What happens to your RV or boat insurance when the vehicle sits in storage for the off-season? This page collects what state insurance regulators and insurers say on their own pages. It is not insurance advice. Policies differ by company and state, and only your policy and your insurer or agent can tell you what you're covered for. Sources were checked on October 25, 2026.
The coverages you'll see
For RVs, the coverages are similar to car insurance, with some RV-specific extras:
- Common coverages: Maryland's insurance regulator lists liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, contents, towing and roadside assistance, emergency expenses, campsite liability and personal effects. Maryland Insurance Administration: Insuring your RV FAQs (PDF)
- Comprehensive: this covers loss or damage that isn't from a collision. Maryland gives natural disasters, theft and vandalism as examples. GEICO's RV page lists theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects and certain weather-related incidents. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF), GEICO: RV insurance
- Collision: pays for damage to your RV from an accident, regardless of who caused it. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF)
What regulators say about storage
Maryland
The Maryland Insurance Administration's RV FAQ has a question titled "What if I store my RV part of the year?" Its answer:
- Collision: some insurers let you suspend collision coverage during the months the RV isn't on the road, which can lower your premium.
- Comprehensive: stays in effect to protect against hazards like theft, fire and storms while the RV is stored.
- Liability: you must keep liability coverage if the RV is registered with Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration.
Maryland Insurance Administration: Insuring your RV FAQs (PDF)
The same FAQ says:
- Self-propelled RVs must be insured under Maryland law.
- RVs that aren't self-propelled, such as some trailers, aren't required to be insured.
- Financed or leased RVs: the lender or lessor may require collision and comprehensive coverage.
Texas
The Texas Department of Insurance says:
- Motorhomes: Texas law requires an auto policy with liability coverage for a motorhome. Paying for damage to your own motorhome takes collision and comprehensive coverage, which also covers things like fires, floods and theft.
- Travel trailers: you probably need a separate RV policy or endorsement to cover damage to the trailer itself.
- Belongings inside: you'll need an RV policy to cover personal property in the RV. A home policy may pay some, but its coverage is very limited.
Texas Department of Insurance: Insurance for RVs
Virginia
Virginia's State Corporation Commission says Virginia doesn't require people to buy RV insurance, but lenders may. It says items on board and attached accessories, such as awnings and satellite dishes, may need additional coverage. It also says personal watercraft may need separate coverage. Virginia SCC: Insurance review before excursions
Boats
Is boat insurance required?
North Dakota's Insurance Department says the state doesn't require liability or property insurance for boats used on public waters. It says physical damage coverage in most policies covers damage to the boat, trailer and motor if it isn't done intentionally. It adds that a jet ski or personal watercraft is treated the same as any other boat for insurance. North Dakota Insurance Department: Boats and recreational
Homeowners policies
Maryland's boat insurance guide says a homeowners policy may give some coverage for smaller vessels, such as sailboats under 26 feet or outboard boats under 25 horsepower. That coverage may be very limited. As an example, it says property damage coverage may be capped at $1,000 for the watercraft, trailers, furnishings, equipment and motors. Maryland Insurance Administration: Consumer guide to insurance for boats and personal watercraft (PDF)
Where the boat is stored affects the premium
Maryland's guide lists "location where boat is moored/stored" among the common premium factors. It also says some boat policies have navigational limits that restrict where the boat can go. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF)
Ice and freeze coverage
BoatUS, which also sells boat insurance, says winter is a good time to check whether your policy includes ice and freeze coverage. It says that coverage usually isn't included unless the policyholder asks for it, and may be added as a rider or endorsement. BoatUS says this coverage handles winterizing mistakes made by your marina, yard or other professional service provider. BoatUS: The Boater's Guide to Winterizing (PDF)
What insurers say about storage
- Progressive: its RV coverage page says vacation liability covers you if someone is hurt in or around your RV while you're on vacation, up to $10,000, with an upgrade to $500,000 available. It also says vacation liability covers your RV "when your RV is placed in a storage facility and not being used as a temporary residence." Progressive: RV insurance coverages
- GEICO: its RV page says savings may be available based on factors including your "storage habits." GEICO: RV insurance
These are each insurer's own descriptions. Terms, limits and availability vary by state and policy.
Storage facility rules
Storage facilities set their own rental terms, which may include insurance requirements. Read the rental agreement. Our listings link to each facility's own site.
Related guides
FAQ
Can I drop collision coverage while my RV is in storage?
The Maryland Insurance Administration says some insurers allow you to suspend collision coverage while the RV isn't on the road, while comprehensive stays in effect. Ask your insurer what it allows. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF)
Do I need liability insurance on a stored RV?
In Maryland, you must keep liability coverage if the RV is registered with the MVA. In Texas, the law requires liability coverage for a motorhome. Rules vary by state. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF), Texas Department of Insurance
Does comprehensive cover theft or storm damage in storage?
Maryland's regulator says comprehensive stays in effect for theft, fire and storms during storage. GEICO says comprehensive may cover theft, fire, vandalism, falling objects and certain weather events. Check your policy's terms. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF), GEICO
Is boat insurance required?
Not in North Dakota for boats on public waters. Lenders may require it, and rules differ by state. North Dakota Insurance Department
Does my homeowners policy cover my boat in storage?
Maryland's guide says homeowners policies may give only limited coverage for smaller boats, for example capped at $1,000. Maryland Insurance Administration (PDF)
What is ice and freeze coverage?
BoatUS describes it as optional coverage for winterizing mistakes made by a marina, yard or other professional. It says this usually isn't included unless you ask for it. BoatUS (PDF)