Roy,
This issue has been discussed on the forum many times and sadly there is no consensus about where to go for insurance.The BAC has had an arrangement for many years with Overland Insurance whereby good advice was given and I understand favorable rates were obtained and the BAC was also able to benefit.
There are many factors to consider in purchasing motorhome insurance and there are many pitfalls also.The underwriting criteria from the insurance carriers is designed naturally to select the most desirable risk for THEM. They do not want to assume too much risk and they do not want to pay any claims.It is unfortunate that individuals are not underwritten on their own merits and risks but they are grouped together in a sort of "class" and underwritten as a group.This form of "class underwriting" does not favor us.
You may see vastly different rates based on your age,financial score,driving record,state or county residence, or other factors.I have heard many stories of people obtaining wildly differing quotes on the same age and type of motorhome. I do understand that many times these rates may be based on how you answer certain questions asked of you like where you reside and how you use your motorhome and how much is it worth and how do you want it to be reimbursed if you should suffer a loss.
It would be wonderful if all these factors could be discussed and coverage arranged based on each individuals risk and usage but that will never happen,
You must be careful how you answer all the questions as you shop and compare rates from different companies. Yes, I would encourage you to shop around and compare.
All companies and all insurance agents are not going to offer insurance on a motorhome.They are too expensive to repair and there is an inherent risk that is adverse to the company seeking to make a profit on the sale.The insurance company is all about making a profit not really being your friend.Chances are very good if you have loss you may be cancelled or your rates increased.
Since all motorhomes are kind of grouped together into a "class" if the group suffers from bad experience then the entire Class or group will see rate increases. This may not seem fair but it is the way the world of insurance works.
There is no easy answer to your question but I would surely seek as many quotes as I have the patience to obtain and compare "apples to apples" as I shop. Always tell the truth on any application you may sign but don't "volunteer" too much information that is not specifically asked for on an insurance application.
It is the actual policy that will determine coverage in the event of a loss not what any agent says or promises so read your policy and be aware of all exclusions and limitations.
I believe the marketplace to be very tough right now and I would encourage all to make sure your limits of liability are adequate and use high deductibles and be realistic in the valuation of your motorhome.On my own policy there is no exclusion if I don't own a house and there is no mention of if I "full-time" or not.There is no mileage mentioned or days on the road discussed. I insured a motorhome at an agreed value that was reasonable and I used a high deductible.
Every situation will be different and we all live in various places but what I am trying to say is be careful as you shop and make yourself as desirable as a risk as you can be. Offer the agent or company as much of your insurance business as you can. Be willing to change your auto or your home even if it costs a little more.Use a relatives or a good friends address if possible.
Don't get caught up in the physical damage part of the equation and make sure your personal liability is adequately covered.Many times a "stand alone" personal liability policy can be arranged that may cover you for that exposure while you are traveling and you only need to cover the "auto liability" on the motorhome.This may be of interest to some shoppers.
I have rambled here and I apologize.I hope some of the rambling may be helpful.
