When heading out for a road trip, many people assume that having roadside assistance is enough to protect them in every scenario. However, if you own a recreational vehicle (RV), you need to understand the differences between roadside assistance and RV insurance. Although they might seem similar at a glance, these two types of coverage serve different purposes. In this blog, we will break down what each offers and why it’s essential to have the right coverage in place for your adventures.
Roadside Assistance Basics
Roadside assistance typically covers minor vehicle issues like flat tires, lockouts, and towing when your vehicle breaks down. While these services provide peace of mind, they are usually designed for standard cars or trucks. Some plans may extend to RVs, but coverage can be limited. If you only rely on roadside assistance for your RV, you may not be covered for incidents like interior damage, accidents or repairs unique to RV ownership.
Scope of RV Insurance
RV insurance is more comprehensive and specialized than roadside assistance. It is designed to protect against damages to the RV itself, whether it’s a result of collisions, storms or other hazards. Depending on your policy, RV insurance can also include personal belongings coverage, which protects your furniture, appliances and other items inside the RV. This level of protection is essential if your RV serves as a temporary or permanent home away from home.
Scope of Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance offers help when your vehicle faces minor troubles such as flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts or running out of fuel. Its main goal is to get you back on the road quickly or tow your vehicle to a service center if repairs are needed. This coverage can be a big comfort if you worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar area. Some plans also provide trip interruption benefits, which may cover lodging or meals when your vehicle is being repaired far from home. However, it is important to note that many basic roadside assistance programs are designed with standard cars and trucks in mind. They may have size or weight limits that can exclude large RVs, or they might only offer limited towing benefits for bigger vehicles.
Coverage for Liability
One major difference between roadside assistance and RV insurance is liability. If you happen to meet an accident and someone gets hurt by it, you could be held liable. Roadside assistance does not cover liability costs, but RV insurance often includes liability protection. This means if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or cause an injury, your insurance can help cover the legal and medical expenses. Without it, you may face hefty out-of-pocket costs.
Protection While Parked
Roadside assistance might help you in transit, but what about when your RV is parked at a campground or in storage? Damage can still happen, whether from weather, theft or vandalism. RV insurance can cover these situations, ensuring you’re protected even when you’re not on the road. This comprehensive security is crucial for safeguarding your investment all year round.
Choosing between roadside assistance and RV insurance is not a one-or-the-other decision. In fact, many RV owners benefit from having both. Roadside assistance can help when you need a quick tow or tire change, while RV insurance protects you against accidents, liability claims and damage to your home on wheels. By understanding the differences in both the coverage, you can travel anywhere with confidence, knowing you have the right protection for every twist and turn on your journey.
