RV Rental Insurance: What Actually Covers You

What insurance coverage comes included with RV rentals?

Most RV rentals include basic liability only (state minimums of $25,000-$50,000). Outdoorsy includes $1 million liability through Berkshire Hathaway at no extra charge. RVshare and corporate rentals charge $15-45/day extra for comprehensive damage coverage with $300,000-$500,000 limits and $500-$2,500 deductibles.

State law requires minimum liability coverage for any vehicle on public roads. These minimums are dangerously low for RVs:

• California (VC 16056): $15K property damage, $30K bodily injury per person, $5K property damage
• Florida (F.S. 324.021): $10K property damage, $10K personal injury protection
• Texas (Transportation Code 601.072): $30K bodily injury per person, $60K per accident, $25K property damage
• Colorado (42-7-103 C.R.S.): $25K bodily injury per person, $50K per accident, $15K property damage

A single serious RV accident causing injuries can exceed $100,000 in medical bills. Property damage to multiple vehicles adds another $50,000-$150,000. State minimums leave you personally liable for amounts above the limit.

How much does RV rental insurance typically cost?

Daily insurance costs range from $32-$60 depending on RV value and coverage level. RVshare charges $35-45/day through Roamly with $1M liability and $300K damage coverage. Outdoorsy includes insurance at no charge. Corporate rentals like Cruise America charge $25-50/day with higher $1,500-$2,500 deductibles compared to peer-to-peer $500-1,000 deductibles.

Real pricing examples from January 2025 quotes:

• Outdoorsy 2022 Thor Quantum (Class C, valued $95,000): $0/day insurance (included), $500 deductible
• RVshare 2021 Winnebago View (Class C, valued $110,000): $42/day Roamly coverage, $1,000 deductible, $1M liability
• Cruise America Standard Package (2019 models averaging $75,000): $45/day supplemental liability + damage waiver, $1,500 deductible
• Good Sam third-party policy (2020 Tiffin Allegro, $180,000 value): $320 for 7-day trip ($45.71/day), $1,000 deductible

For a typical 7-day rental, total insurance costs break down to:

• Outdoorsy: $0 (included in rental rate)
• RVshare: $245-315 ($35-45/day × 7 days)
• Cruise America: $175-350 depending on package
• Third-party Roamly policy: $150-300 for week-long coverage

RV value drives pricing. Units under $75,000 qualify for lower daily rates ($20-30/day). Luxury Class A motorhomes valued over $250,000 can cost $60-80/day to insure with zero deductible options running an additional $15-25/day.

Which credit cards cover RV rentals?

No major credit cards cover RV rentals. Chase Sapphire Reserve excludes vehicles over 26,000 lbs. Amex Platinum explicitly excludes 'trucks' and 'recreational vehicles' in section 5.2 of the benefits guide. Capital One Venture X has a $75,000 MSRP limit, excluding most Class A and Class C motorhomes.

Rental car coverage from credit cards does not extend to RVs. Here's what the actual policy documents state:

Chase Sapphire Reserve (researched January 2025)

The Benefits Guide states: "Coverage excludes vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs or more." Most Class A motorhomes exceed this limit. Even smaller Class C units like the Thor Quantum 26 have a GVWR of 14,500 lbs but the policy also excludes "trucks" and "vehicles not licensed for road use," which rental companies sometimes classify RVs under.

To verify: Call Chase benefit services at 1-888-675-1461. When you provide the RV make, model, and GVWR, they'll confirm RVs are excluded.

American Express Platinum Card

Section 5.2 of the Platinum Card Premium Car Rental Protection Guide (updated November 2024) explicitly states exclusions include: "trucks, off-road vehicles, vehicles with open cargo beds, recreational vehicles, mini-buses, and any vehicle where the MSRP exceeds $85,000."

Even a modest Class C motorhome with an MSRP of $95,000 is excluded on two counts: classified as a recreational vehicle AND exceeds the MSRP limit.

Capital One Venture X

Venture X rental car coverage (underwritten by Visa) excludes vehicles with an MSRP over $75,000. According to RVIA data, the average Class A motorhome has an MSRP of $185,000. Class C averages $95,000. Only small Class B campervans under $75,000 might qualify, but the policy also excludes "recreational vehicles" by category.

