Does RV insurance cover water damage?

If you come back to your camper after a night out and discover you left a window open and a storm blew in. Water has soaked your living room furniture, will your RV insurance help?

The short answer is probably not. There are very few circumstances where water damage in your RV will fit under the umbrella of your coverage.

Is my RV protected in case of a flood or earthquake?

If you were parked by a stream in your favourite campground, and a flash flood caused rising waters to destroy your carpeting and couch, your insurance policy may not help with repairs. It depends on your specific policy. Read your comprehensive section carefully and look for limitations of coverage. For example, how far away is your trailer parked from a body of water.

My RV roof leaked during a storm. Can I file a claim?

If you have water damage in your RV as a result of a rip in your rubber roof or a leaking vent gasket, that is likely not covered by insurance. The roof membrane is considered a wear-and-tear item that should be regularly maintained or replaced. If a branch falls on your camper and that creates an opening in your roof allowing water to enter, your policy will most likely respond to the resulting water damage, as Falling Object is normally an insured peril.

Will my RV insurance help repair or replace damage from mould?

When you live in the Great White North, fighting the effects of muggy summers is an ongoing struggle. Unfortunately, unless your motorhome has its air conditioning running year-round, it is likely that yours will develop some mould while in storage. You should expect to give your RV a good scrubbing in the spring when taking it out of storage.

Your insurance will not cover any damage due to mould. It is your responsibility to keep the interior as dry and clean as possible to protect your investment.

Comprehensive maintenance schedules protect your motorhome

The best way to avoid filing a claim against RV water damage, is to schedule a complete winterization and inspection with your RV repair shop every fall before storing the vehicle. If any minor damage to the roof, walls, or undercarriage is noted, it can be fixed before the camper is parked and ignored over the winter holidays.

The fall RV maintenance visit should include:

• Winterization of the water system including the addition of anti-freeze in the pipes.
• Inspection of the rubber roof membrane and repair of minor tears.
• Check for rust and holes in the undercarriage and flooring.
• Test all systems including heat, air conditioning, inverter, slides, and kitchen appliances.
• Check the seals around windows and roof vents. Replace cracked gaskets.
• Remove all bed linens and clothing or seal them in plastic storage bins and bags.

A covered storage facility is a smart solution in the winter

One way to prevent moisture from seeping into your RV while it is in storage is to rent a cliimate-controlled space when you are not on the road. The constant temperature and humidity in the garage will stop the freeze-and-melt cycle that is often the root cause of minor water damage in your RV.

If you cannot afford an indoor parking spot for your camper or motorhome, investing in a fitted cover will help to divert snow and water from getting into your vehicle.

Is your RV insurance up to date?

If it's been a few years since you bought your motorhome and want to make sure the policy provides as much protection as possible, contact an Orbit insurance broker to review your RV insurance today.