I left my awning out to enjoy the shade while I went for a 15-minute walk. A sudden desert gust—probably only 25 mph—caught the fabric. I returned to find the aluminum arms twisted like pretzels and the fabric ripped from the rail, slapping against the side of my RV. The repair bill: $3,500.
Key Takeaways
- The #1 RV Claim: Awning damage is the single most frequent RV insurance claim.
- Depreciation is Brutal: Awnings are soft goods. Insurance companies depreciate the fabric value rapidly (often 10-20% per year).
- Collision vs. Comprehensive: If you hit a tree with the awning, it’s Collision. If wind rips it off, it’s Comprehensive (usually a lower deductible).
- “Attached Accessories”: Ensure your policy covers “Awnings and Cabanas” specifically, or includes them in the vehicle value.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Actual Cash Value (ACV) on Accessories.”
While your RV itself might have “Total Loss Replacement” or “Agreed Value,” attached accessories like awnings are often treated as wear-and-tear items. If your awning is 5 years old, the insurer might argue the fabric was near the end of its life anyway. They might offer you $200 for the fabric that costs $800 to replace, plus the labor.
Additionally, some policies have a separate deductible for “Storm Damage.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
How do they handle the “flapping fabric” disaster?
Progressive
- The Good: They are very used to this claim. It is usually processed quickly as a Comprehensive claim.
- The Bad: If you have a high deductible ($1,000), it might not be worth claiming. A manual awning repair might only be $1,200. You pay $1,000, they pay $200, and your rates might go up.
Safeco
- The Good: Safeco often bundles awnings into the main “Physical Damage” coverage without aggressive depreciation if you have their “Replacement Cost” endorsement.
- The Tip: Verify if your policy covers “windstorm” specifically.
Geico
- The Bad: I’ve seen reports of Geico classifying awning damage as “Collision” if the rig was in motion (e.g., driving with the awning unsecured), which triggers the higher deductible and is an “at-fault” accident.
[IMAGE: An RV awning twisted upward over the roof of the vehicle]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Collision Claim | Comprehensive Claim |
| Scenario | You hit a toll booth/tree | Wind rips it off |
| Deductible | Usually Higher ($1000) | Usually Lower ($500) |
| Rate Impact | High (At-Fault) | Low/None (Act of Nature) |
| Depreciation | Applies to parts | Applies to parts |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Never Leave It Unattended: The only 100% prevention is to retract the awning whenever you leave the campsite or go to sleep.
- Tilt It: If you leave it out, tilt one corner down so rain dumps off. Water pooling can collapse the arms (also a common claim).
- Check the “Wind Sensor”: Modern electric awnings have wind sensors that auto-retract. Do not trust them. They often react too slowly for a sudden gust.
- Weigh the Deductible: If the repair is $1,500 and your deductible is $1,000, pay out of pocket. Filing a claim for a $500 payout isn’t worth the “claim history” mark on your CLUE report.
FAQ
Does insurance cover me if I forgot to retract it while driving?
Yes, usually. That is “accidental damage.” However, it will likely be an “at-fault” collision claim because you drove into an object (or the wind created by your speed caused the damage).
Can I upgrade to an electric awning with the insurance money?
Generally, no. They pay for “Like Kind and Quality.” If you had a manual awning, they pay for a manual awning. You can pay the difference out of pocket to upgrade.
Is the damage to the RV body covered?
Yes. When the awning arms snap, they often gouge the side of the RV. This bodywork is covered under the same claim.