What should I look for in insurance coverage for full-timing

[bsiemens]

DW and I are narrowing our search for a Class A for full-timing. Currently all of our insurance needs are under one carrier, Allstate. We're just not sure how things would work if the coach were in an accident and needed repair. What would happen to us? What to make a good first choice for coverage when we make our purchase and not have to change afterwards. I am sure there are some companies out there who cater to the full-time lifestyle. Looking forward to some guidance as to what to ask or companies with a good track record.

[2gypsies1]

Keep in mind that you'll want insurance to cover your belongings such as computers, jewelry, etc.

We also used Miller Insurance/National Interstate and had also used Progressive. We got new bids every 3 years or so and went with the one that gave us the best deal. We found that companies give you a good rate at first and gradually increase it. We have never been loyal to any one company.

[4X4Dodger]

bsiemens wrote:
Thank you all so much. Valuable information! Will be spending some time on the phone now that I have a place to start and know the right questions to ask.

Be sure you get a clear definition of what the insurance company considers "Full Timing".

[4X4Dodger]

MTPockets1 wrote:
Some answers at Bluesky Insurance. This is what we use.

I had bluesky quote my Good Sam policy and they were quite a bit more expensive for significantly LESS coverage. And they didnt get anywhere near the personal property limits that GS had....

But I had to read their quote VERY carefully to get this info and had to call back to get clarification.

I would be very careful that you understand ALL the exclusions and limitations and look closely at the personal property limits with Bluesky.

[C-Bears]

I can only relate to what our research turned up when we sold the house and went full time. We got estimates from Bluesky, Goodsam, one I can't remember, and Progressive. As someone else said there are only a handful that will insure full timers.

Progressive beat them all on price, plus we could do everything on line easily. As an afterthought I pulled out my vehicle insurance papers, called them back and got quotes for 2 vehicles. They quoted us better insurance for both vehicles and lowered our auto insurance bill by almost 40%.

We have been with Progressive as full timers for almost 2 years now and are satisfied. Of course we haven't had a claim yet either.

[bsiemens]

Thank you all so much. Valuable information! Will be spending some time on the phone now that I have a place to start and know the right questions to ask.

[MTPockets1]

Some answers at Bluesky Insurance. This is what we use.

[lj2654]

Overland Insurance in Arizona writes fulltimers insurance thru National Interstate. Talk to Ron Jarvie.

[GoPackGo]

I also use Miller Insurance. I have National Interstate through them.

You will want "Full Timer's Insurance". It is a different policy then the normal camper/RV insurance that you would get from Allstate, etc. The reason is that you are using your rig 100% of the time instead of only weekends during the summer, so you have more exposure to stuff happening. If you call Millers and just say the words 'Full Timer's Insurance', they will know exactly what you are talking about, as opposed to Allstate, or State Farm, etc.

And, FWIW, since I have a truck and a 5th wheel, I made sure to have my truck insurance and 5er insurance through the same company. I do not want any kind of an insurance fight if both vehicles are damaged in the same accident - I want ONE insurance company to handle everything. You may want to consider that if you have a toad.

Tim

Tim.

[Executive45]

There's only about three insurance companies that will insure you full time. Coverage is decidedly different than regular insurance. We used Explorer Insurance and insure through National Interstate. So far, we've been very pleased with their service having had several claims with them over the past six years.....full timer insurance is more expensive though...keep in mind your insurance must cover someone if they're injured while visiting etc. much like your homeowner's insurance on your stix n brix.....Dennis

[TechWriter]

If you're going to full-time, then I'll assume that you won't own a home.

If that's the case, then the typical household insurance carriers, like Allstate, State Farm, etc., may not be your best choice.

Since we started full timing, we used Miller Insurance Agency. Because they're an agency, they can pick and choose the best policy for you. You'll also want to get an umbrella liability policy. I think ours is about $250/year for $1M in coverage.

Finally, you'll probably want a road service like Good Sams or Coach-Net.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Allstate was far from good RV coverage when we bought our first trailer. The list of things they covered missed important stuff - and their rates were almost twice of Good Sam National General RV insurance.

We still keep vehicle insurance with Allstate. We've sold the house, boat and extra vehicles so all we have with them now if the truck.

Make sure anyone you talk to understands what full-time is.

Our coverage which we have with National Interstate through the insurance agency at Escapees has - coverage for the TT, coverage for the Contents, coverage for our items in storage.

We also carry a separate umbrella liability policy.

Progressive, Good Sam and some others have RV good coverage - just make sure they understand you are full-time. Most RV insurance has two levels - less than 60 days per year usage of the RV, and less than 180 days per year usage of the RV. Only a few companies offer more than 181 days per year usage coverage.

When we went full-time, we checked with Allstate - and they would not offer coverage for 181 days or more. But which insurance coverage you can get varies within a company from state to state. So do check.

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Separately make sure you have good Roadside Assistance coverage. And if you have a newer rig - extended warranty coverage. Not only towing, but something to help cover the costs if you are unable to use your rig during repairs.

[2oldman]

I think I'd start by asking Allstate.