Canada boasts over one million kilometers of paved roads, says Transport Canada, with roughly 38,000 of those making up the National Highway System. There are nearly two million kilometres of roads in total, many of which see infrequent use except by the most curious travellers. Alberta alone possesses enough roads to stretch to the moon, rivalling the road network of Ontario despite our significantly smaller population. Although a substantial portion of Alberta’s roads are gravel, it’s still impressive that nearly a quarter of Canada’s total road infrastructure exists within this province, and are comprised of 473,000 kilometers of single-lane equivalent roads.
Canada’s extensive road network accommodates a diverse array of users, encompassing approximately 20 million light vehicles, 750,000 medium and heavy trucks, 15,000 public transit buses, motorcoaches, RVs, and motorcycles.
It’s evident that Canadians have a penchant for driving, particularly over long distances. As we seem to be finally moving into spring, this province’s RV owners are looking forward to planning their next adventure and explore the vast expanse of the country’s roadways. To thoroughly enjoy the journey, however, make sure you are properly protected.
Determining the right RV insurance coverage
RVs are typically categorized into four main groups:
- Class A motorhomes: These are the largest and most luxurious, often resembling complete houses. A Class A motorhome is primarily used for travelling and camping.
- Class B motorhomes: Commonly known as camper vans (think of the classic VW Westfalia), these are smaller than Class A motorhomes and are primarily used as vehicles.
- Class C motorhomes: These offer amenities similar to Class A motorhomes, but are of a smaller size.
- Towables: This category includes travel trailers and fifth wheels. They can’t be driven on their own.
Your RV insurance coverage varies depending on its type and how you use it. For example, coverage can extend beyond simply the “vehicle” part of your RV and include options like emergency vacation expenses and protection for your personal effects.
If you choose to include property coverage with your RV insurance policy (highly advisable), helpful add-ons can also incorporate:
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Extended warranty on appliances
- Frozen food protection
- Lock replacement
Additional choices for your RV insurance
RV insurance is customizable according to your specific circumstances and the type of vehicle you drive. Experienced insurance brokers such as us at Lane’s know the correct questions to ask in order to get you most complete coverage at the lowest possible price. We work for you, not the insurance companies, and are able to cross-check a number of different policies from Canada’s best providers. Here are some additional coverages commonly included in RV insurance policies:
- Total loss replacement: In the case of an accident, total loss replacement will replace your RV with a similar unit, even if the replacement costs exceed the original price. This is typically applicable to newer RVs.
- Replacement cost of personal belongings: This allows owners to specify the amount their personal belongings are worth, to be replaced if destroyed by a covered event.
- Full-timer liability: This liability coverage is similar to homeowner’s insurance if you are using your RV as a full-time residence. Depending on the circumstance, it may provide the funds necessary to for legal expenses and settlement amounts, as well as for medical benefits and costs incurred because of an injury.
- Campsite liability: Campsite liability is similar to full-timer liability but is designed for short-term vacationers.
- Emergency expenses: Generally for full-timers, emergency expense coverage will reimburse you for expenses related to living outside the RV while it’s being repaired.
- Higher liability limits: Since RVS are much larger and heavier than regular vehicles, higher liability limits are a great idea. They provide greater financial protection due to the potential for significant damage caused by RVs in accidents.
- Suspending collision coverage in storage: As many RV owners only use their vehicles during certain months of the year, this option allows you to stop portions of your policy, such as collision coverage, when your RV is in storage, thus saving on unnecessary coverage costs.
Parking your RV
Many municipalities, including Calgary, have specific bylaws in place regarding parking your RV. Here are Calgary’s guidelines, which are also commonly used elsewhere in the province:
- Detached trailers and campers can’t be parked on city streets or alleys.
- RVs are permitted to be parked on a street immediately adjacent to the owner’s residence for a maximum of 36 hours. Following this period, the RV must be relocated to an off-street location for at least 48 hours before it can be returned to the street.
- As per the Community Standards Bylaw, the parking of RVs is allowed on a hard-surfaced driveway or parking stall in the front yard of a house for up to 36 hours.
- Parking of RVs in a side yard setback is permitted under Land Use Bylaw 1P2007. By this they mean it must be beside or behind a home, not in front of it.
- Parked RVs and boats must not obstruct the view of intersections, crosswalks, playgrounds, or signs.
- Parked RVs and boats must not impede the movement of other vehicles.
Insurance companies love to hear that their clients are parking their RVs in a secure safe lot when not in use. It may cost a little bit extra money, but could earn you a discount on your RV insurance.
The Lane’s Insurance advantage
Lane’s Insurance is a client-oriented, full-service insurance brokerage that leverages unique relationships with insurance providers to offer customers unbeatable rates on all their insurance needs. We are locally owned and operated, and we offer every type of insurance you’ll ever need, including everything from RV insurance to home insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, and much more.
We are happy to offer plenty of advice and resources to make the right choice for your recreational insurance coverage. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at Lane’s Insurance to see if we can help improve your coverage and lower your costs.
