RV Insurance Claims
Filing RV insurance claims has never been this easy.
Written by
Jessica Huneck is an insurance writer from TrustedChoice.com. She began her writing career in 2011 and has since earned herself a bachelor's degree in English writing.
You may need to file an RV insurance claim for any number of reasons, ranging from an over-turn on an icy highway to theft, vandalism, storm damage or an accident with another vehicle.
Your insurance will cover the cost of damage or loss up to the limits of your RV insurance policy. The first step in the claims process if you are working with a local agent in our network is to contact your agent for help.
If you are shopping for insurance, find an independent agent today for more information about RV insurance claims, coverage types and more.
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RV Insurance Claims: How to Be Prepared
You never know when an accident might cause damage to your RV. Being prepared “just in case” will make the claims process go smoothly when something unexpected happens. Here are some tips for making sure you are prepared when it comes time to file a claim:
- Make sure you always drive with your driver’s license, as well as your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- If any other drivers will get behind the wheel of your RV, make sure they are insured to drive it.
- Keep your RV insurance current, and keep the insurance claims number with your vehicle documents.
- Keep a notebook and a camera or a mobile phone with a camera in your vehicle for documenting the details of an incident.
Following these tips will help you to expedite the claims process in the event you are in an accident or your vehicle is damaged in some way.
What to Do After an Accident
Before you are ready to file a claim, a few things may need to be taken care of first:
- Get off the road to avoid injury from oncoming traffic.
- If anyone is injured, or you have a wreck blocking traffic, call 911.
- When talking with police, explain what happened in plain detail. Let the authorities determine who is responsible based on the information gathered at the scene.
- Be sure to get a copy of the police report, as this document will be helpful to your insurance agent.
- Document everything that could help you file a claim. For example:
- Take down the contact information and insurance policy information from all other drivers involved.
- Take photos of the other motorists’ license plates.
- Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any damage to other vehicles.
- Take pictures of your surroundings including street signs and any identifying landmarks.
How to File a Claim
Once you have collected all the information you need, call your Trusted Choice agent. Your agent will explain how to file a claim, including any paperwork you need to complete. Your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine if your motorhome can be repaired.
When you call, your agent will ask you some questions, such as:
- Was anyone injured? Your agent will need this information in the event that there are medical costs involved.
- Where is your motorhome? If you cannot move your RV, your agent will need to arrange for it to be towed to a repair shop.
- What happened? You will need to tell your agent what happened. Include important information like police reports and photos of the damage. If you were in a collision with another driver, give your agent copies of the driver’s contact and insurance information. If someone broke into your RV, include details on what was taken. Give your agent copies of receipts for items that were taken. Provide information on the damage.
How Do Claims Work?
The claims process will depend somewhat on the incident, how extensive the damage is, whether anyone was injured, and the types of coverage carried by those involved. When you need to file claims, be sure to work closely with your agent or the insurance company representative you are referred to.
If your RV has been damaged, a claims adjuster will need to inspect the damage. The adjuster’s job is to determine how severe the damage is and compare the costs of repairs to the value of your RV.
After reviewing the damage, the adjuster will let your agent know how much the repairs will cost. If the damages are less than the value of the RV, your agent will determine how to cover the repairs with your policy.
If the cost of repairs is more than the value of your RV, your agent will consider the RV a total loss and will work with you to settle the claim.
If another motorist caused the crash, your agent will work with the other driver’s insurance company to pay for the damages. This may take a few weeks to several months.
However, it can go more smoothly if you have collision coverage, which will cover the cost of repairs to your RV regardless of who caused the collision.
If your RV is damaged by a cause other than a collision, your comprehensive coverage may cover those damages. For example, comprehensive coverage provides protection from fire, theft and hail damage.
What if the Responsible Driver is Uninsured?
When a driver causes a crash, typically that driver’s insurance company pays for the damages. What happens when another driver causes a crash but does not carry insurance? If you carry uninsured/underinsured coverage, this plan will provide you with funds for medical care and repairs to your RV.
If you do not have this coverage, work with your insurance agent to determine what compensation may be available to you.
When Is a Claim Denied?
When an RV insurance claim is denied, it may be due to several reasons. A common one is insufficient coverage. Additionally, RV insurance policies often have exclusions and limitations.
For example, incidents resulting from road rage may not be covered. Make sure you are aware of these exclusions by discussing your policy with your agent.
False Claims and How to Report Fraud
Insurance fraud comes in many forms. Exaggerating the amount of damages or a false loss report are both common forms of false claims.
If you are in an accident with another driver, it's a good idea to be thorough as you document the damage to both your RV and the other vehicle. This will help your agent identify any false claims made against you.
If a claim is made against you, review it carefully to make sure it is accurate. It is important to report fraud to your agent. You can also report fraud to your state’s insurance board.
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Following Up on Your Claim
Completing the claims process may take some time. You will be assigned a claim number as well as a claims representative. Be sure to keep your claim number handy along with the phone number for your insurance company so you can follow up with any questions.
The best approach is to be prepared long before an incident happens that may require you to file an RV insurance claim. Find an independent agent in our network today and get the coverage you need for your RV. When it comes time to file claims, your agent will be ready to help.