We live in Pennsylvania and my son lives in Washington, D.C. He recently purchased a motor home and leaves it parked in our lot because he rides the Metro to work. Can we get a reduced premium as it is parked in a garage and not being used?

Yes, your son should definitely ask his insurance company about a low-mileage discount. He should also let his insurer know that the motor home is now garaged in Pennsylvania versus Washington, D.C., which might also decrease his premium payments.

Premiums for recreational vehicle (RV) insurance are based on the address at which the motor home is principally garaged, as well as the type, size and age of the RV. Other factors that affect premiums include where the owner lives, how much the vehicle is driven, and the owner's driving record, age and gender.

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As your son probably knows by now, insurance companies treat RVs differently than sports utility vehicles or cars. Ordinary coverage minimums for cars are lower than the cost of potential damage that RVs could suffer in an accident. Moreover, many drivers aren't used to operating such large vehicles, which insurers believe could increase the risk of accident.

Other insurance considerations

A common misconception is that personal property in an RV is covered under a home insurance policy; however, this is true only up to a point. Home insurance coverage includes limits for property that is kept in places other than in the home, such as a car or RV. Ordinary car and home insurance policies may not cover such items as appliances, plumbing or accessories. That's why proper RV insurance is necessary.

RV insurance combines the protections offered by car and home insurance, including coverage for losses due to fire, smoke, theft, vandalism, landslides, hail, windstorms and collision. It also provides coverage for personal property, emergency-expense coverage, such as lodging and campsite/vacation liability coverage, which provides protection if the motor home is used as a residence.

For more, see RVs: all the comforts of home--including insurance.