We have all seen the envious posts of those driving from beautiful location to beautiful location in their motorhome or recreational vehicle, enjoying their location and the benefits of travel all while continuing to remain gainfully employed as a remote worker. Working remotely from a motorhome has gone from a niche lifestyle choice to a mainstream way of living and working. All that’s needed is a recreational vehicle, reliable internet, a flexible work environment, and the freedom to travel.
More and more Canadians are taking advantage of the ability to work anywhere and turning their motorhomes or recreational vehicles into mobile homes and offices. It’s an attractive lifestyle offering plenty of freedom, however many may not think about the essential question of whether or not you are still properly insured when working remotely from a motorhome.
Motorhome insurance combined with use as a mobile office
Most motorhome insurance policies are designed for the vehicle being used purely for recreational purposes. That typically means weekend trips, vacations, and seasonal travel. When a motorhome becomes your primary workspace, or even your primary residence, your risk profile changes.
Insurers will more than likely look at regular business use and full-time living much differently than casual recreational use. If your policy only reflects personal travel but you are working full-time from your motorhome, there will more than likely be coverage gaps. This doesn’t mean you’re automatically uninsured, but it does mean that you should revisit your coverage with a qualified insurance broker such as us at Lane’s. We will ask the right questions as to how your vehicle is being used so your coverage can be structured in a way that meets your needs.
Business equipment and personal property coverage
Remote workers often use and carry expensive equipment, such as laptops, monitors, cameras, lighting, satellites, solar panels, and specialized inventory. Motorhome policies include personal property coverage, the same as they do for homes, but limits can be surprisingly low and may not fully protect the equipment you need to do your job.
In addition, business equipment can be treated differently than personal belongings on insurance policies. For example, home insurance policies usually cap coverage for business equipment rather low, as the assumption is that it would be covered by the company you work for. If you are fully self-employed, your work equipment may need to be covered by a separate business equipment endorsement, much in the same way as jewelry and art is covered. If your laptop is essential to earning an income, it may not be fully covered under a standard personal property limit, and it and the other equipment and electronics you use are more than likely covered for far less than their actual value.
Liability risks while working on the road
Liability is another key concern. If you work from your motorhome or recreational vehicle and are visited by clients or customers, whether it be at a campground or on private property, your liability exposure increases.
Standard motorhome or recreational vehicle insurance liability coverage is designed for recreational activities, not business interactions. If someone is injured while meeting you for work-related reasons, your personal liability coverage may not respond as expected. Remote workers who regularly meet clients or conduct business from their motorhome should discuss with their broker or provider whether additional liability protection is necessary.
Full-time living or occasional remote work?
There’s a big difference between answering emails while on a two-week trip and living full-time in a motorhome. Full-time recreational vehicle living usually requires specialized coverage that is more similar to homeowner’s insurance, and that includes higher personal liability limits and broader personal property protection.
Our providers offer policies specifically designed for full-time motorhome living. Without this type of coverage, claims related to long-term occupancy, personal property, or liability could possibly be denied.
Crossing borders and working abroad
Many Canadian remote workers travel extensively, including across the U.S. border. While most Canadian motorhome insurance policies extend their coverage to the United States … but not Mexico. Mexican law requires liability insurance from a Mexico-licensed provider, and Canadian policies do not have legal force there.
In addition, some policies may have territorial limits, time restrictions, or exclusions related to extended stays. Health insurance, cyber liability, and professional liability coverage should also be reviewed with a qualified insurance broker when working in another country.
Internet, cyber risks, and data protection
If you don’t happen to have your own Starlink network, remote work can often rely on public or campground Wi-Fi networks, which increases your risk of cyber attacks. While motorhome and recreational vehicle insurance does not typically cover cyber incidents, data breaches, or digital liability, these possibilities shouldn’t be ignored.
All types of work handle sensitive information, financial data, and confidential records. Depending on your scope of work, you may need additional cyber insurance coverage. This is especially important for consultants, freelancers, and small-business owners working from the road.
We at Lane’s can help you stay true to yourself and your goals
Working remotely in your motorhome or recreational vehicle, even if only part time, will change how insurers classify your risk. Your insurance coverage should change at the same time as how you use your motorhome or recreational vehicle .
Reviewing your policy annually, or whenever your work or living situation changes, can help prevent surprises should you have to file a claim.
Lane’s Insurance is your ally in the motorhome and recreational vehicle insurance business. As experienced insurance brokers, it’s our job to find you the best coverage at the very best rates out there from the suite of policies from Alberta’s most respected providers to which we have access.
Give us a call at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, or greater Alberta offices to see what we can do for you.
