According to Transport Canada, there are more than one million kilometres of paved roads in this country, and close to two million total. Many are rarely travelled. As reported by the CBC, Alberta itself has more than enough roads to reach the moon, and, in fact, this province has nearly as many roads as Ontario, which has more than three times our population. Granted, a good load of Alberta’s are gravel, but it is truly remarkable that nearly a quarter of Canada’s total roadways are right here, with 473,000 kilometres of single-lane equivalent roads in this province alone.
There’s no denying that Albertans love to drive, and we love to drive for long distances. Since Canada is warming up after the winter deep freeze, it’s ready to be explored in your recreational vehicle.
The Basics of RV Insurance
There are quite a few differences between RV insurance policies and regular auto insurance coverage. This is because of the numerous components of an RV, as well as their size, multi-use capabilities and vulnerability to liability. But, helpfully, RV insurance is relatively customizable, just like homeowners insurance. The trained insurance brokers at Lane’s know exactly what questions to ask so that you get the coverage you need.
RV insurance can include personal property insurance, as well as a form of travel insurance so that if you are in an accident while away from home, your insurance may reimburse you for additional expenses. Other optional RV insurance components include appliance extended warrantees and increased liability limits.
The Automobile Aspect of Your RV Insurance
RV insurance policies all include liability insurance, which will provide for legal expenses should an incident or accident require litigation for settlement. As RV’s are large and heavy, they have the potential to cause a significant amount of damage in an accident. Higher limits provide greater financial protection.
Similar to auto insurance, basic RV insurance also includes comprehensive coverage for repairs for damage caused by named perils. Vandalism, flood, hail, theft, windshield damage and fire are all examples of events usually covered by comprehensive automobile insurance. Damage to other vehicles in an accident is also covered by comprehensive insurance.
Also like auto insurance, you have the option to purchase additional collision insurance, which will pay for damage (minus your deductible) caused to your vehicle in an accident, such as contact with another car, a rollover, or a collision with a building or inanimate object. Additional examples of incidences in which you may use collision insurance coverage are hitting a pothole or a curb, reversing into another car and when a driver other than you causes damage.
Remember: in order for multiple drivers to be covered by your RV insurance policy, unless they are covered under a separate auto insurance policy of their own they should be named when your purchase yours.
Personal Property Insurance for Your RV
Anyone with an RV knows that it costs a lot to outfit them with all the essentials of home necessary to keep going for extended periods of time. There are tons of kitchen accouterments such as dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, and numerous little portable appliances to make life easier. And bearable, such as a coffee maker. Then there are clothes, tools, camping equipment, bicycles, barbecues and tons of other stuff that needs to be covered.
Not all RV insurance policies provide personal property coverage as standard to the policy. We highly encourage making sure yours includes protection for your personal property. Campgrounds can be easy targets for thieves.
Some RV insurance policies offer up to 15% of your RV’s value for personal property coverage, others provide a total dollar limit, such as $5,000 or $10,000. Whatever your policy specifies, make sure it is enough for you. Many underestimate the total value of their belongings in their RV. Take the time to perform an evaluation of your possessions – list everything in your RV along with its cost when purchased. You might be surprised at how much money it would take to replace it all. If you are driving around with property worth more than the limit on your policy it’s a good idea to downsize a bit. Or, speak to your insurance broker to see if you may be able to change the terms of your agreement, or switch to a different provider that will better suit your needs.
Appliance Extended Warranty
Appliances, furnishings, cabinets and other essential built-in equipment are considered to be part of your RV – just as your car stereo is considered part of your vehicle. Most are under a general manufacturers warranty. Some RV insurance policies may provide an additional appliance extended warranty that will extend the manufacturer’s warranty by a year or more.
Emergency Vacation Expenses
Comprehensive RV insurance policies will provide coverage for expenses experienced if your RV becomes uninhabitable or is destroyed while you are on vacation. Usually these come with a daily maximum for incidentals up to a total maximum for the policy. For example, you may be able to receive $200 a day up to a total of $2,000.
Anyone leaving the country should also carry additional travel insurance, as provincial health insurance plans only cover a portion of your medical expenses when you are traveling out-of-country. Alberta health care will cover a maximum of $100 per day if you or your loved one becomes hospitalized out of country. If you need outpatient services, that amount drops to $50 per day. These amounts are hardly enough to cover some of the extensive amounts that you may be charged.
Bundle and Save
Bundling your insurance policies is the best way to save, so it’s worth it to consider having the same insurance company carry all of your plans. Don’t worry, though, if you are not getting what you need from you coverage it’s not hard to change everything come renewal time. That’s what we’re here for, too. We do your insurance shopping for you, and have the knowledge, experience, and expertise necessary to provide you peace of mind, wherever in the world you may be.