Cards That DON'T Work for RVs:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred (same exclusions as Reserve)
• Citi Prestige (discontinued but grandfathered cards exclude RVs)
• Bank of America Premium Rewards (excludes vehicles over $75,000 MSRP)
• Wells Fargo Autograph (excludes trucks and RVs)

Call the number on the back of your card and ask specifically: "Does your rental car coverage extend to a [specific RV model with GVWR]?" Get the answer in writing via email or secure message. Assuming coverage without written confirmation leaves you personally liable for all damage.

What damages are NOT covered by standard rental insurance?

Standard policies exclude: off-road damage (even gravel forest roads), awning damage from wind over 15-20 mph, tire/wheel damage not caused by collision, interior water damage from leaks, pre-existing damage not documented at pickup, damage while towing unauthorized trailers, mechanical breakdown vs accident damage, and roof damage from low clearances if height sticker was visible.

These exclusions catch renters by surprise. Here's what policies actually state:

Off-Road Driving (Even Minor Off-Pavement)

Outdoorsy policy section 4.3: "Coverage excludes damage occurring while the RV is driven off paved or maintained gravel roads." This includes:

• Dispersed camping on Forest Service roads (even if the road is listed on USFS maps)
• Beach driving (even in permitted areas like Outer Banks, NC)
• Parking lot medians or grass overflow parking
• Pulling off highway onto shoulder during breakdown

A renter in Moab, Utah drove 0.3 miles on a graded dirt road to a BLM campsite and bottomed out on a rock, causing $3,200 in undercarriage damage. RVshare denied the claim citing the off-road exclusion. The road was marked on Google Maps as "public access."

Awning Damage

Most policies cover awning damage only if wind speeds are below 15-20 mph at the time of damage. Cruise America's contract states: "Renter is responsible for awning damage if wind speeds exceed 15 mph or awning was left extended unattended."

Replacing a 16-foot power awning costs $1,200-$2,400 in parts and labor. Renters who leave awnings out overnight or during windy conditions pay out of pocket even with full coverage.

Tire and Wheel Damage

Tire blowouts, sidewall damage, and wheel curb rash are excluded unless caused by a covered collision. RVshare policy: "Tire damage from road hazards, potholes, curbs, or wear and tear is the renter's responsibility."

A single RV tire (Goodyear G114 225/75R16) costs $280-$350 plus mounting. Renters hitting potholes or curbs pay replacement costs even with comprehensive coverage.

Interior Water Damage

Leaks from windows, roof vents, or plumbing connections are excluded as "pre-existing conditions" or "maintenance issues" rather than covered accidents. A renter in Portland, OR discovered a leak from the bathroom skylight that caused $1,800 in ceiling panel damage. The rental company charged the full amount, claiming the renter failed to report the leak within 24 hours.

Height Clearance Damage

If the RV has a height sticker on the dashboard and you hit a low bridge, tunnel, or overhang, coverage may be denied for "reckless operation." This is the $8,400 gas station canopy case mentioned in the intro. The rental agreement stated the RV height (12'3") and the renter signed acknowledging responsibility for clearance checks.

Towing Damage

Damage to the RV's tow hitch, frame, or rear while towing a vehicle or trailer is often excluded. RVshare allows towing with prior approval, but their policy states: "Damage to the RV caused by towing, including frame stress, electrical system damage from towing connections, or accidents involving the towed vehicle, is not covered under the standard protection plan."

Mechanical Breakdown vs Accident Damage

Engine failure, transmission problems, or electrical issues are excluded as maintenance problems, not covered accidents. A renter in Arizona experienced transmission failure on a 2018 Winnebago Navion (75,000 miles). Repair cost: $6,200. Outdoorsy covered $0, stating mechanical breakdown is the owner's responsibility unless caused by a covered collision.

The line between "accident" and "maintenance" gets blurry. If you hit a pothole and damage the suspension, is it covered? Usually yes. If the suspension fails due to age and wear, no. If you hit a curb and crack the oil pan, yes. If the oil pan gasket leaks due to age, no.

When does buying extra insurance make financial sense?

Extra insurance pays off for RVs valued over $150,000, first-time renters without experience, trips involving mountain driving or winter conditions, and rentals longer than 7 days where accident probability increases. Skip it for experienced renters on short 2-3 day trips with older Class B or C units under $75,000 value where replacement costs are manageable.

Run the math on your specific rental:

When Insurance Pays Off

High-Value RVs (over $150,000):

Luxury Class A motorhomes valued at $200,000-$400,000 make the financial case for maximum coverage obvious. Total loss liability could exceed $300,000. Even minor accidents (backing into a pole, side-swiping a tree) cost $8,000-$25,000 in repairs to fiberglass bodies, slide-out mechanisms, and graphics.

