How to Buy RV Insurance

How to Buy RV Insurance
By Mark Polk

Did you know that there are 3 primary channels for buying RV insurance:

• Through an Agent
• Buying Direct
• Online Quote Services
  

Through an Agent

Agents represent insurance companies and act as an intermediary between insurance companies and the consumer. There are two different types of agents:

Captive or Exclusive Agents

These are agents like State Farm agents who represent a full range of products from one carrier. These agents will usually only sell insurance products from one carrier. As an example, a State Farm agent will only sell State Farm products.

Independent agents

These agents typically represent a variety of insurance companies. Therefore, they have the ability to generate competitive quotes from several insurance companies. Independent agents can provide more insurance options for a consumer and help match the consumer’s unique needs and preferences with an appropriate insurance option. For example, Explorer RV Insurance is an independent agency that sells products of National Interstate Insurance Company, Great American Insurance Company, Drive Insurance from Progressive, RLI, PersonalUmbrella.com, and several others.

Buying Direct

More and more insurance companies are selling directly to the consumer rather than through agents. Examples of companies doing this are Progressive Direct, and GMAC. Many consumers prefer the independence of shopping for insurance themselves and have a greater comfort level purchasing insurance this way. Many first-time RV insurance buyers, however, prefer the counsel of an agent.

Online Quote Services

There are an increasing number of online quote services that help match consumers and insurance providers. As an example, U.S. Insurance Zone www.usinsurancezone.com enables consumers to get quotes. These online quote services don’t sell insurance directly, but facilitate a relationship between interested consumers and insurance providers. In other words, they help match buyers and sellers of insurance.

RV owners can find RV insurance through many RV dealerships and some RV associations too. Some of these organizations have their own internal insurance agencies and licensed agents which enables them to sell insurance policies. Other dealerships and associations have formal referral relationships with insurance agencies or insurance companies that sell direct.

Commercial Usage of RVs

If you want to lease/rent your RV, you will first want to explore your insurance options. The cost of insurance for having rental coverage can be very high and few insurance companies offer it. If you rent your RV without such coverage’s, however, there are usually exclusions in your RV policy that prohibit such use. Therefore, if a renter has an accident or causes damage, your insurance company will most likely deny the claim.

If you intend to use your RV for other business uses, such as a mobile hotel, an onsite business location, a mobile service business, or other sales-related uses, the RV must be under a commercial policy. Most commercial vehicle policies do not have specialized RV coverage’s. A few companies, such as National Interstate Insurance Company, offer a commercial policy for RV’s used in business.

Your RV insurance can and should fit your RV. To get a free RV insurance quote with absolutely no obligation, I recommend Explorer RV Insurance Agency, Inc. you can call 1-888-774-6778.

Happy Camping,

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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