A massive hailstorm in Colorado pummeled my roof. The fiberglass shell of the RV was fine, but my three 200W solar panels were shattered glass. I filed a claim, expecting a quick payout. The adjuster said, “We see the panels, but your policy lists ‘Factory Equipment’ only. Did you install these yourself?” Because I hadn’t added the $1,500 solar setup to my “Scheduled Equipment,” they applied a depreciated value that was less than my deductible.
Key Takeaways
- Aftermarket = Uninsured: If you added solar panels after buying the RV, they are NOT covered by the base policy unless you updated your “Agreed Value” or added an endorsement.
- The Hail Deductible: Many policies have a separate, higher deductible for hail/wind damage (sometimes $1,000 or $2,000).
- Labor Costs: Replacing glued-down flexible panels is a nightmare. The labor can cost more than the panels. Ensure your policy covers “Accessory Labor.”
- Glass vs. Flexible: Glass panels shatter (obvious claim). Flexible panels often just dent or degrade (harder to prove “total loss” to an adjuster).
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Betterment” and “Undisclosed Modifications.”
When you insure an RV, the premium is based on the VIN. The VIN says “Standard Winnebago.” It doesn’t know you added a $3,000 Victron solar array. If that array is destroyed, the insurer argues they never collected a premium for it, so they don’t owe you for it.
Additionally, “hail” is becoming a restricted peril. In 2026, many carriers are increasing deductibles for hail damage specifically because climate change has made these claims so frequent.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I looked at how to properly insure a $3,000 solar upgrade.
Good Sam (National General)
- The Feature: They allow you to add “Accessories” coverage in blocks of $1,000.
- The Cost: Adding $3,000 of coverage cost me about $40/year. Worth it.
- The Test: I asked about hail. They confirmed that if the accessories are listed, they are covered subject to the Comprehensive deductible.
Progressive
- The Feature: They automatically include $3,000 of “Accessory coverage” on many RV policies.
- The Catch: You must prove the value. Keep receipts. If you don’t have receipts, they pay Actual Cash Value (depreciated), which for solar panels drops fast.
State Farm
- The Approach: They prefer to just increase the total “Stated Value” of the vehicle.
- The Risk: If you say the van is worth $80k (with solar) instead of $77k, the premium goes up. But this is the safest way to ensure 100% coverage.
[IMAGE: Close-up photo of a shattered monocrystalline solar panel on an RV roof]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Unlisted Aftermarket Solar | Listed/Endorsed Solar |
| Coverage Limit | $0 or heavily depreciated | Full Replacement Cost |
| Deductible | Standard Comp | Standard Comp |
| Labor Coverage | Often Excluded | Included |
| Premium Cost | $0 | + 30−30− 50/year |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Scan Your Receipts: Do it now. Inverter, panels, charge controller, wire.
- Call Your Agent: Say: “I have added $3,000 of permanent solar equipment to the roof. Is this covered under my current limit, or do I need to increase my Accessory coverage?”
- Check Hail Deductible: Look at the Declarations page. If your Hail deductible is $2,000 and your panels are worth $1,500, self-insure (don’t claim it).
- Consider “Glass” Coverage: Some very specific policies might cover rigid solar panels under “Safety Glass,” but don’t count on it without asking.
FAQ
Does insurance cover the labor to remove the old glued panels?
It should, if the panels are covered. Removing Sikaflex is hours of labor. Make sure the body shop includes “Adhesive Removal” in the estimate.
What if only one panel is broken?
They will pay to replace that one. However, if that specific model is no longer made (common in solar), you might end up with mismatched panels. You can argue for a full replacement if the voltage mismatch ruins the system, but it’s a fight.
Are portable solar panels (“suitcases”) covered?
No. Those are “Personal Effects” because they aren’t attached. See the “Generator” article for how that works.