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A trip in an RV shouldn’t ruin your marriage … or your day
Mistakes happen, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, but the results of a recent survey may still surprise you.
The survey found that among RVers, a spouse is more likely to be accidentally left behind than the dog.
A leading RV insurer, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, surveyed more than 1,000 RVers countrywide to uncover amusing mishaps they’ve experienced while traveling.
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The survey found that the most common blunders made while traveling are:
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driving away with the steps extended;
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backing into something;
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misjudging overhead or side clearance space;
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not connecting taillights correctly; and
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running out of gas.
The survey found that 53 percent of RVers spend a month or more each year traveling the open road, and 42 percent travel more than 500 miles per trip.
Traveling the open road in an RV can be a great adventure, but sometimes it gets a little bumpy. That’s why RVers were also asked about their insurance. When mishaps happen, you want to get back on the road fast—ideally with all of your passengers on board.
Only 28 percent bought a stand-alone insurance policy with specialized RV coverages. In fact, 54 percent simply added their RV to their auto policy, and 14 percent didn’t buy any RV insurance.
Although mishaps can sometimes be funny, they can also lead to costly damages. Simply adding your RV to your auto policy can leave you woefully underprotected. It’s important to know what coverages are available to adequately protect yourself and your vehicle.
For example, what if …
… your RV breaks down on a trip?
While a lot of car insurance policies offer roadside assistance, many may not include coverage for your RV. Even if your policy covers some roadside expenses, it may not cover them all. For example, it may pay for towing only up to the amount it costs to tow a car. RV tows can cost three times more. That means out-of-pocket expenses you’re responsible for paying.
… your RV is involved in a crash?
Auto insurers typically have someone who normally handles car insurance claims inspect your RV. Specialty RV insurers train claims rep to look for damage and write estimates specific to RVs. They also work with repair facilities that know how to repair an RV and guarantee the work.
… the stuff in your RV is stolen?
You may keep things inside your RV that you never keep in your car like jewelry, laptops and camcorders. Your auto policy won’t pay to replace these items if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Specialty insurers offer “personal effects” coverage that will pay to replace them if they’re used with your RV.
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