Example: 2023 Newmar Dutch Star (valued $380,000). Insurance cost: $60/day with $1,000 deductible and $1M liability. Total for 7-day trip: $420. Without insurance, a moderate accident causing $50,000 in damage means you pay $50,000. The $420 is a bargain.

First-Time Renters:

According to RV Industry Association data, 68% of first-time renters report "near-miss" incidents in their first 100 miles of driving an RV. Common mistakes: misjudging height clearances, taking turns too sharp and hitting curbs with rear wheels, backing into objects without a spotter, and scraping tree branches on rural roads.

If you've never driven anything larger than a pickup truck, the $35-45/day insurance cost protects against expensive learning moments.

Mountain Driving:

Rentals involving mountain passes, steep grades, or switchback roads increase accident risk. Colorado DOT data shows RV accident rates on I-70 through the Rockies are 3.2x higher than flat Interstate sections. Brake failure on steep descents, jackknifing on icy passes, and rollovers on sharp curves cause $75,000-$200,000+ in damage.

Winter Rentals:

Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures increase both accident risk and damage severity. Comprehensive coverage protects against:

• Slide-offs and rollovers on icy roads ($50,000-$150,000 damage)
• Frozen and burst water lines ($2,000-$8,000 repairs)
• Roof collapse from snow load ($5,000-$15,000)
• Windshield cracks from thermal shock ($800-$2,200 replacement)

When to Skip Extra Insurance

Experienced Renters, Short Trips:

If you've rented RVs 5+ times without incidents and you're taking a 2-3 day trip on familiar, easy roads (Florida coast, Southern California beaches), the probability of a claim is low. For a $85,000 Class C on a 3-day trip, insurance costs $105-135. If your risk tolerance allows for a potential $1,000-$2,500 deductible, you can skip it and self-insure.

Older, Lower-Value Units:

A 2015 Class C valued at $55,000 has lower replacement risk. Total loss is unlikely. Most claims on older units are minor: cracked mirrors ($200), scratched fiberglass ($400-$800), small dents ($300-$600). If you're comfortable covering $500-$2,000 out of pocket, skip the $30-40/day insurance and save $210-280 on a week-long rental.

Local, Low-Speed Trips:

Renting an RV to park at a local campground 30 miles away for a stationary camping trip reduces driving risk to near-zero. You drive 60 miles total (round trip) at low speeds on familiar roads. The odds of a claim are minimal. Insurance for this use case is low value.

How do RVshare and Outdoorsy insurance policies differ?

RVshare insurance costs $35-45/day through Roamly with $1M liability and $300K damage coverage, $1,000 standard deductible. Outdoorsy includes $1M liability through Berkshire Hathaway at no charge with up to $500K damage coverage and lower $500-750 deductibles. Outdoorsy processes claims faster (3-5 days vs 7-14 days) and covers vintage RVs 2000+ while RVshare requires 2010+ models.

RVshare Insurance (Roamly Underwriting)

Coverage Details:

• $1M liability (bodily injury and property damage combined)
• Up to $300K comprehensive and collision coverage
• $1,000 standard deductible ($500 option available for +$8-12/day)
• Secondary coverage (your personal insurance pays first if applicable, then Roamly fills gaps)
• 24-hour claims hotline: 1-844-340-8886

Cost Structure:

• Class B/Camper Van ($50K-$80K value): $35-38/day
• Class C Motorhome ($80K-$150K value): $40-45/day
• Class A Motorhome ($150K-$300K value): $48-60/day
• Luxury Class A ($300K+ value): $60-80/day

Exclusions Specific to RVshare:

• RVs manufactured before 2010 (vintage/classic RVs not covered)
• Commercial use (if you're renting the RV to use for business purposes like mobile office)
• International travel (coverage only valid in US and Canada)
• Renters under 25 years old (or surcharge of $15-25/day applies)

Claims Processing Time:

Based on reviews from renters who filed claims in 2024: Average claims processing time is 7-14 days from filing to resolution for minor claims under $5,000. Major claims ($10,000+) take 21-45 days as they require inspection, estimates from multiple body shops, and adjuster review.

Outdoorsy Insurance (Berkshire Hathaway Underwriting)

Coverage Details:

• $1M liability included at no charge to renters
• Up to $500K comprehensive and collision coverage
• $500-$750 deductible (owner sets, typically lower than RVshare)
• Primary coverage (Outdoorsy pays first, no coordination with your personal insurance needed)
• Claims email: claims@outdoorsy.com, phone support during business hours

Cost Structure:

Insurance is included in the rental rate. Renters pay $0 extra for coverage. Owners pay 6-7% of rental revenue to Outdoorsy, which covers the insurance premium.

