Full-time RV insurance coverage: avoid denials, domicile pitfalls, and ACV shocks

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report

Full-time RV insurance coverage is not the same as a weekend-camper policy. When your RV is your legal residence—your roof, mailbox, office, and daily driver—your risk profile changes dramatically. That change ripples through your coverage needs, underwriting questions, premium, and the way claims are handled. This investigative report maps the landscape of full-time RV insurance in plain language, with emphasis on the most up-to-date market conditions, common pitfalls that cause claim denials, and strategies to get the right protection at the right price.

Before we dig in, a reminder: “full-time” is both a lifestyle and a legal declaration. Most carriers define a full-timer as anyone who uses their RV as a primary residence (often 6 months or more per year). If you qualify and don’t disclose it, your claim can be denied. Accountability matters here—on you to disclose, and on insurers and agents to place you correctly.

Where to find unfiltered owner experiences and insurer patterns

Insurance policies are contracts with fine print. The fastest way to see real-world results is to look where owners share claim outcomes, delays, and denials:

Reddit r/RVLiving search: Full-time RV insurance coverage discussions — Search for claim stories, domicile dilemmas, and carrier comparisons.
BBB complaints mentioning Full-time RV insurance coverage — Use patterns in complaints to spot recurring issues and timelines.

To tap the largest ongoing community dialogue, consider joining multiple topic-specific groups. Do not rely on a single forum. For social media groups, use Google search to locate them (not direct platform links): Search: full-time RV insurance coverage Facebook groups. Look for groups focused on full-time living, domicile states (SD, TX, FL), and RV brand-specific communities when relevant.

Have you run into a claim delay or misclassification as a full-timer? Tell the community what happened.

What makes full-time RV coverage different—and why it matters

Weekend use policies typically assume your RV is recreational, stored at a fixed location, and not your primary residence. Full-time RV coverage adds elements that mirror homeowners/renters insurance because your RV becomes your home base.

Core differences from standard RV policies

Full-timer’s liability — Protects you like a homeowner’s policy for incidents occurring in and around your RV, including slip-and-fall at your site. Limits often start at $100,000; many professionals recommend $500,000+ if you routinely host guests or volunteer at parks.
Medical payments to others — Coverage for someone injured in or near your RV, regardless of fault, up to stated limits.
Personal effects coverage — Higher limits for belongings kept in the RV (clothing, cookware, tools, laptop), often with replacement cost options. Check sub-limits for electronics, cameras, e-bikes, and tools; schedule high-value items.
Additional living expenses/emergency expense — Pays for lodging, meals, and transportation if your rig is undriveable after a covered loss. Typical caps include per-day and total maximums; verify adequacy for the real price of temporary housing in peak season.
Residence-premises recognition — Legal and mailing address matters. Your policy may require a valid domicile and a physical garaging location disclosure, not just a mail forwarding address.

Common exclusions and gray areas

Wear and tear, rot, mold, and vermin — Maintenance-related damage is routinely excluded. For example, roof seam leaks due to lack of upkeep are almost never covered.
Undisclosed full-time use — If you’re living in the rig but insured as “recreational use,” a claim can be reduced or denied.
Commercial use — Running a business from the RV (e.g., mobile salon, paid rentals) usually requires separate or additional coverage.
DIY conversions and skoolies — Some carriers avoid self-converted buses/vans; others will underwrite with proof of professional electrical and LP installation. Documentation matters.
Pets and liability — Dog-bite exclusions or breed-specific restrictions may apply. Ask explicitly.

2024–2025 market reality: Rising rates, tighter underwriting, fewer options in high-risk states

Insurers across personal lines have repriced risk after several years of severe weather losses (hail in the Plains, hurricanes in the Southeast, wildfire in the West), inflation in parts and labor, and higher total-loss frequency. The RV sector is not immune.

