Recreational Vehicle Insurance
Whether you’re cruising Wisconsin lakes, hitting the open highway, or hauling gear for a weekend getaway, recreational vehicles deserve protection that goes beyond basic policies. At Wisco Insurance, we help Wisconsin residents insure boats, RVs, trailers, and other recreational vehicles with coverage that’s clear, flexible, and built for real use. From summer adventures to off-season storage, we help ensure your investment is protected year-round.
What’s Covered by RV and Boat Insurance
Physical Damage Coverage
Helps cover repairs or replacement if your RV, boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle is damaged due to an accident, severe weather, theft, or vandalism. This typically includes both collision and comprehensive protection, helping safeguard your vehicle whether it’s on the road, at a campsite, or stored for the season.
Liability Coverage
Provides protection if you’re responsible for injuries or property damage while operating your recreational vehicle or watercraft. Liability coverage is essential for both road and water use, helping cover medical expenses, legal costs, and related claims that can arise from accidents.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Helps protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance. This coverage can be especially important when towing trailers, traveling long distances, or driving in rural or remote areas throughout Wisconsin.
Personal Effects Coverage
Helps reimburse you for personal items kept inside your RV or on your boat — such as camping equipment, electronics, tools, or recreational gear — if they’re stolen or damaged. This coverage helps protect the items that make your trips comfortable and enjoyable.
Vacation Liability
Provides coverage for injuries or property damage that occur while your RV is parked and being used as a temporary residence, such as at a campground, seasonal site, or lakefront property. This adds an extra layer of protection when your RV functions as a home away from home.
Why Additional Coverage Makes Sense in Wisconsin
Unpredictable Weather
Wisconsin’s changing seasons bring risks like hail, windstorms, heavy snow, and sudden temperature swings — all of which can cause damage to exposed recreational vehicles and boats.
Seasonal Use Risks
Even when not in use, RVs, trailers, and boats can be damaged, vandalized, or stolen while parked or stored. Insurance helps protect your investment year-round, not just during peak travel months.
High Value, High Exposure
Recreational vehicles are often costly, customized, and filled with gear. Standard auto or homeowners policies typically don’t provide full protection, making dedicated RV or boat coverage essential.
Recreational Vehicle Insurance FAQs
Does my auto or homeowners policy cover my RV or boat?
In most cases, standard auto and homeowners policies provide very limited coverage for recreational vehicles and watercraft, and often only in specific situations. For example, a homeowners policy may offer minimal coverage for a small boat or trailer while it’s stored on your property, but it typically won’t protect against accidents on the road or water. Similarly, personal auto insurance usually does not fully cover RVs, campers, or trailers. For Wisconsin residents who use boats on local lakes or tow campers throughout the state, dedicated recreational vehicle insurance is the best way to ensure proper protection in real-world situations.
Is recreational vehicle insurance required in Wisconsin?
Insurance requirements vary depending on the type of recreational vehicle. Motorhomes and certain RVs must carry liability insurance if they are driven on Wisconsin roads, similar to standard vehicles. Boats and personal watercraft may also have insurance requirements depending on size, use, and registration. Even when insurance isn’t legally required, coverage is strongly recommended due to the high value of these vehicles and the potential liability risks involved. Dedicated insurance helps protect owners from significant out-of-pocket costs if an accident, injury, or property damage occurs.
What types of RVs, boats, and trailers can be insured?
Recreational vehicle insurance can cover a wide range of vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, boat trailers, fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and utility or cargo trailers. Many Wisconsin residents own multiple recreational vehicles used throughout different seasons, from summer boating to fall camping. Coverage can often be tailored to how and when each vehicle is used, whether it’s frequently traveled with or stored for part of the year.
Can I insure my boat or personal watercraft year-round?
Yes, boats and personal watercraft can be insured year-round, even during the off-season. This is important in Wisconsin, where boats are often stored during colder months and still face risks like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather-related damage. Maintaining coverage year-round helps ensure your investment stays protected whether your boat is in the water, stored at home, or kept in a marina or storage facility.
What is personal effects coverage, and do I need it?
Personal effects coverage helps protect the items you keep inside your RV or on your boat, such as camping gear, electronics, tools, fishing equipment, and other valuables. While homeowners insurance may offer limited off-premises coverage, it often isn’t enough to fully replace these items if they’re stolen or damaged during travel. For Wisconsin adventurers who bring valuable gear on trips or store equipment in their RV or boat, personal effects coverage provides added peace of mind and helps avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.