Looking for RV Insurance? 5 Tips You Need to Know

From scenic coastal drives along the Cabot Trail to peaceful campgrounds nestled in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia offers some of the best road trip experiences in Canada. If you’re planning to hit the open road in a recreational vehicle (RV), having the right insurance coverage is just as important as mapping your route. Whether you’re a seasoned RV owner or purchasing your first camper, here are five essential tips to help you navigate RV insurance in Nova Scotia.

1. Understand Insurance Companies Classify Your RV

The first step is to determine how your RV is classified, as this affects its insurance. RVs come in several types:

• Motorhomes (Class A, B, or C): These are self-propelled vehicles and require an auto insurance policy.
• Towable RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers): These are non-motorized and typically covered under the towing vehicle’s policy, although with limited protection.

In Nova Scotia, if you’re driving a motorhome, it must be registered and insured like a regular vehicle. However, towable RVs may require additional endorsements to cover the trailer itself and its contents.

2. If You Have an RV, Don’t Rely Solely on Your Auto or Home Insurance.

Many RV owners mistakenly assume their auto or home insurance fully covers their RV. In reality, that coverage might be quite limited.

• Auto insurance might not cover the full replacement cost of a trailer or personal items inside it.
• Home insurance may offer some protection for contents if they’re temporarily stored in the RV, but it won’t cover things like liability or collision damage while on the road.

That’s why choosing a specialized RV insurance policy is often the smarter and safer option—it combines aspects of auto and home insurance, specifically designed for your RV lifestyle. Check out our previous blog to learn more about how home and auto insurance can work together.

3. How You Use an RV Impacts Your Insurance

How and how often you use your RV will influence your coverage needs:

• Occasional Users: If you only use your RV for summer road trips or long weekends, you might qualify for lower premiums.
• Full-Timers or Snowbirds: If your RV is your primary residence for part or all year, you’ll need a more comprehensive policy that includes extended liability, emergency expense coverage, and full contents insurance.

Nova Scotians who head south for the winter with their RVs should also check if their policy covers travel outside of Canada and for how long.

4. Insure and Protect What’s Inside Your RV

From expensive camping gear to electronics, your RV is more than just a vehicle—it’s your home away from home. Make sure your policy covers:

• Personal belongings such as laptops, tools, and appliances
• Built-in upgrades, such as solar panels or awnings.
• Emergency expenses in case you break down and need alternative accommodations.

Some policies will include this by default, but it’s always a good idea to ask your insurance advisor about contents coverage limits and whether you need to list high-value items separately. Learn more about how to best protect your RV with more of our tips for off-roading!

5. What’s the Best Way to Protect Your RV? Work with a Local Insurance Broker

Insurance requirements can vary across provinces, and Nova Scotia has its own driving and registration regulations for RVs. A local broker, such as Bauld Insurance, understands the specific needs of Atlantic Canadian RV owners—from concerns about salt-air corrosion to limited seasonal use.

A broker can also shop the market on your behalf, ensuring you get the best combination of coverage, service, and price. They’ll explain optional coverages like:

• Roadside assistance
• Vacation liability
• Storage-only policies (to save while your RV is parked for the winter)

Ensuring your RV is about more than just checking a box. It’s about protecting your freedom, your investment, and your peace of mind while you explore the incredible sights and sounds of Nova Scotia and beyond.

Before you set out on your next road trip, talk to your insurance broker to ensure your RV coverage is ready for the journey. Contact a Bauld Insurance Advisor today—with the right policy in place, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is where to park next!