RV safety: Roam if you want to with caution and care

As the temperatures warm up, now is the perfect time to get out and explore all the country has to offer. RVs (recreational vehicles) provide a convenient and comfortable way to travel and enjoy the outdoors. Be it with friends, family, or even by yourself, camping is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and yourself. If you are planning to hit the open road in an RV, don’t forget to take time to check your insurance, plan ahead and remember safety for a smooth ride and adventure.
 

RV & Motorhome Insurance

RVs and travel trailers can cost between $10,000 and $300,000—depending on the style and features (JD Power). The first step is to make sure your RV or motorhome is insured. Insuring your motorhome against damage and loss caused by common risks, such as fire, storms, theft, and collision will help protect you against the unexpected on your travels. 

Coverages include:

• Bodily injury to someone else or property damage that you accidentally caused while driving your motorhome.
   
• Bodily injury to yourself because of an accident with an uninsured motor vehicle.
   
• Damage to your motorhome caused by an accident.
   
• Theft, fire, vandalism, and other losses even while your RV is in storage
   
• Emergency Road Service in the event of a breakdown while traveling in your motorhome.

Personal property coverage can vary. When it comes to covering what’s inside your motor home for items (such as jewelry, cameras, bicycles, fishing equipment, golf clubs, etc.), you may need extra protection. Ensure they are also covered beyond your motorhome policy with a Personal Articles Policy.  It is also important to remember that while you choose motorhome (RV) insurance if what is to be insured is driven, you may need to consider travel/camping trailer insurance if what is to be insured is towed. 
 

Plan Ahead

Flexibility is a perk of RV travel, but a little planning will help you avoid aimless driving, congested metropolitan areas, and wasted time and save you money.

• Make an itinerary. A rough itinerary with the best places on route to eat, explore and stay will help alleviate some of the guessing.
   
• Locate your camp sites. Find the lot size and water, power and sewer hookups you need at GoCampingAmerica.com and GoRVing.com.
   
• Decide what amenities you want. From rustic or Wi-Fi enabled, pools to exercise facilities, camping options run the gamut.
   
• Plan your route.
   
• Time your trip. Plan for the days of the week, weather conditions and special events you might want to see.
   
• Make a budget. And stick to it.
   
• Check the vehicle: Before the trip, check the tire pressure, the breaks and battery. Top off fluids.
   
• Wash and inspect the exterior: Especially the roof of your RV, motorhome or camper.

Driving & Road Safety

Whether you're ready to hit the open road or park for the season, buckle up, pay attention to speed and other drivers (and passengers) around you. Stay alert and undistracted.

• Distractions: Texting is one of the most dangerous driving distractions, but here are 7 others.
   
• Share the Road: Be aware of other vehicles including large trucks and farm vehicles.
   
• Stay Alert: Drowsy driving can impair reflexes and lead to disaster. Try these tips to stay alert.
   
• Traffic Merging: The RV is a vehicle with large blind spots. Travelers can drive defensively and take precautions to prevent merging collisions.
   
• Severe Weather: RVs can be easy to flip. It is important to make sure your RV is prepared if a storm blows in.