How to Protect Your RV on a Lengthy Road Trip

Before you embark on a long road trip, you must first make sure your RV is ready for the adventure. Specifically, you need to make sure it's protected against a variety of things that could happen. Here's what to do before you leave your home.

Get a Complete Tune-Up from Your Local Mechanic

Take your RV to a local mechanic, preferably one who has worked on the vehicle before. Have the mechanic perform a complete tune-up, which should include changing the oil, checking all fluid, checking the brakes, and going over other components. Anything that's amiss should be addressed before you leave home.

Also, have your mechanic perform any manufacturer-recommended maintenance. At the very least, any maintenance items that are currently due ought to be performed. You may also want the mechanic to complete any maintenance that will come due while you're on the road before leaving.

While you can take your RV to a service center while traveling, you have a few reasons to have your local mechanic perform as much work as possible. They'll be able to confirm that the vehicle is up for a long road trip, and they know your RV if they've worked on it before. Additionally, going to a nearby mechanic is more convenient than stopping at a service center while on the road.

Check Any Available Warranty Coverage

If you have a newer RV, check any warranty coverage that you may be able to take advantage of. This includes both standard warranty coverage that comes with new and certified pre-owned vehicles, as well as any extended warranty options that might be available at an additional cost.

After generally going over the warranty coverage, stow the relevant documentation in a safe place inside your RV. This way, it'll be readily available should something malfunction while you're on the road.

Review Your RV Insurance Policy

Review your RV insurance policy with a knowledgeable agent to make sure the policy provides all the protections that you need while traveling. If you haven't updated your policy recently or haven't ever taken a road trip like this, some changes may be in order. Your agent can assist with any changes that you need to make.

As you review your RV insurance policy, pay special attention to both the liability and the property protections that the policy affords.

Liability protections shield you in the event that you're responsible for another person's injuries or property damage to someone else's belongings. Your policy should cover accidents you cause, injuries that occur in your RV, and other risks that you're exposed to.

Property protections insure physical items you own against loss and damage that occurs in a covered incident. A policy might cover fires, windstorms, burglaries, and other perils. Your RV and everything in it, including aftermarket accessories and personal belongings, ought to be protected by your policy.

Sign Up for Emergency Roadside Assistance

If you don't already have it, sign up for emergency roadside assistance. This often includes several services, such as:

• Jump-starts if your RV has a dead battery
• Tire changes if your RV has a flat tire
• Emergency fuel delivery if your RV runs out of fuel
• Towing if your RV breaks down

Should any of these happen, having a paid-for emergency roadside assistance could save you both a lot of time and money.

Many insurance companies offer emergency roadside service as an optional policy feature.

For help reviewing your RV insurance, contact one of the insurance agents at Coast Comp Insurance Agency. We can both look over your current policy and help you find a new policy if necessary.