" rating is the best. Note we're not talking about the agent, but the insurance company. I

Standard Coverages

Liability

This is essentially claims made against you for bodily injury or property damage. "100/300/100" Means 100 per person, 300 aggregate per incident, and 100 property damage. "300 CSL" means 300 "combined single limit" coverage. Instructors recommend 250/500/100, or 500 CSL.

  Note: the cost of liability portion of the policy is really the least costly component, so you can easily afford to cover

Personal Injury Protection

This refers to medical expenses, lost wages, regardless of fault. Some people won't need it, but States vary on what's required.

Medical Payments

This is essentially guest medical insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

This should be equivalent to your liability insurance. This covers claims you may have against another motorist who can't pay.

Collision

This means damage to your vehicle caused by hitting something, whether a fence or another vehicle.

Comprehensive

This is damage other than collision, like fire, theft, hailstorm, vandalism or windshield replacement.

Caravan / RV Specialized Coverages

The above were all standard auto policy items. Next considered are those which are unique to RVs. Some know it better than others. RV Alliance, Gilbert, Miller, Foremost, Camping World & Good Sam. These companies know and understand RVs and RVers -- and have a special knowledge.

Comp and Collision are the items that most drive the cost.

Disappearing Deductibles

Reduces your comprehensive and collision deductible 25% for each year that you remain claim free. Thus at the end of four years, you don't have a deductible. If you do have a claim, you have to start over again. Window dings and towing typically don't count as a "claim" for this purpose.

Replacement Cost

If you have a new motorhome, and you have a total loss, you get a new coach if the claim is made during the first five model years.

Purchase Price

Pays your purchase price in the event of a total loss. You don't depreciate w/Blue Book

Actual Cash Value

This pays the Blue Book value. Keep in mind, the premium didn't go down to reflect the diminished liability of the insurance company to pay in the event of a total loss.

Agreed Value

This applies typically to situations where a Blue Book value doesn't apply -- because it's not included in the Blue Book listings. An example would be a medium duty truck, which currently has no listing in the Blue Book. Or a restored old RV, which has an established value, but you have a huge sum invested in restoring it. Need an appraisal, then "agreed value" which is the sum you'll receive in the event of a total loss. Your premium will be adjusted to reflect that potential loss. Note that if you add special equipment of considerable value, like GPS, sophisticated satellite systems, etc, you should report that fact to the insurance company. In most cases it won't increase the premium, but it will ensure you're compensated for it in the event of a total loss.

Full-Timer Coverage

This is what adds personal liability coverage for persons who don't own a home, and don't have access to the personal liability component of traditional homeowner policy. Personal liability limits should typically be the same limit as your vehicle liability coverage. This is usually only about $150/year.

Umbrella Policy

Also known as excess liability policy. It pays the excess of the liability limits you're presently carrying.

Personal Effects

Most homeowners provide a certain percent of the coverage for everything that isn't affixed to the rig. This covers cameras, computers, dishes, clothing etc. If you sell your home, you may not have this coverage unless you make sure you have this specialty RV coverage. Usually there's a deductible, such as $100; and a claim here won't impact the disappearing deductible feature. Jewelry, fine art, etc, requires it be separately covered as "scheduled property" at an appraised value for all risks.

Campsite Liability

This is really more of a marketing issue, as liability is liability, whether it is incurred at a campsite or anywhere else. (I infer that this may not actually increase "coverage" at all; and it may cost nothing. But it sounds good, and makes the insurance company sound "RVer Friendly".)

Emergency Expenses

Those which are incurred because an insured loss occurred -- not just a mechanical breakdown. Typically this covers lodging, food and transportation. Some may have limited amounts.

Roadside Assistance: A toll free number will get you emergency help for lockouts, out of fuel, dead battery, stuck in the mud, etc. Keep in mind your RV has specialized characteristics -- it's not just like any car. A large RV will have much larger tires, require special tools, jacks, etc. Caravans for Hire provides roadside assistance to all our customers.

Medical Benefits (Scheduled)

Again, marketing? It's a loss and dismemberment clause that adds to standard medical coverage.

The listings given here are intended to assist in the location of organizations that provide a special service and not as an endorsement of these firms. No liability or responsibility is assumed for the services rendered by any organization that is listed.