Recreational vehicle manufacturing is at an all time high. 56,000,000 people plan to go RVing this summer (2021)! Covid-19 may have been a catalyst to the RV industry but as travel continues to open up the outdoor lifestyle remains strong.
As your road trip plans fill up for the summer, don’t forget to think through your safety plan, accident procedures, and what insurance you have.
Safety Tips: Become the master of driving your RV
Driving an RV comes with many new challenges. Reduced visibility, height restrictions, and route planning are just a few of the obstacles RV drivers face on the road.
- Make sure your route is RV-friendly. Consider using an RV-specific GPS device or a Trucker Atlas to avoid low bridges and other restrictions on your route.
- Give yourself plenty of room when making a turn. Whether you’re driving a motorhome or towing a trailer you will need to pull farther forward before starting your turn. Take time to practice making turns and backing up before your big trip. A big, empty parking lot is a great place to test how your RV makes a tight turn.
- Write down the height of your RV. Secure a notecard with your RV’s exact height and weight onto your dashboard. As you drive, pay attention to the clearance signs posted on most overpasses. Keep in mind some gas station and restaurant drive-thru canopies may be shorter than your RV.
- Check your state’s license requirements. Some states require special non-commercial licenses for driving certain classes of RVs.
- Be aware of traffic conditions on your route. Avoid delays on your trip by checking traffic and construction updates. There are several free apps and websites that provide real-time traffic updates.
- Take an RV driving course. Before you get behind the wheel of your RV this year, check out one of the many websites devoted to RV safety, like the RV Driving School Website, for driving classes.
- Don’t forget to include these safety items on your RV packing list:
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Jumper cables
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Motor oil/fluids
- Tire pressure gauge
- Spare batteries
- Battery charger
- Wheel chocks/blocks
- Guide to operating your RV in cold weather
- Campground(s) contact information
- RV registration
- Insurance papers
- Warranty documents
- List of emergency contacts and medications
- Tarp
- Collapsible shovel
- Flashlights
- Surge protector and extension cords
- Water bottles
What do to in an Accident – Click here
Figuring out what do to after an accident is not the way to go. Know what to do after an accident before an accident happens.
Review your insurance coverages so you know what’s available to you
These are some special RV coverage items that you may (or may not) have, here are a few key things to speak with your agent about and know what you have and what’s available to you.
- Vacation Emergency Expense – What if an accident leaves you stranded? You can get coverage for the cost of your lodging, food, and more
- Vacation Liability – What if someone is injured at your RV site?
- Contents – Are your personal items within the RV covered?
- Do you have a newer, custom, or classic RV? If so, consider getting a guaranteed replacement value on your RV and know exactly what it’s insured for.
- Road Trouble Service – If you breakdown, how much in roadside assistance do you have? How do you use it?
- Is your RV stored 3, 6, or 9 months of the year? Get a lay-up credit that saves you money
- Do you have a loan on the RV? Consider loan gap coverage in the event your vehicle is totaled and it’s value is worth less than the amount owed on the loan.
Now, time to get your play list together for the perfect road trip.
For more insurance advice contact us at 260-424-1555.
Jeremy Hyde | Colligan & Company
