I had my Honda EU3000is generator chained to the A-frame of my trailer at a campsite in Arizona. I woke up to find the chain cut and the generator gone. I wasn’t too worried—I had “Personal Effects” coverage. But when I called my insurer, the adjuster asked one specific question: “Was the generator permanently bolted to the frame, or just strapped on?” That distinction cost me $2,400.
Key Takeaways
- Attached vs. Unattached: Insurance treats “Attached Accessories” (bolted/welded) as part of the vehicle. Portable generators are “Personal Effects” or “Contents.”
- Low Limits: Standard auto policies often cap Personal Effects at $500 or $1,000. A decent generator costs $2,500+.
- Deductibles Eat the Payout: If your generator is worth $1,200 and your deductible is $1,000, you get a check for $200.
- The “Built-In” Advantage: Onan generators installed by the factory are covered under the main “Comprehensive” coverage with the full vehicle limit.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is the “Vehicle Equipment” Definition.
If a generator is permanently installed (like an Onan 4000 under the chassis), it is considered “part of the vehicle.” If it is stolen, it is a partial theft of the vehicle itself.
If the generator is portable (even if sitting on a rack), it is “Personal Property.” Many RV policies have a specific sub-limit for personal property that is shockingly low. Furthermore, some policies require “evidence of forcible entry” for theft. If it was outside the rig, they might argue it was “unattended” and not covered.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I asked three carriers how they handle a $2,500 portable generator theft.
Progressive
- The Policy: Standard Personal Effects limit is often $1,000 or $3,000 depending on the package.
- The Catch: You must upgrade the Personal Effects limit. If you have the base plan, you are underinsured.
- The Good: If it was chained, they usually accept that as “secured.”
Roamly
- The Policy: They are very DIY/Vanlife friendly.
- The Win: They often allow you to list high-value items like “Power Systems” (Jackery/EcoFlow/Honda) specifically in the policy value if you declare them upfront.
Good Sam (National General)
- The Policy: They offer a “Personal Effects Replacement Cost” endorsement.
- The Detail: This is crucial. Instead of giving you the “depreciated value” of a 3-year-old generator (maybe
800),theypayfora∗new∗one(800),theypayfora∗new∗one(2,400).
[IMAGE: Photo of a cut heavy-duty chain lying on a metal cargo carrier on the back of a van]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Factory Installed (Onan) | Portable (Honda) – Standard Policy | Portable – Enhanced Policy |
| Category | Vehicle Part | Personal Effects | Scheduled Property |
| Coverage Limit | Vehicle Value (High) | Low ($500 – $2,000) | Item Value ($2,500+) |
| Deductible | Comp Deductible ($500) | Comp Deductible ($500) | Often Lower ($0 – $100) |
| Depreciation | Yes (ACV) | Yes (ACV) | No (Replacement Cost) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your “Personal Effects” Limit: Look at your Declarations Page. If it says “$1,000,” call your agent immediately and raise it to $5,000. It costs about $20/year.
- Permanence is Key: If you have a rack, bolt the generator to it. Use security nuts. If you can prove it requires tools to remove, you have a stronger argument that it is “attached equipment.”
- Photograph the Setup: Take a photo of the generator secured to the RV. Upload it to the cloud. This proves ownership and security measures.
- Save the Receipt: Without a receipt, they will give you the value of the cheapest knock-off generator on Amazon, not the Honda price.
FAQ
Does my homeowner’s insurance cover this?
Maybe. “Off-premises theft” is usually covered by home insurance, but you still have to pay your home deductible (often $1,000 or $2,500). A claim there might also raise your home premiums.
What if I left it unlocked?
If you left it sitting on the ground unsecured, they can deny the claim for “negligence” or “mysterious disappearance” (meaning there is no proof it was stolen vs. you lost it).
Are solar generators (Jackery/Bluetti) covered?
Yes, but they are electronics. Same rules apply—Personal Effects limit. Since these depreciate fast, “Replacement Cost” coverage is vital.