Disaster Damage and your RV

If you are a full timer or if you are staying in your RV in an area where there is a disaster you could be in for a rude awakening if you haven’t planned appropriately. With the recent flooding in several states, including the massive flooding in Louisiana, and Hurricane Matthew bearing down on the East Coast, this post seems pretty timely. Without boring you with the details (you can talk to your insurance agent for that), I’ll hit the high points.

Related Read: Severe Weather and You!

FEMA won’t Replace your RV – Even if You are Living in It
First of all, FEMA does not recognize RV disaster damage unless the structure is attached to a foundation and is your primary residence – or in the case of a mobile home it has to meet certain requirements that secure it, making it “permanent.” According to FEMA definitions:
A (recreational) vehicle is:
(a) Built on a single chassis;
(b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;
(c) Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck; and
(d) Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
There are specific requirements for travel trailers and RVs that are located permanently in a flood zone.
A recreational vehicle placed on a site in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) must meet the elevation and anchoring requirements for manufactured homes, unless it:
(1) Is on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days, or
(2) Is fully licensed and ready for highway use.
Ready for highway use means that it is on its wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and has no permanently attached additions.
Also according to NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) travel trailers, campers, and vehicles (such as RVs) are not eligible for flood insurance because a building is considered insurable if it is attached to a permanent foundation.
Your Best Bet is to Carry Great Insurance

Related Read: RV INSURANCE 101

Shop around for your RV insurance. Look for collision and comprehensive coverage and consider other types of coverage including:

• Liability Coverage

• Contents Coverage

• Personal Injury Protection

• Medical Payments Coverage

• Roadside Assistance

• Lock Out Assistance

Contents coverage for RV insurance can be a little tricky. On many motorhome insurance policies the coverage for personal belongings is limited. Check your policy, ask questions, and look into any other types of insurance you can get to protect your possessions that are in your RV. After a disaster like a floor, tornado, fire, or hurricane comprehensive coverage can really come in handy to cover damage or loss of your RV.
If you are a full timer you should check out the full timer insurance options as well. Many full timer policies do require the trailer or RV to be anchored and meet certain criteria.
Your best bet for recovery from a disaster is to plan ahead, research your options, and find the coverage that is right for your RV and your family.