What consumers are seeing now

Premium increases — Double-digit renewals are common in states with hail/hurricane exposure (TX, FL, CO, LA). Full-time endorsements amplify the base premium.
Carrier pullbacks — Some carriers limit new business by state or vehicle type (older Class A’s, bus conversions). Others are requiring higher deductibles or roof inspections.
Stricter proof of garaging — Domicile states popular with full-timers (SD, TX, FL) may still require a designated physical location where the vehicle “principally” resides. P.O. boxes alone often fail underwriting.
Actual Cash Value compression — Used RV prices cooled after the 2020–2022 surge. Total-loss payouts based on ACV may be far below your loan balance.

Owners have reported premium spikes after claims, especially for weather losses. Patterns in online complaints often involve disputes over maintenance vs. covered damage, or the surprise discovery that a policy was never set up as “full-time.” If you encountered similar challenges, add your perspective to help others.

Your policy building blocks—what full-timers should check line by line

Do not rely solely on verbal assurance from an agent. Ask for the quote and the final declarations page, and compare each line item. Here’s what to scrutinize:

Liability coverages

Bodily Injury and Property Damage — Basic auto liability that follows the vehicle on the road. Full-timer’s liability is separate and protects you at your site and inside the RV, functioning more like homeowners coverage.
Full-timer’s liability — Confirm this exact line appears, with limits, and that it’s labeled as full-time, not merely “campsite/vacation liability.”
Medical payments — Typical limits range from $1,000 to $5,000; consider higher if you routinely host guests.
Umbrella eligibility — If you carry a personal umbrella policy, confirm your RV liability limits meet the umbrella’s underlying requirements and that the umbrella carrier accepts an RV as primary residence.

Physical damage coverages

Comprehensive — Fire, theft, vandalism, animal hits, hail, falling objects, flood. Verify deductibles for glass vs. other damage; hail and hurricane deductibles may be separate in some states.
Collision — Impacts with vehicles or objects.
Agreed value vs. Stated value vs. ACV —
- Agreed value pays a set amount at total loss (best for custom/rare rigs if available).
- Stated value sets a cap but can still default to ACV in some contracts—read carefully.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays market value at time of loss—high risk for negative equity.
Total loss replacement — Usually available only for new models within the first few years; confirm model-year limits and time-in-service restrictions.
Custom equipment/solar/lithium — List upgrades and provide receipts; add a “custom equipment” endorsement if required to cover aftermarket installations.

Personal property and living-expense coverage

Personal effects — Look for replacement cost vs. ACV. Note sub-limits for electronics, tools, bikes, jewelry, and camera gear.
Emergency/Additional living expenses — Check per-day and total caps, and whether coverage applies during repairs in any shop or only if “away from home.” As a full-timer, confirm the definition of “home” aligns with your domicile.

Road support and towing

Roadside assistance — Heavy-duty towing for Class A and large fifth wheels can be expensive. Verify mileage caps, dollar caps, and whether winching is included.
Towed vehicle and tow dolly — Liability often follows the motorhome to a towed car, but physical damage to the “toad” typically requires its own auto policy. Ask how a breakaway or tow dolly loss is handled.

Geography and trip rules

Canada — Most U.S. policies are recognized; carry a non-resident insurance card if required by your carrier.
Mexico — You need Mexican liability insurance for legal compliance; many U.S. policies exclude Mexico for liability.
Weather deductibles — In coastal or hail-prone states, check for percentage deductibles for named storms or wind/hail.

Domicile and registration: The legal backbone of a full-time policy

Your domicile—commonly SD, TX, or FL for full-timers—affects taxes, registration, insurance rates, and claim jurisdiction. Carriers may require a physical garaging location or long-term campsite, not just a mail-forwarding address.

What carriers ask and why

Garaging address — Risk modeling depends on where the RV is most often located. If you “move continuously,” disclose that and provide a reasonable domicile address plus your typical travel pattern.
Lienholder and storage details — Lenders require you to maintain comp/collision and list them as loss payee. Some ask where the RV is stored when not in use—even as a full-timer.
Driver licenses and registrations — Keep domicile consistent across license, registration, and insurance or be prepared to explain any differences.

