What to Do After Buying a New RV

Before you go on any family trips, or even drive off the lot, make sure you are prepared after buying your new RV. To start, make sure you have the proper training and have acquired the proper license to be able to drive your new RV. Depending on the size of your RV, you may have to take a driver’s education course to acquire a class A, B, or C license. Before going on any trips, Familiarize yourself with your new RV and its controls. In this article, you can find more information on various tips for new RV owners as well as some important insurance considerations.

Creating a RV Checklist

Creating a RV checklist can save you a lot of time and hassle. Making a list of interior and exterior items to check off will help you prepare and help to prevent you from forgetting an important detail before hitting the road. The following are some recommended checklist items.

Exterior Checklist

• Check your RV’s tire pressure and prepare a spare tire
• Check your battery levels
• Inspect fluid levels for engine, brakes, gas, oil, power steering, and transmission
• Lock all compartments such as awnings, slide-outs, or antennas
• Disconnect external hoses or electrical cables
• Ensure you have all tools, jacks, and emergency kits packed
• Prepare wheel chocks
• Test all brakes lights, turn signals, and headlights
• Give your RV a quick clean

Interior Checklist

• Close and secure all cabinets, drawers, and doors
• Secure any loose items throughout your RV
• Turn off any appliances that may be on
• Turn off water pumps or heaters
• Close any vents or windows that may be open

Planning Your RV’s First Trip

Before going out on your first big road trip in your RV, it may be beneficial to plan a smaller “practice” trip. Planning a trip that is closer, not as long, and all around easier, will help you become familiar with your RV and how things truly work. First, plan a trip that matches your budget. Planning a practice trip will help you get a realistic idea of what you may spend on gas, a campsite, and food. Next, plan an RV-friendly route. Mapping out your route for the first time may seem daunting, but keeping in mind the need for gas stations, potential parking, the difficulty of steep grades and low clearances, and adjusting travel times will help make a practice trip enjoyable and prepare you for your first big trip.

Another important step is to acquire insurance coverages. The following are some coverages you may want to consider for your RV:

• Liability Coverage

Liability coverage provides compensation to others if your negligence causes them to suffer an injury or their property is damaged.

• Collision Coverage

Collision coverage can help to provide compensation if your RV is damaged in a collision with another RV, vehicle, or some other particular objects.

• Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage can provide compensation to you if your RV is damaged from a covered event other than a collision. These events may include theft, vandalism, accidents with animals, and some other natural disasters.

• Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can provide compensation when a person who is legally liable for an accident doesn’t have insurance, or their policy limits are inadequate. Damages to your RV and/or medical expenses that would normally be covered under the other driver’s insurance policy may be covered under this type of coverage.

• Equipment Coverage

If you are planning to customize your new RV, then equipment coverage may be a worthwhile investment. Equipment coverage is an optional coverage you can choose to include, and it can help protect aftermarket parts and other changes that you have made which were not originally installed by your RV’s manufacturer.

How Much Does RV Insurance Cost for New Owners?

The price of insurance for your new RV can vary depending on a variety of factors. To help prepare you for getting your quote, here are some things that you will need to discuss with your local Cross Insurance agent.

• The make and model of your new RV. Typically a newer RV will tend to raise your rates compared to an older, less expensive RV.
• The state that you live in will also affect your quote. Each state has different laws and regulations that drivers must follow, this can alter rates.
• Where and how much will you be driving your RV? Will you be using your RV for seasonal trips, or as your primary residence?
• The age, gender, marriage status, and education of the driver.
• Your personal driving record will also factor into your costs. Having prior tickets, violations or accidents can potentially raise your rates.

Possible Discounts for RV Insurance

If you want to learn more about available discounts for RV insurance, then contacting your local Cross Insurance office is a great starting point. The following are some common discounts that you may qualify for.

• Multi-Policy & Multi-Vehicle Discount

Many insurance carriers will offer discounts for having multiple policies through them. Ask about bundling coverages such as your RV and auto insurance or your RV and home.

• Safety Course Discount

Chances are you may have to take a driver’s education course to get a license to drive an RV, and participating in an approved RV driving safety course may also qualify you for a discount.

• RV Association Discount

Members of RV clubs or associations may qualify you for a discount.

• Continuous Coverage Discount

Even though your RV may only be used seasonally, keeping continuous coverage on your RV, may help you save on insurance costs.

Request a Quote for Your New RV

At Cross Insurance, we work with over 100 different carriers, from national names to local companies. Whether you are looking to insure your new RV, primary vehicle, home, or business, our team can help find insurance options for you. Reach out to one of our local offices to start the quoting process today or fill out our form here.

 

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.