Finding RV insurance that allows short-term rental (AirBnB)

[njarnold]

We are looking into insurance options for a Class A that we'll be using as a stationary rental (we're in a highly lucrative spot for AirBnB). It will be parked as rental most of the year, but occasionally, we'll be driving the RV for summer trips etc.

Here's the breakdown of what we've found so far: We can find RV insurance that will cover the RV while we are personally using it, but as SOON as we have short-term renters in it (even stationary renters) most carriers remove all liability coverage (if a renter should happen to get hurt) and all comprehensive coverage (if a tree should happen to fall on the unit, wind/hail etc).

We could choose to rent using ONLY RV rental sites (Outdoorsy / RVshare / RVezy), and those sites solve this insurance problem by having each renter purchase their own RV insurance policy just for the rental period but... it's really expensive because the sites don't distinguish between stationary rentals and renting out the entire RV (for driving across the US etc).

So bottom line question: is there a stand-alone RV insurance (any including commercial) that allows short-term rental. That would enable us to use the actual AirBnB platform rather than just RV-sharing sites. I'd also appreciate recommendations for any insurance brokers or agencies who specialize in RV insurance even if it's just to get advice or various options.

Thanks in advance!

[way2roll]

First, using your personal RV for a rental is a bad idea. RV's are finicky as it is, cheaply made and easy to break things and they don't hold up well to commercial use. Unless you are completely emotionally detached from it, I would caution against it. RV rentals is a business and should be approached that way. It will get messed up, depreciate more rapidly and cost a lot to fix things when they break and put you out of business until repaired.

We owned an RV rental business for several years. It's a business and has business expenses. At the time, MBA insurance was the only game in town. Premiums were about $800/mo for $1MM in liability. We operated under an LLC and treated like any other business. A few questions - How will you report income? How will you leverage maintenance and repair write-offs? How will you manage depreciation to offset the loss at end of life or when you sell? How will you insulate yourself from liability?

I am not sure if there is some distinction between being stationary vs Mobile. If it's on your property I am not sure how that would work. Class A's are passenger vehicles and need to be registered that way, unlike a TT which would be more conducive to your plan.

MBA provided all the necessary contracts including clauses to ensure the renter covers any damages and lost revenue for repairs. Damage deposits are usually $1,000.

Rv's are a pretty big investment for personal use, let alone using it for a business. If you want an RV for personal use and can't afford it, save your pennies. If you want a business, start a business, the 2 don't mix well.