Consumers have reported policy issues when using only a PMB address or when a carrier discovers the RV is stationary long-term in a different state with higher risk. If this happened to you, share how your insurer resolved it.

Top claim denial triggers—and how to avoid them

Several denial patterns recur in owner reports and complaints. Many are preventable with thorough documentation and explicit policy endorsements.

Disclosed vs. undisclosed use

Full-time not declared — If you live in the RV and do not have a full-time endorsement and full-timer’s liability, the insurer may treat the policy as misrepresented risk.
Commercial use — Running a monetized operation (rentals, paid tours, mobile services) can void personal policies. Ask about business endorsements.

Maintenance and pre-existing conditions

Roof and seal maintenance — Keep logs, invoices, and dated photos. Adjusters often cite lack of maintenance to deny water intrusion claims.
Aftermarket electrical/LP systems — Maintain documentation of professional installation for solar, inverters, lithium batteries, and LP systems. Keep schematics and receipts to defend against “improper installation” exclusions.

Valuation disputes

ACV disagreements — Build your valuation file: build sheet, upgrade list, comparable sales, and dealer quotes. Agreed value can mitigate this risk when available.
Undervalued personal property — Inventory your belongings with photos and receipts. Consider a separate inland marine policy for high-value electronics, camera gear, or tools.

Residency and documentation gaps

Proof of domicile — Keep copies of domicile paperwork, campsite agreements, and vehicle registration to show residency consistency.
Travel logs — For disputed garaging, fuel receipts or campground invoices can support your travel pattern.

How to shop for full-time RV insurance like a pro

Shopping is not just about quotes; it’s about ensuring the quote reflects your true use and risks, and that the carrier will stand by it at claim time.

Step-by-step strategy

Define your risk profile — Class and age of RV, storage pattern, geography, drivers, pets, aftermarket upgrades, work equipment, and planned travel to Canada/Mexico.
Insist on full-timer labeling — Require the quote to explicitly list “full-timer’s liability” and any state-specific full-time endorsement by form number.
Ask for all applicable endorsements — Custom equipment, replacement cost on personal effects, emergency expense, roadside with heavy-duty towing, pet liability, and vacation liability vs. full-timer’s liability distinctions.
Verify valuation method — ACV vs. agreed value vs. stated value. Ask what proof will be accepted at claim time.
Bundle smartly — If you need a personal umbrella, confirm the umbrella carrier accepts your RV policy and domicile. Bundling auto/toad and RV can unlock discounts, but never sacrifice proper full-time status for a discount.
Shop more than one channel — Use both captive agents and independent brokers specializing in RVs. Independent brokers can access specialty carriers that handle DIY conversions and older rigs.

Documents you should collect before quoting

VIN, model, build sheet, and any appraisal.
Receipts for upgrades (solar, batteries, suspension).
Inventory of personal property with estimated values.
Domicile documentation and anticipated garaging site details.
Driving records and any safety course certificates.

Verification checklist after binding

Declarations page shows: full-timer’s liability with limit; personal effects with limit and valuation basis; custom equipment limit; emergency expense coverage; roadside/towing limits; and correct deductibles.
Lienholder listed correctly (if financed), so total-loss checks aren’t delayed.
Correct domicile and garaging addresses listed or rider noting “full-time travel” accepted by underwriter.

If you want a neutral condition report to support future claims, consider hiring a third-party inspector before long trips or after major upgrades: Search: RV Inspectors near me. A written inspection and photos can substantiate your pre-loss condition.

Financing and insurance: Keep lender requirements in sync

Financed rigs add another stakeholder—your lender. Most lenders require comprehensive and collision coverage with maximum deductible limits and must be listed as loss payee.

