I decided to park my fifth wheel permanently on a plot of land and built a beautiful wooden deck for $4,000. I also installed insulated skirting for the winter at a cost of $2,000. During a windstorm, the skirting was torn off and a falling branch damaged the deck. When I contacted my insurance company, they told me, “We cover the RV.” Because the deck and skirting are not considered part of the RV, my claim was denied.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent vs. Mobile: Once you build a deck or hard skirting, you are blurring the line between “vehicle” and “mobile home.” Standard RV policies hate this.
- “Adjacent Structures” Coverage: You need a policy that specifically covers “Adjacent Structures” or “Additions.” Most touring policies do not.
- Stationary Full-Timer Policies: Companies like Foremost specialize in “Park Model” or “Stationary Travel Trailer” policies that cover decks, sheds, and skirting.
- Mobility Clauses: If you remove the wheels or build a structure that prevents the RV from being moved immediately, standard insurers may void your collision coverage entirely.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is the “Property Definition.”
Auto insurance covers the vehicle and “equipment permanently attached” (awnings). A deck sitting next to the RV is not attached to the vehicle (usually). It is real estate property. Therefore, an auto policy cannot cover it.
To cover a deck, shed, or skirting, you effectively need a “Homeowners” style policy for the RV, often called a “Specialty Homeowner” or “Manufactured Home” policy.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I looked for who covers the “stationary life.”
Foremost
- The Expert: They are the leader in “Stationary Travel Trailer” insurance.
- The Coverage: They offer “Comprehensive Personal Liability” and specific coverage for “Adjacent Structures” (Decks, Porches, Carports).
- The Switch: You generally have to switch from a “Touring” policy to a “Stationary” policy. You lose some road coverage but gain deck coverage.
Progressive
- The Option: They have a “Permanent Attachments” limit, but they are strict. If the deck is free-standing, it’s likely not covered. If the skirting is snapped onto the RV, it might be covered under Comprehensive, but it’s a grey area.
Assurant / Geico
- The Mobile Home Route: If the RV is truly permanent (never moves), they might write it as a Mobile Home policy. This gives better coverage for structures but removes coverage for driving.
[IMAGE: Photo of an RV with wooden skirting and a large attached deck damaged by a fallen branch]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard RV Policy | Stationary / Park Model Policy |
| Covers Driving? | Yes | Sometimes Restricted |
| Covers Decks? | No | Yes (Adjacent Structures) |
| Covers Sheds? | No | Yes |
| Cost | Higher (Road risk) | Often Lower (Stationary risk) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Decide: Mobile or Stationary? You can’t be both. If you have a deck, you are stationary. Switch your policy type.
- Quote a “Stationary Travel Trailer” Policy: Call a broker who knows Foremost or American Modern. These are the carriers for this niche.
- Photograph the Structures: Document the value of the deck and skirting.
- Check Skirting Type: Vinyl skirting is often covered. Hay bales (used by some for insulation) are a fire hazard and can void your fire coverage. Never use hay bales.
FAQ
Can I keep my road insurance if I just have a small deck?
Yes, but the deck isn’t covered. If the deck burns down, you pay for it. If the deck fire spreads to the RV, the RV is covered (usually).
What if I want to move the RV for a weekend?
If you have a Stationary policy, you usually need to call and add a “Trip Endorsement” to cover the movement. Do not drive without calling.
Is skirting considered an “addition”?
Yes. Permanent or semi-permanent skirting increases the value and risk. Disclose it.