Advantages Over RVshare:

• No extra cost: $0/day vs RVshare's $35-45/day saves $245-315 on a week-long rental
• Lower deductibles: $500-750 vs RVshare's $1,000 standard
• Covers vintage RVs: Accepts RVs manufactured 2000+ vs RVshare's 2010+ requirement
• Primary coverage: No coordination with personal insurance, simpler claims process
• Faster claims: Average 3-5 days for minor claims vs RVshare's 7-14 days

Limitations:

• Coverage quality depends on owner's policy choice (some owners opt for lower coverage tiers to save on fees)
• Smaller RV selection in some markets compared to RVshare
• Customer service response times can be slower (24-48 hours vs RVshare's 24-hour hotline)

Real Claim Comparison

Scenario: Backing accident, $2,100 in rear fiberglass and taillight damage

RVshare (Roamly):

• Filed claim via app within 2 hours of incident
• Roamly requested photos, police report (none filed as private property), and repair estimate
• Approved claim in 6 days
• Renter paid $1,000 deductible (via hold on credit card from original rental)
• Roamly paid body shop directly: $1,100
• Total out of pocket for renter: $1,000 deductible

Outdoorsy:

• Notified owner and Outdoorsy via app immediately
• Owner inspected damage, took photos, filed claim
• Outdoorsy approved claim in 4 days
• Renter paid $750 deductible (owner had set lower deductible)
• Outdoorsy paid owner directly: $1,350
• Total out of pocket for renter: $750 deductible

Outdoorsy processed faster and had a lower deductible, saving the renter $250.

What happens if you damage the RV during your rental?

Report damage immediately to the rental company or platform (within 24 hours per most contracts). Document with photos and video before moving the RV. File a police report for accidents involving other vehicles or property over $1,000. The insurance company inspects damage, gets repair estimates, and either pays the claim minus your deductible or denies it if exclusions apply. Expect 3-14 days for minor claims, 21-45 days for major damage requiring extensive estimates and adjuster review.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Immediate Documentation (Within 1 Hour of Incident)

• Take 15-20 photos from multiple angles showing all damage
• Video walkthrough narrating what happened and showing damage context
• Note exact time, location (GPS coordinates if possible), and conditions (weather, lighting, road type)
• Get contact info from any witnesses
• If another vehicle involved, exchange insurance info and take photos of their vehicle and license plate

Step 2: Notify Rental Company (Within 24 Hours Maximum)

Outdoorsy: Message owner through app + email claims@outdoorsy.com

RVshare: Call 24-hour claims hotline 1-844-340-8886 + report via app

Cruise America: Call roadside assistance 1-800-671-8042

Fireside RV Rental: Call owner directly (number on rental agreement) + email office

Failure to report within 24 hours can void coverage. RVshare policy section 6.1: "Renter must report all accidents, damage, or loss within 24 hours of discovery. Failure to report in a timely manner may result in denial of coverage."

Step 3: File Police Report (If Required)

Most states require police reports for:

• Accidents involving injury to any person
• Accidents involving another vehicle
• Property damage over $1,000 (varies by state: $750 in California, $1,500 in Texas)
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Theft or vandalism

Single-vehicle accidents with no other property damage (you hit a tree, backed into a pole) usually don't require police reports, but filing one creates an official record that strengthens your claim.

Step 4: Inspection and Estimate

The insurance company or rental company sends an adjuster or directs you to an approved repair facility. For minor damage under $3,000, they often approve claims based on photos and a single estimate. For major damage, they require:

• In-person inspection by adjuster
• Estimates from 2-3 repair facilities
• Itemized parts list with part numbers and pricing
• Labor rate justification (body shops charge $85-$145/hour for RV repairs)

Step 5: Claim Decision

Timeline varies:

• Minor claims under $2,500: 3-7 days typical
• Moderate claims $2,500-$10,000: 7-14 days
• Major claims $10,000+: 14-45 days
• Total loss (damage exceeds 75% of RV value): 30-60 days for valuation, negotiation, and payout

If approved, you pay the deductible (charged to the credit card on file from the rental) and the insurance company pays the repair facility directly. If denied due to policy exclusions, you're responsible for the full repair cost.