What to confirm with your lender

Deductible caps — Some lenders cap deductibles (e.g., not above $1,000). If your insurer proposes a higher wind/hail deductible, check lender rules.
Location requirements — Certain lenders ask where the RV is kept when not on the road, even for full-timers. Update them if your situation changes.
Gap insurance — RVs depreciate quickly, and with ACV policies, you may owe more than the payout. Ask if your loan offers gap and whether it applies to RVs.

Special scenarios full-timers face (and how to handle them)

Remote work and business use

Home office equipment — Personal property coverage might cap business equipment at low limits (e.g., $2,500). Consider scheduling gear or adding a business property endorsement.
Professional services from the RV — If clients visit your site or you operate a mobile service, ask about commercial general liability or a business owner’s policy.

DIY conversions, skoolies, and older rigs

Proof of workmanship — Keep permits, installer certifications, and photos. Some carriers require RVIA certification or professional sign-off for LP/electrical.
Specialty markets — Not all mainstream carriers write these risks; independent brokers can access specialty programs. Rates may be higher but coverage more stable.

Stationary “full-time” at long-term parks

Park requirements — Many parks ask for $300k–$500k liability. Confirm your full-timer’s liability meets requirements (vacation liability is not enough).
Site-related risks — Water damage from hookups, trips over cords, dog incidents—make sure your liability structure is robust.

E-bikes, scooters, and gear

Theft off the rack — Verify personal effects coverage applies when bikes are outside and secured. Consider separate coverage for high-value e-bikes.
Liability while riding — Your RV policy won’t cover e-bike liability. Check your umbrella or personal liability policy.

Pets on the road

Liability exclusions — Breed restrictions and dog-bite exclusions vary by state and carrier. Confirm in writing.
Medical costs for pets — RV policies do not cover vet bills; consider pet insurance.

What owner complaints often say—and how to respond proactively

Summarizing verifiable consumer concerns seen across public forums and complaint boards:

“My claim was denied for maintenance—how do I fight it?” — Gather maintenance logs, inspection reports, and dated photos; request the specific policy section cited; consider an independent adjuster if dispute escalates.
“They said I wasn’t insured as a full-timer.” — Produce your application and recorded call (if available), and the agent’s emails. If misclassified, ask the carrier to honor coverage based on documented disclosures to the agent.
“Settlement value seems low.” — Provide comps, upgrade receipts, dealer appraisals, and written quotes for a like-kind unit. Request a manager-level valuation review.
“Repairs are taking months.” — Ask the insurer to extend additional living expenses; keep all lodging receipts; request alternative approved shops with shorter queues.

If you’ve successfully appealed a denial or increased a settlement, walk readers through your steps.

Cost-control tactics that don’t sacrifice protection

Raise deductibles thoughtfully — Balance premium savings with cash reserves. Consider a higher comprehensive deductible if you can self-insure smaller losses, but check lender caps.
Claim discipline — Frequent small claims can drive up premiums. Self-pay minor issues and reserve insurance for significant losses.
Defensive driving and training — Complete RV-specific safety courses; many carriers offer discounts for proof of completion.
Security upgrades — Alarm systems, wheel locks, hitch locks, and tracking devices may lower theft risk (and sometimes premium). At minimum, they strengthen your claim story.
Geography awareness — If possible, avoid known hail zones in peak seasons and evacuate early for named storms; mitigation could improve claim outcomes and maintain insurability.
Bundle where it makes sense — Bundling auto/toad and umbrella with the same carrier may reduce cost and simplify claims coordination.

Sample coverage profiles for different full-time RVers

Profile A: Class A diesel pusher, couple, stationary winters in Florida

Full-timer’s liability: $500,000 or $1,000,000; umbrella policy: $1–2M if assets warrant.
Comp/collision: Deductibles aligned with lender; consider separate wind/hail deductible review.
Personal effects: $25,000–$50,000 replacement cost with scheduled items (cameras, jewelry).
Emergency expense: $200/day up to $7,500 or higher, due to seasonal lodging costs in FL.
Roadside: Heavy-duty towing with minimal mileage caps; verify winch-out and tire services.
Note: Hurricane evacuation plan documented; consider off-season covered storage inland.

