Temporary RV Insurance for Road Trips in the U.S.

Planning a road trip across the United States in an RV? Whether you’re renting a motorhome for a weekend getaway or borrowing a friend’s campervan for a summer adventure, it’s essential to make sure you have the right insurance. Temporary RV insurance provides flexible, short-term coverage that protects you during the exact days you need it — no long-term commitment required.

What Is Temporary RV Insurance?

Temporary RV insurance is a short-term policy. It covers your recreational vehicle for a specific period — usually from one day to several weeks or months. It’s designed for people who don’t own an RV year-round. This type of coverage allows them to enjoy the RV lifestyle safely and legally during vacations or cross-country trips.

Temporary policies are most commonly used for:

• RV rentals
• Borrowed RVs
• Short seasonal use
• Out-of-state travel
• Special events or festivals

What Does It Cover?

Coverage levels vary depending on the insurer and policy type, but most temporary RV insurance plans offer:

• Liability coverage: Required by law, it covers damage to others in an accident you cause.
• Collision: Covers damage to the RV if you hit another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive: Protects against non-collision events like theft, fire, vandalism, or weather.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Helps if you’re hit by someone with no or insufficient insurance.
• Roadside assistance (optional): Ideal for long road trips and remote locations.
• Trip interruption benefits (optional): Covers hotel stays and meals if your RV becomes unusable mid-trip.

Do You Need Temporary RV Insurance?

Yes. In most cases, insurance is legally required to drive an RV in the U.S. Renting an RV? The rental company might offer insurance. But their coverage is often expensive. Or it may be too limited.

Many travelers prefer to buy short-term RV insurance. Third-party providers often offer better protection. And at a lower price. Borrowing an RV from someone you know? Don’t assume their insurance covers you. Most policies only apply to the named driver. Others may be excluded. Temporary insurance solves this. It keeps you legal and protected behind the wheel.

Best Providers for Temporary RV Insurance

Several U.S.-based insurers and platforms offer short-term RV coverage. Here are some of the most reliable options:

• Roamly: Designed for digital nomads and vanlife travelers, Roamly offers flexible RV policies for rentals and owner-users alike.
• Good Sam Insurance Agency: Offers customizable short-term policies with options for roadside assistance and trip interruption.
• Outdoorsy Insurance: If you’re renting via Outdoorsy, coverage is built into the rental and includes up to $1 million in liability protection.
• RVshare Insurance: Similar to Outdoorsy, RVshare includes trip-based insurance when you rent through their platform.
• Progressive: While more focused on full-term policies, Progressive can tailor coverage for seasonal or limited use — ideal if you plan a few short trips per year.

Cost of Temporary RV Insurance

Pricing varies based on duration, RV type, state, and coverage level. On average, temporary RV insurance costs:

• $15–$30 per day for basic liability coverage
• $30–$50 per day for full comprehensive protection
• Discounts available for multi-day or multi-week rentals

For short trips, it’s a small price to pay compared to the potential costs of an uninsured accident or breakdown.

Tips for Buying Short-Term RV Insurance

• Compare quotes from multiple providers for the best deal
• Check for exclusions — not all policies cover international travel or off-road driving
• If you’re renting, read the fine print to understand what’s included vs. optional
• Ask about deductibles, emergency towing, and whether your belongings are covered

Conclusion

Whether you’re hitting Route 66 or exploring the national parks, having the right temporary RV insurance ensures your road trip remains worry-free. With a short-term policy, you get tailored protection without committing to a full-year plan. Before you hit the road, secure the coverage you need — and focus on the adventure ahead, not the “what-ifs.”

For long-term RV use, check out our guide on full-time RV insurance.