Step 6: Deductible Payment

Rental companies hold your credit card authorization from the original booking. When a claim is approved, they charge your deductible immediately:

• Outdoorsy: $500-$750 (owner sets)
• RVshare: $1,000 standard ($500 if you paid extra for lower deductible option)
• Cruise America: $1,500 with basic coverage, $500 with premium damage waiver
• Road Bear: $2,500 standard, $1,000 with supplemental insurance

The deductible charge processes within 1-3 business days of claim approval.

What If the Claim Is Denied?

Common denial reasons:

• Damage falls under policy exclusion (off-road, awning wind damage, tire damage, etc.)
• Late reporting (over 24 hours without valid reason)
• Renter violated rental agreement (unauthorized driver, exceeded mileage limits, drove into Mexico without permission)
• Pre-existing damage not documented at pickup
• Renter under influence (any accident with DUI/DWI automatically denied)

If denied, you owe the full repair cost. The rental company charges your card on file. If the amount exceeds your credit limit or available balance, they can:

• Send the debt to collections
• File a lawsuit in small claims court (for amounts under $5,000-$10,000 depending on state) or civil court
• Report the debt to credit bureaus, damaging your credit score
• Ban you from future rentals on the platform or with the company

You can dispute the denial by:

• Requesting detailed explanation of the denial in writing
• Citing specific policy language that you believe supports coverage
• Providing additional documentation (witness statements, expert opinions, photos showing the damage was caused by a covered peril)
• Escalating to a supervisor or claims manager
• Filing a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe the denial is unjustified

Most denials hold up under review, so prevention is better than fighting a denied claim after the fact.

Do you need special insurance to tow a travel trailer?

Yes, if you're towing a travel trailer with your personal vehicle. Your auto insurance may cover liability while towing, but not damage to the trailer itself. Trailer rental companies require separate insurance covering the trailer's value ($15,000-$60,000 typical) with daily rates of $18-35 depending on trailer value and coverage limits chosen.

Towing a rental trailer involves two separate insurance needs:

1. Your Tow Vehicle (Your Personal Auto Insurance)

Your personal auto insurance liability coverage typically extends to towing a trailer. If you cause an accident while towing, your auto policy covers:

• Bodily injury to others
• Property damage to other vehicles
• Legal defense if you're sued

However, your auto policy usually does NOT cover:

• Damage to the trailer you're towing
• Contents inside the trailer
• Liability for damage the trailer causes (jackknifing into another car, detaching and hitting a vehicle behind you)

Call your auto insurance agent and ask specifically: "If I'm towing a rental travel trailer valued at $35,000, does my policy cover damage to the trailer itself, and does it cover liability if the trailer causes damage independent of my truck?" Get the answer in writing.

2. The Rental Trailer (Separate Trailer Insurance Required)

Travel trailer rental companies require insurance covering the trailer's value. Options:

RVshare Travel Trailer Insurance:

• Cost: $18-28/day depending on trailer value
• Coverage: Up to $200K damage to trailer
• Liability: $1M if trailer causes damage (detaches, jackknifes, etc.)
• Deductible: $1,000 standard

Outdoorsy Travel Trailer Insurance:

• Cost: Included with rental (no extra charge)
• Coverage: Up to $300K damage to trailer
• Liability: $1M included
• Deductible: $500-750 (owner sets)

U-Haul Cargo Trailer Insurance (for comparison):

• Cost: $14-20/day
• Coverage: Up to $50K damage
• Liability: Included through your auto insurance (U-Haul assumes your auto policy covers)
• Deductible: $100

Common Trailer Damage Scenarios NOT Covered by Auto Insurance

• Sway and jackknife damage: Trailer sways out of control, hits guardrail or other vehicles. Auto insurance covers other vehicles, but not your trailer damage.
• Hitch failure: Trailer detaches, rolls backward into traffic, causing damage. Your auto insurance may cover vehicles it hits, but not the trailer itself.
• Backing accidents: You back the trailer into a pole, tree, or another vehicle. Auto insurance covers the other vehicle (under your liability), but not your trailer.
• Theft: Trailer is stolen from campground or parking lot overnight. Auto insurance doesn't cover rental trailers.

Do You Need Trailer Insurance If You're an Experienced Hauler?

If you've towed trailers for years without incident, you might consider declining insurance on lower-value trailers (under $15,000) to save $18-28/day ($126-196 on a week-long trip). The risk: you pay out of pocket for any damage.

For higher-value trailers ($30,000+), the insurance is worth it. A moderate accident causing $8,000 in damage (bent frame, damaged axle, exterior panel replacement) would cost more than the insurance for a two-week trip.