Profile B: Fifth wheel and one-ton truck, full-time travel across the West

Full-timer’s liability: $500,000.
Trailer: Agreed value if customized; truck: standard auto with high liability limits to match umbrella.
Personal effects: $20,000 with replacement cost; add separate coverage for e-bikes.
Roadside: Coverage for both truck and trailer; tire and mobile tech reimbursement if offered.
Note: Wildfire and hail routing awareness; storage plan for severe weather windows.

Profile C: DIY van conversion, solo traveler, remote work

Carrier: Specialty market via independent broker if mainstream carriers decline.
Full-timer’s liability: Confirm eligibility; alternative may be renters/personal liability plus auto—seek an integrated solution.
Business equipment: Scheduled items and/or inland marine for laptop, cameras, tools.
Verification: Professional inspection of electrical and LP systems to satisfy underwriters.

Action plan and checklists you can use today

Disclosure checklist

Declare full-time residency status and anticipated yearly days in the RV.
Provide domicile and any consistent garaging location data.
List pets, business use (if any), and aftermarket upgrades.
Identify planned Mexico travel and need for local liability coverage.

Declarations page audit (post-bind)

Full-timer’s liability present with adequate limits.
Personal effects limit set; replacement cost vs. ACV noted.
Custom equipment limit equals your upgrade costs.
Emergency expense daily and aggregate caps adequate for your market.
Roadside/towing limits appropriate for your rig’s weight and class.
Deductibles make sense; lender caps satisfied.

Claim preparedness kit

Maintenance log with dates, shop names, and receipts.
Dated roof/seal photos every 3–6 months.
Inventory of belongings with serial numbers and photos.
Copies of appraisals and upgrade receipts stored in cloud and offsite.
List of preferred repair facilities and mobile techs along your route.

Accountability: What to demand from agents and carriers

Written confirmation of full-time status — Ask your agent to confirm in writing that the policy is quoted and bound as full-time, with the exact endorsement/form numbers.
Claims handling clarity — Ask how total losses, ACV disputes, and emergency living expenses are calculated and escalated.
Underwriting requirements upfront — Provide photos, upgrade receipts, and domicile documentation early to avoid mid-term cancellations for “insufficient information.”
Escalation path — Get manager contacts for both underwriting and claims. Document every conversation by email.

If you’ve had an agent correct a misclassification mid-policy, let readers know how you spotted it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need full-timer’s liability if I’m “only” full-time nine months a year?

Yes, if your RV is your primary residence for most of the year, you typically need full-timer’s liability. Carriers define “full-time” differently; some use six months or more. Always disclose how many days you live in the RV annually.

Is flood covered?

In personal auto-style RV policies, flood is generally covered under comprehensive. However, water intrusion from wear and tear or poor maintenance is not. Named-storm deductibles may be higher in coastal states.

Will my policy cover a towed vehicle?

Liability often extends to damage you cause while towing, but physical damage to the towed vehicle requires its own policy. Tow dollies may need separate coverage—ask explicitly.

What if I work from my RV?

Your personal effects coverage may have low sub-limits for business equipment. Schedule high-value items or consider a separate policy. If clients visit your RV or you sell goods/services on-site, you may need a business policy.

Can I get agreed value on a used RV?

Some carriers offer agreed value on certain classes or if you have a recent appraisal. It’s less common than ACV but worth seeking for customized or rare rigs.

How do I handle Mexico travel?

Buy Mexican liability insurance for the dates you’ll be in Mexico. Your U.S. policy may cover comprehensive/collision only with specific endorsements—confirm before crossing.

Real-world case snapshots

Case 1: “We thought ‘vacation liability’ meant full-time”

A couple wintering in Texas believed their “vacation liability” endorsement equaled full-timer’s liability. After a guest fell on their site, they learned vacation liability applies primarily for short-term trips. They renegotiated coverage mid-term, but the incident wasn’t covered. Lesson: policy names matter—get “full-timer’s liability” on your declarations page.

