Complete guide to RV rental insurance and temporary coverage

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If you’re renting an RV, you need insurance. Standard auto insurance rarely covers rented motorhomes or travel trailers, meaning you could be personally responsible for thousands in damages or liability if something goes wrong. That’s where RV rental insurance comes in.

This short-term policy protects both renters and RV owners against accidents, damage, and unexpected costs during a trip. Whether you’re renting for a weekend or a few weeks, temporary RV insurance gives you financial protection and peace of mind so you can focus on your adventure, not potential repair bills.

This guide explains what RV rental insurance covers, how it works, how much it costs, and how to find the right policy before hitting the road.

What does RV rental insurance cover?

RV rental insurance is designed to protect both you and the RV owner from costly damages or liability while the vehicle is in your possession. Coverage typically includes:

• Liability protection. Covers damage or injury you cause to others while driving the RV.
• Collision and comprehensive. Pays for physical damage to the RV from accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, or weather.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Protects you if another driver causes an accident and lacks adequate insurance.
• Personal belongings coverage. May cover items inside the RV, though limits can vary.
• Roadside assistance. Provides towing, battery jump-starts, or tire changes if you break down.
• Vacation liability. Extends coverage to accidents that occur while the RV is parked or in use at a campsite.
  

Policies differ between insurers and rental platforms, so always confirm what’s included and what’s excluded before you hit the road.

How temporary RV insurance works

Temporary RV insurance is a short-term policy that lasts for the duration of your rental period. Here’s how it generally works:

• Book your rental. You rent an RV from a company or peer-to-peer platform.
• Select coverage. You choose between liability-only or full coverage options offered by the rental company or a third-party insurer.
  Activate the policy. Coverage begins when you pick up the RV and ends when you return it.
• File claims if needed. Any damage or accident during the rental period is handled through the temporary policy.

Many RV rental companies, such as RVshare or Outdoorsy, automatically include coverage or give you the option to add it for a daily fee.

How much does short-term RV rental insurance cost?

Even though it adds to your trip cost, temporary coverage is worth it for the peace of mind and financial protection it provides. The cost of temporary RV rental insurance depends on factors like RV size, rental duration, and location. According to RVshare, Outdoorsy, and Good Sam, you can expect to pay:

• Around $15 to $30 per day for basic liability and damage protection for smaller trailers or campervans.
• $50 to $70 per day or more for larger motorhomes or higher coverage limits. 

However, some peer-to-peer platforms include coverage automatically in the rental rate, while others charge it separately. 

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Who needs temporary RV insurance

Not everyone renting or listing an RV realizes they need separate coverage — but most do. Whether you’re behind the wheel or handing over the keys, standard policies often leave big gaps that can lead to out-of-pocket losses. Temporary RV insurance fills those gaps by protecting everyone involved in the rental process.

• RV renters. Most personal auto policies don’t cover RV rentals, so short-term RV insurance fills that gap.
• RV owners renting out their vehicles. Standard RV insurance usually excludes rentals. A rental-friendly policy or platform coverage is required.
• Peer-to-peer platforms. Sites like RVezy and RVshare require temporary RV rental insurance to protect both owners and renters.

Tips for getting the best RV rental coverage

Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to understand exactly what your temporary RV insurance covers — and what it doesn’t. Comparing your options upfront can save you money and prevent costly surprises later.

• Check your existing insurance. Some auto insurers may offer temporary extensions for RV rentals, especially for smaller campervans. However, coverage limits and exclusions vary, so call your provider before relying on your current policy.
• Compare platform plans. Each RV rental platform — like RVshare, RVezy or Outdoorsy — structures its insurance differently. Review what’s included in the base rental rate versus what’s offered as an add-on.
• Ask about deductibles. Temporary RV insurance often comes with higher deductibles than standard auto policies. Know how much you’d pay out of pocket if you file a claim.
• Review exclusions carefully. Many policies exclude interior damage, towing costs or off-road use. Reading the fine print helps you avoid gaps in protection if something goes wrong.

What if you live in your RV full-time?

If your RV is your primary home, temporary RV rental insurance won’t provide enough protection. Instead, you’ll need a full-time RV insurance policy, which works more like homeowners insurance than auto coverage.

Full-time RV insurance typically includes:

• Personal liability coverage. Protects you if someone is injured in or around your RV while it’s parked.
• Personal property protection. Covers belongings such as furniture, electronics, and clothing inside your RV.
  Medical payments coverage. Pays for medical costs if someone gets hurt in or near your RV.
  Additional living expenses. Helps cover hotel or rental costs if your RV becomes unlivable after a covered loss.

Insurers like Progressive, Good Sam, and National General offer policies designed specifically for people who use their RV as a permanent residence. These policies can also include options like full replacement cost for the RV or coverage for detached structures like awnings and decks.

If you live on the road full-time, always let your insurer know. Being transparent about your lifestyle ensures you’re properly covered in all situations.

Protect your trip before you hit the road

Because standard auto insurance rarely covers rented motorhomes or travel trailers, you could be personally responsible for thousands in damages or liability if you don’t have insurance for your RV. 

Temporary RV rental insurance bridges that gap, giving you protection for the duration of your trip — whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure. It safeguards not only your finances but your peace of mind, ensuring that one unexpected mishap doesn’t derail your journey. 

Before you pick up the keys, compare your coverage options and choose a plan that fits your trip, your RV, and your comfort level. The right protection lets you enjoy the freedom of the open road without worry.

Penny Gusner

Contributor

 

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Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s.