Which states require minimum RV insurance coverage?

All 50 states require minimum liability insurance for RVs operated on public roads. Minimums range from $10,000 property damage in Florida (F.S. 324.021) to $50,000 bodily injury per accident in Alaska (AS 28.20.230). New Hampshire and Virginia allow self-insurance alternatives, but rental companies require proof of coverage regardless. Texas has the highest combined minimums at $60,000 per accident.

State-by-State Minimum Requirements (Top 15 RV Rental States)

Why State Minimums Are Dangerously Low for RVs

State minimum coverage was designed for passenger cars in the 1970s-80s when medical costs and vehicle values were a fraction of today's levels. For RVs, the minimums are catastrophically inadequate.

Real-world costs vs California minimums ($15,000/$30,000/$5,000):

• Medical bills from serious injury: $150,000-$500,000+ (exceeds $15,000/$30,000 bodily injury limits by 5-16x)
• Multi-vehicle accident property damage: $45,000 (you hit 3 cars, causing $15,000 damage each) — exceeds $5,000 property damage limit by 9x
• Wrongful death lawsuit: $1,000,000+ settlements common — exceeds $30,000 limit by 33x

You're personally liable for amounts above your policy limits. If you cause $200,000 in damages with only $30,000 in coverage, you owe $170,000 out of pocket. They can garnish wages, seize assets, and place liens on your home.

Recommended Coverage Levels for RV Rentals

Insurance professionals recommend:

• Liability: $500,000 minimum, $1,000,000 preferred
• Physical Damage: Actual cash value of the RV (don't underinsure)
• Uninsured Motorist: Match your liability limits ($500K/$1M)
• Medical Payments: $10,000 minimum per person

How does personal auto insurance coverage apply to RV rentals?

Personal auto insurance does not cover RV rentals in most cases. Standard auto policies exclude vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR, rental vehicles used for more than 30 days, vehicles with living quarters, and vehicles titled as RVs or motorhomes. Progressive, State Farm, Geico, and Allstate all explicitly state personal auto policies don't extend to rental RVs.

Call your insurance company and ask this exact question: "Does my current auto policy provide any coverage — liability, collision, or comprehensive — if I rent a [specific RV make/model] with a GVWR of [X] lbs for [Y] days?"

Here's what major insurers state in their policy documents:

Progressive

Progressive's website (researched January 2025) states: "Your personal auto or RV insurance policy typically will not extend to a rented RV. You must purchase temporary RV insurance from the RV rental company."

Progressive sells RV insurance for owned motorhomes (starting at $125/year), but these policies explicitly exclude rental coverage.

State Farm

State Farm auto policies exclude "vehicles with living facilities" unless specifically listed on the policy. Rental RVs aren't listed on your policy, so they're not covered.

State Farm agents can write temporary RV rental insurance, but it's a separate policy (not an extension of your auto coverage) and costs $200-400 for a week-long rental.

Geico

Geico auto insurance excludes "recreational vehicles" and "vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR." Most Class C and all Class A motorhomes exceed this limit.

Allstate

Allstate auto policies cover rental cars up to 30 days but exclude "motorhomes, trailers, and vehicles designed for camping or living quarters."

USAA (for military members)

USAA auto insurance provides some of the best rental coverage in the industry, BUT it still excludes RVs. Their policy states: "Rental reimbursement covers passenger vehicles only, not recreational vehicles, trucks over 3/4 ton, or vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs."

USAA does offer temporary RV rental coverage through a separate endorsement, but you must add it to your policy before the rental (can't add it retroactively after damage occurs).

Exceptions: When Personal Auto Insurance MIGHT Cover Rentals

Very rare, but possible in these scenarios:

Small Class B Campervans Under 10,000 lbs:

Some auto policies cover "passenger vehicles" broadly enough to include small campervans like the Mercedes Sprinter-based Winnebago Revel (8,550 lbs GVWR). Call your insurer with the specific VIN and ask if it qualifies as a "passenger vehicle" under your policy.

You Own an RV and Have RV Insurance:

If you own a motorhome and have an RV insurance policy, it MIGHT extend to short-term rentals of similar vehicles. For example, if you own a Class A and insure it through Progressive or Good Sam, your policy might provide liability coverage (but not physical damage) when renting another Class A.

This varies by insurer and policy. Call and ask specifically about "rental coverage extension."

Real RV rental insurance claims: what actually happened

RV rental insurance provider comparison