Does RV insurance cover water damage?

When does RV insurance cover water damage?

RV comprehensive coverage may pay for water damage that's beyond your control, such as:

• Storm damage: Weather-related events, such as a thunderstorm, flood, hail, tornado, blizzard, or hurricane, may cause water damage to your motorhome or travel trailer
• Vandalism: Someone else's deliberate destructive actions to your RV, such as broken windows, a damaged roof, or open vents, can lead to water damage
• Falling debris: Leaves, branches, or dirt can accumulate in your RV's gutters and drainage system, preventing proper water flow and causing water damage

When comprehensive coverage won't cover water damage

RV ownership comes with an expectation of maintenance. If you neglect maintenance on your RV, your insurance policy may not cover the damages related to that neglect. Here are some instances of water damage that often aren't covered:

• Wear and tear: You may not be covered if your RV has water damage due to standard wear and tear, including deteriorated seals that can cause leaks in the roof, windows, and doors. Other examples of wear and tear include plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, and structural gaps that allow water inside the RV.
• Freezing temperatures: Many insurance companies also exclude coverage for water damage caused by freezing temperatures. Beware of snow and ice buildup and other extreme conditions around your RV.
• Manufacturer defects: Many RV insurance companies also exclude damage caused by manufacturer defects. Most manufacturer defects will be found before significant damage can occur. If your RV has a manufacturer defect, take it back to the retailer or reach out to the manufacturer for details on making repairs.

Does RV insurance cover flooding?

Comprehensive coverage may cover water damage caused by flash floods and external sources of water for both recreational and full-time RV insurance policies. If your RV floods due to rising water levels or because of a catastrophic storm, your comprehensive coverage may pay to repair or replace your motorhome or trailer, minus your deductible.

If the flooding results from a burst pipe due to improper maintenance, however, your policy may not cover the damage. Maintaining the pipes in your RV is considered an aspect of routine maintenance, so water damage caused by lack of maintenance generally isn't covered by RV insurance.

Is mold damage covered by RV insurance?

Because mold can be prevented with regular cleaning and timely repairs, most insurance companies won't cover mold damage that can't be directly traced to a covered peril under the RV insurance policy. In rare instances, mold damage might be considered the result of water damage and fall under a covered peril. In the majority of cases, however, mold damage is usually seen as the result of neglect.

How to file a water damage insurance claim

If your RV has water damage, you should submit an insurance claim to your insurer. Your insurer may need photos or video of the water damage and may ask you to provide repair estimates.

An insurance adjuster may document the claim, inspect the RV, and assess the water damage.

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