Susana Salcido

School's out, kids are home, and Summer is HERE!!

Summer means a few things:

• It’s when road trips peak. Summer is the busiest season for travel—more drivers on the road means more opportunities for minor (and sometimes major) incidents.

• Heat can be a bigger RV problem than most people expect. High temperatures can stress tires, soften some plastics, and increase the chance of brake or battery issues.

• UV is a sneaky culprit. Sunlight can degrade RV seals, trim, and awnings over time—so summer exposure isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be costly.

• Lightning and storms are common road-trip spoilers. Even if the forecast looks okay, summer storms can pop up quickly and create hazards at campgrounds (trees, flooding, wind).

RV life in summer:

• Your RV is “home,” but it acts like a vehicle too. Many people assume insurance works like homeowners/renters, but liability is usually tied to vehicle-related and personal injury/property damage risk—depending on policy terms.

• Towing adds a whole extra skill set. Weight distribution, braking distance, and backing up behaviors differ from standard driving. Even small mistakes can turn into expensive claims.

• Campground “neighbors” are a real risk factor. Liability claims can come from things like a child/dog getting injured, a vehicle or bike rolling, or accidental damage to another campsite or vehicle.

• Slide-outs & steps are common “oops” zones. Whether it’s someone getting hurt while entering/exiting, or minor damage while retracting, these areas are frequent sources of accidents.

Liability insurance: what’s interesting (and what it actually covers)

• Liability insurance generally helps pay for injuries to other people and damage you cause to other people’s property—up to your policy limits—plus related legal costs if you’re sued.

How summer affects your liability risk (and potentially your insurance)

• More activities = more chances for incidents. Swimming, biking, boating, campfires, off-road excursions, fireworks, and cookouts all increase exposure.

• More people around = more “third-party” risk. Visitors, kids, and campground traffic raise the odds of someone getting hurt or something getting damaged.

• Staying “parked” doesn’t mean you’re risk-free. Liability can still apply while you’re unloading, setting up, cooking, or letting others move around your campsite.

A couple of smart, simple ways to reduce risk

• Use wheel chocks and parking discipline (especially on uneven campgrounds).

• Keep pathways clear (hoses, cords, rugs, and bike gear can become trip hazards).

• Watch campfire rules and wind conditions. Sparks + dry grass = serious consequences.

• Verify coverage details before you travel. For example:

  • liability limits,

  • whether your policy covers certain scenarios (like guests, pets, off-premises incidents),

  • and how towing is treated

Whether you are RVing this summer, boating, or hitting the sand dunes with friends and family, be sure to give us a call to get a free quote on all your summer toys!!