Page 58 - Michigan RV and Campgrounds directory

Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds
Q:What if I am a full-timer?
A:If your rig is your primary residence, you will need to insure it
with primary-residence protection, very similar to a homeowner’s policy. This protection would be necessary in the case of an incident and you were temporarily unable to stay in your RV.
Q:How much am I likely to pay? A:This question is tricky to answer, as all premiums are subject to
differ based on your individual policy and provider. The make and model of your unit will also greatly impact the price. Your best bet is to shop around. There are about 10-12 carriers who specialize in RV insurance, many of which offer free quotes. Chances are unlikely that you purchased your very first motorhome or towable without taking the time to weigh the options, so use your honed skills of perusing to find the policy that works best for you.
••••••
Whether you already own or you’re looking to invest,
be sure to thoughtfully consider all of your options. Contact your insurance provider and determine if you have the right coverage for your lifestyle and rig, or request a quote to compare against other – even your current – policies. It’s important to be safe and protect yourself, your family, and your investment against any and all liabilities you could potentially face on the road.
Common Insurance Claims
A home on wheels is highly susceptible to numerous kinds of insurance claims – far different than what a normal home or auto policy can cover. It is important that you are aware of the most common RV insurance claims and how to avoid them. RVers are most likely to file claims related
to (in no specific order) tire failures, damage due to low overhangs, animal infestations, and damage done to the body of the RV or towable.
1. TIRE FAILURES: The tires that get our RVs from Point A to Point B and beyond are essential for us to enjoy our RV lifestyle – and essential for our safety on the road. They’re expensive, but they’re a necessary part of our RV to monitor and replace as necessary. A tire failure en route can be a frightening, even life-threatening experience.
Always maintain appropriate air pressure to help extend the life of your tires and make them less likely to suffer damage, poor handling, irregular wear, or decreased fuel economy. And be sure to protect your tires from the elements when you can, as ultraviolet light, snow, rain, and other environmental factors can prematurely age your tires.
Be aware of how much loaded weight rests on each axle and wheel position, and try to have equal distribution, which may require moving around cargo or payload. Too much weight can overload
what your tires can handle, leading to an accident.
56
And lastly, keep apprised of mileage and age. The average length of time RV tires stay in service is five to seven years, but it also depends on how the tires were used in that time.
2. DAMAGED ROOF OR AIR CONDITIONING UNITS DUE TO LOW OVERHANGS AND BRIDGES: One of the most important things to know about your RV or towable is its height, which should be recorded in your owner’s manual. Be cautious of low clearances and be sure to take into account any aftermarket add-ons, such as a satellite receiver.
A great resource to have handy is a road atlas, available in almost all rest stops, which lists all
of the low clearance bridges by state – more advanced additions are available for purchase
on sites such as Amazon and eBay. You can also consider installing a low clearance database onto your GPS or one of the many trip planning apps on the market to help avoid these obstacles easily because they are already taken into account on your route.
3. ANIMAL INFESTATIONS: This is especially prevalent when rigs are placed in storage during the winter months. With little to no human interference, your rig can serve as the perfect
Be proactive; place mothballs, peppermint
oil, and dryer sheets in or near corners, drawers, and other small openings to help deter mice
and other rodents from nesting. Additionally,
be sure to store food properly, keep windows and doors shut, power cords off the ground,
and all trash removed. And if all of these preventative measures ultimately fail, try catching the little guys with traps or poison
(but be sure to remove these before pets or children roam the rig). If you can’t get rid of the varmints yourself, you may need to
consider calling an exterminator.
4. BODY DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE RIG: Even the most experienced RVer can have trouble maneuvering a coach or towable. They are often bulky, hard to see around, and not as navigable as our traditional car or tow vehicle.
Avoid backing into objects by purchasing
rear backup or side panel cameras – if your rig
is not already equipped and especially if you’re traveling alone. If you have a family on board, helpful campground neighbors, or office workers, have them step out and direct you into the lot.
Be aware of your unit’s width and turn radius
as well, this will help you avoid any incidents while turning a corner.
winter retreat for critters trying to escape the cold.
marvac.org
2016 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS