Prepare like a pro: What you need when talking to a broker about insuring your RV or boat

Whether you’re trying to find the best coverage for your RV, boat, or both, we’re here to help. 

Being prepared with information in this article will get you:

• better coverage, 
• faster quotes, 
• more time to spend enjoying your next adventure.

Talking to an insurance broker isn’t something that you do every day. It makes sense that you might not know what you should have on-hand when you’re talking to a broker. 

When you’re ready to start talking to an insurance broker about what the best RV and boat coverage are for you, have the right documents with you before your call. It can save time, prevent delays, and ensure you get coverage tailored to how you live, travel, and explore.

In this article, we break down exactly what to gather before reaching out to a broker — and how being prepared can help you travel with confidence.

Your broker needs to know about you and what you do

Working with an insurance broker is a great way to find the best insurance coverage for your RV or boat. Our specialized insurance brokers share your passion for recreational vehicles. We’ll ask a lot of questions to make sure we understand what you need.

Remember, RV and boat insurance are designed to cover more than just the vehicle or vessel itself. These policies also help protect:

• your personal belongings, 
• liability risks if you have liability on your policy, 
• and unexpected challenges that can arise.

To recommend the right coverage, your insurance broker needs to know:

• how you use your RV or boat, 
• what it's equipped with, 
• and where it's stored or operated.

The more detailed the information you share, the more accurately your broker can:

• Deliver a personalized quote tailored to how you use your RV or boat.
• Recommend the best coverages to meet the needs of your lifestyle and travel habits.
• Flag optional protections you could benefit from having, such as towing assistance or extra coverage for high value items.
• Ensure your policy meets provincial guidelines and marina requirements.

Recreational vehicle insurance can cover a lot of different things, like:

• Personal belongings stored inside your RV or on your boat.
• Roadside or dockside assistance.
• Liability for injury or property damage if liability is part of your policy.
• Damage from storms.
• Specialized equipment, trailers, or accessories.

Recreational vehicle insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Having the correct details means our expert insurance brokers can work to find the coverage that matches your real-world needs. 

Working with a broker to find the best coverage for you and what you do means:

• not paying for coverage you don't need  
• being protected for what you do need

What you need before calling your insurance broker

To make the process of deciding what coverage you do and don’t need simpler, have these details ready before speaking to a broker:

1. Personal and contact information

An insurance broker will start by asking for some basic information. At Orbit we value the trust you have in us and we’re committed to protecting your privacy. We’ll never ask for more information than we need. You can learn more about our privacy commitment here. 

Personal information you’ll need to share with an insurance broker

• Your full name, address, and date of birth.
• Your current insurer (if switching or bundling).
• Valid driver's license (for RV) or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (for boats).

2. Details about your RV or boat

Be ready to provide specifics about your vehicle or vessel.

Details about your RV that you need when you’re working with a broker

• Year, make, and model.
• Type (motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, etc.).
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
• Purchase price and current value.
• Whether it’s used seasonally or if you have specific travel plans.
• Where it’s stored when not in use.
• Any custom modifications or accessories.

Details about your boat that you need when you’re working with a broker

• Year, make, and model.
• Type of vessel (pontoon, fishing boat, sailboat, speedboat, personal watercraft, etc.).
• Hull Identification Number (HIN).
• Engine type and horsepower.
• Length and weight.
• Trailer details (if applicable).
• Where it’s used (inland lakes, rivers, coastal, international waters).
• Where and how it’s stored (marina, driveway, dry dock).

3. How you plan to use your RV or boat

An insurance broker will tailor your policy based on how you use your RV or boat. Be prepared to talk about:

• How often you use it.
• Whether you travel out-of-province or internationally.
• Whether your boat is trailered or docked.
• Where your RV is parked when in use.
• Who else might use it regularly (family, friends, neighbours, etc.).
• If it’s ever rented.
• Where it’s stored during the off-season

4. Safety and security features

Do you do anything to ensure that your RV or boat is safe and secure? You could save on your insurance. Make sure your broker knows about things like:

• GPS trackers.
• Anti-theft devices.
• Fire extinguishers and safety kits.
• Security alarms.
• Life jackets and other boating safety gear.

5. Previous insurance or claims history

If you’ve had RV or boat insurance before, your broker will need to know:

• Your current or previous policy (including expiry date).
• Any prior claims, accidents, or damage.
• Any gaps in coverage.

Questions to ask your insurance broker

Coming prepared with questions when you talk to a broker can help you:

• understand your policy better
• make sure you're not missing important coverage

Helpful things to ask an insurance broker are:

• What’s covered under my RV or boat policy—and what isn’t?
• Is my personal property inside the RV or boat covered?
• What’s covered in case of theft, fire, or storm damage?
• What liability protection do I have?
• What’s my deductible?
• Is roadside or marine towing included?
• Am I covered while travelling outside of my province? Or outside of Canada?
• Are there discounts for bundling with my home or auto insurance? 

Get covered, get going

Now that you know what information you need before talking to an insurance broker, you’re one step closer to hitting the road or the water with peace of mind. 

At Orbit our insurance brokers are recreational vehicle insurance experts. We’ll work hard to find the best coverage to fit how you live, travel, and explore. 

Ready to get started? Request a free, personalized quote today and set out on your next adventure with confidence.