Case 2: Hail storm, totaled fifth wheel, ACV shock

An owner financed during the 2021 price spike. In 2024, a hailstorm totaled the rig. The ACV payout lagged the loan by thousands. Gap coverage would have bridged the difference; instead, the owner paid out-of-pocket to close the loan. Lesson: ask about agreed value or gap strategies, especially if you bought at peak prices.

Case 3: DIY solar and lithium—claim scrutiny

A fire traced to a battery installation triggered a detailed investigation. The insurer looked for proof of proper installation. Because the owner had professional receipts and photos, the claim proceeded. Lesson: document upgrades like a professional builder would.

Negotiating and appealing: Practical scripts

When you suspect misclassification

“On [date], I disclosed our full-time residency and provided domicile documentation. The declarations page currently lists vacation liability but not full-timer’s liability. Please confirm by end of day whether the policy can be endorsed to full-time effective [date], or advise next steps to rewrite. I need written confirmation that full-timer’s liability will be included at $500,000.”

When ACV feels too low

“Please provide the valuation report, including comparable units and condition adjustments. Here are three comparable listings, my original build sheet, and receipts for $12,400 in upgrades. I request a re-evaluation or supplementation based on these materials.”

When a claim is labeled ‘maintenance’

“Please cite the policy section supporting exclusion. Attached are maintenance logs, inspection reports, and dated photos of roof and seams every quarter. If this remains disputed, I request an independent adjuster review.”

Red flags during quoting and renewal

Agent says “full-time doesn’t matter” — It absolutely does; push for written confirmation of full-timer’s liability.
No questions about domicile or garaging — Expect these questions. If they’re absent, your risk may be misclassified.
Vague valuation language — If the quote says “stated value,” ask whether total loss pays ACV or the stated amount. Demand clarity.
Unwilling to list custom equipment — If your solar, batteries, or suspension upgrades aren’t listed with a limit, they may not be fully covered.

How to compare carriers without brand hype

Because policy forms and appetite shift, compare specific contract elements, not just names or anecdotes:

Can they endorse true full-timer’s liability in your domicile state?
What valuation options are available for your rig class and age?
What are the emergency expense caps and trigger rules?
Any exclusions for DIY conversions or specific components (e.g., lithium)?
What’s the roadside towing cap for your weight class?
How do they handle Mexico and Canada travel?

Explore public feedback carefully and look for patterns, not one-off experiences. Use searchable forums and complaint databases to verify trends and identify carrier-specific issues before you buy.

Research next steps and how to pressure-test your short list

Gather two to three quotes from different channels (captive and independent).
Ask each to email a sample policy booklet and the exact endorsement forms for full-time coverage in your state.
Call the claims department number before buying—ask about typical timelines, total-loss handling, and preferred shops.
Search complaint databases and owner forums for your short-list carriers by name plus “full-time RV insurance coverage.”

To get started, scan these sources for patterns and recent experiences:
Owner threads on Full-time RV insurance coverage and
BBB complaints referencing Full-time RV insurance coverage.

Have a resource others should see? Post your recommended links for fellow full-timers.

Bottom line: Full-time is a specialty—treat it that way

Full-time RV insurance coverage replaces what a homeowners policy does for a traditional house, plus what an auto policy does for a vehicle, plus the unique needs of living on wheels. The risks are real: liability at your site, emergency living expenses after a loss, ACV surprises if you financed during the market peak, and insurer appetite shifts in catastrophe-prone states. The solutions are specific: correct full-timer’s liability endorsement, documented upgrades, realistic personal property limits, and valuation methods you understand and can live with.

Demand transparency from your agent and carrier, verify every line on the declarations page, and keep impeccable documentation. Owners who treat their insurance like a mission-critical system—just like their brakes and tires—tend to fare far better when claims come.

What did we miss from your experience with full-time coverage, good or bad? Add your lessons learned so others can avoid costly mistakes.

Comments

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