From the Front Lines: RV

How did you get started in your agency?

I’ve been in insurance since 1996, so for 24 years now. I originally started with Brown, Seligman & Thomas. Then, Josh Jackson split off and bought the separate agency, Jackson Insurance. Several of us joined him and I’ve been working with the same people since 2003.

Why RV insurance?

Insureds have their toys. Usually, when we package home and auto, RV often comes up as well.

Biggest RV insurance changes?

RVs are becoming quite extravagant. They’re like houses at this point. Of course, the more extravagant they get, the more valuable they are. It is a higher premium, and on top of that a lot of people—especially retirees—live in them. Only certain carriers will cover that. With some carriers, you have to add an RV to an auto policy, but others have a true RV policy, which means there is additional coverage.

Biggest challenges?

There are limitations among the companies that will actually write an RV policy. I only have two carriers that have a true RV travel trailer and motor home policy available. Those include the extra coverages like the full-timers liability, roadside assistance, and personal affects that only come with a true RV policy.

Future trends?

I see them more and more becoming residences. In fact, I have several friends getting ready to retire who have sold everything and have purchased an RV to live in and travel the country. I think that’s brilliant! They can just take their home wherever they want to go. I see that continuing to increase, but it’s hard to get a carrier to write that kind of coverage.

Advice for a fellow agent?

You can easily add an RV into an auto policy, but it doesn’t give much coverage. If you have a client that has a high-value RV or something they’re using to travel, I’d recommend you write it on an RV policy. Find a company that offers the travel trailer policy with all the extra coverages.

Favorite success story?

Knock on wood, but we haven’t come into many claims. One thing I do find successful is having a policy that will offer glass coverage, which some auto carriers in New Mexico may not offer yet because we’re so high risk for glass breakage with rocks. Those windows are expensive on an RV. If there’s ever a claim related to that, that coverage would lead to a success story.

A trip interruption coverage is also helpful in case of a claim. If something were to interrupt your RV trip, you have this coverage that will cover food and lodging overnight. That’s a success story in the making.

AnneMarie McPherson is IA news editor.