If you frequently take your recreational vehicle on the road, you know that some buildup of moisture is probably inevitable, especially if you frequently take your RV to humid places. And sometimes that excess moisture can lead to mildew and mold, which can spread quickly and pose health risks. Unfortunately, car insurance for RVs usually does not cover mold inside the vehicle.
RV insurance exists to cover you if you damage someone or injure them with your RV. Depending on the coverage you add, RV insurance can also cover damage to your RV and even damage to personal items inside the vehicle. But most RV insurance policies won’t cover mold or similar issues, like rust and dry rot.
Why doesn’t RV insurance cover mold?
If you already have homeowners insurance, you may be aware that homeowners policies usually do not cover mold (unless you can prove that the mold was definitely a result of a covered peril). The same is true for RVs — mold and mildew usually aren’t covered. Because it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of mold, it’s hard to determine whether or not it could have been prevented.
To ensure your RV is properly protected, you should look into adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your RV insurance policy. These coverages exist to protect your RV against damage: Collision covers damage sustained in an accident, and comprehensive covers damage caused when you’re not driving, like damage from extreme weather, falling objects, fire, vandalism or theft. But comprehensive most likely won’t extend to cover mold or mildew.
For example, if heavy storms crack your RV’s skylight, that damage could be covered if you have comprehensive coverage as a part of your RV insurance policy. But if water comes in through that crack, and later causes mold and mildew, that mold and mildew most likely would not be covered.
How to prevent mold in your RV
Because mold won’t be covered by your RV insurance, it’s important to take steps to prevent mold and mildew from growing in the first place. That includes:
Regularly cleaning the interior of your RV, especially bathroom and kitchen areas
Quickly repairing any parts of your RV that are broken or damaged, especially windows or doors
Regularly inspecting your roof, plumbing and hook-ups for leaks
Checking gaskets and seals to make sure your RV is sealed to water
Promoting air circulation by cleaning filters, turning on fans and opening windows when the weather is appropriate
Using a dehumidifier if your RV is frequently in a humid climate
Mold frequently grows in an RV during the off-season, when it’s stored away for long periods of time. Be sure to routinely check your RV for mold and mildew even when you’re not using it.
The faster you take action, the less the mold and mildew will have a chance to spread. If the mold is pervasive, take your RV to a professional cleaner for a full detail. Ignoring mold or mildew could impact your health and the health of your family and guests.
