What You Need to Know About Renting an RV

RV · Originally published July 21, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Renting an RV lets you test the lifestyle, or a specific floor plan, without the cost of ownership. But a rental RV is not just a big rental car. The insurance works differently depending on whether you rent a motorhome or a towable, and on who you rent from.

Rental company or peer-to-peer

There are two main ways to rent:

• RV rental companies and dealers own the fleet and typically include or sell their own liability and damage protection as part of the rental.
• Peer-to-peer platforms connect you with private owners. These platforms usually provide insurance through the platform during the rental, with set limits and deductibles you can sometimes adjust.

Either way, ask for the coverage details in writing and read them before pickup day.

Will your own auto policy cover a rented motorhome?

Don't assume it will. Many personal auto policies limit or exclude coverage for rented motorhomes and other large vehicles. Credit card rental benefits also often exclude RVs. Call your agent before the trip and ask specifically whether your policy extends to a rented motorhome, and if so, which coverages.

If it doesn't, the rental company's or platform's protection will be your main coverage, so pay close attention to its liability limits and damage deductible.

Renting a travel trailer

If you rent a trailer and tow it with your own truck, the picture changes. Your truck's auto policy generally provides liability while you're towing, but it does not cover damage to the trailer itself. That means you'll still need the rental company's damage protection or another form of coverage for the trailer. Our guide to travel trailer insurance and towing explains the split. Also confirm your truck is rated to tow the trailer you're renting.

Questions to ask before you sign

• What are the liability limits, and are they enough for you?
• What is the deductible for damage to the RV?
• Is roof, awning or overhead damage covered?
• Who is allowed to drive, and do additional drivers need to be listed?
• Are there limits on miles or generator hours?
• Is roadside assistance included, and what number do you call?
• What happens if the RV breaks down and you can't use it?
• Are pets, smoking or certain destinations restricted?

Document the RV at pickup

Walk around the RV with the owner or rental agent and take date-stamped photos and video of the exterior, roof edges, awning, tires and interior. Note any existing damage on the paperwork. Ask for a walkthrough of the hookups, generator, slides, leveling system and dump valves, and take a short practice drive before you head out. A big rig on a hilly Ozarks road handles very differently from your daily driver.

Thinking about renting out your own RV?

If you own an RV and are considering listing it on a rental platform, talk to your agent first. A personal RV policy may not cover the RV while someone else is renting it, and the platform's coverage may not fill every gap.

Talk to a local agent

If renting gets you hooked and you're ready to buy, call us at 417.865.4800 or request a quote below for RV insurance. We can also review your auto insurance before a rental trip so you know what it does and doesn't cover.

Common questions

Does my car insurance cover a rented RV?

It might not. Many personal auto policies limit or exclude rented motorhomes, so ask your agent to confirm before you rely on it.

Do I need insurance to rent a travel trailer?

Your truck's policy generally covers liability while towing, but not damage to the trailer. Plan on buying the rental company's damage protection or confirming other coverage for the trailer.

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