June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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There’s one destination that grew immensely more popular over the past 18 months despite travel restrictions and generalized anxiety around traveling during the pandemic.
The open road.
Specifically, we’re talking about cruising down the open road in a cozy campervan, fancy Class A motorhome — or dragging a fifth-wheel trailer. RV travel surged in popularity both before and during the pandemic, but really came alive in 2021. The RV Industry Association predicts manufacturers will ship out more than half of a million vehicles this year — a 34% increase over 2020. And many of these RVs will be used as side hustles thanks to a new trend that’s hitched a ride to the recreational vehicle boom: RV rentals.1
You probably already knew you could rent an RV from a company, but now you can rent them from individuals through tech start-ups — a nod to the sharing economy model. Companies including Outdoorsy, RVshare, and others are gaining steam and customers.
Here’s a closer look at why travelers are renting RVs and what your options are for riding the sharing economy down the open road.
Start with a pandemic that still has some travelers a little anxious about traditional lodging where they’re likely to be in close contact with others.
Add a summer travel season during which early bird planners let loose their pent-up wanderlust into multiple bookings at all the popular summer destinations, leaving slim pickings for the rest of us.
Not only did would-be vacationers need a place to lay their head at the end of the day, but in some cases, they wanted a place of all their own.
And did we mention the rental car shortage? Yeah, there’s that, too.2
Of course, not all of the reasons contributing to a rise in RV rentals are recent arrivals.
For example, people like to camp, but aren’t wild about roughing it in a tent and sleeping bag. In fact, more than 60% of self-identified “campers” prefer crashing on a RV bed.1
And those who value sustainability can take delight in not only leaving a smaller carbon footprint than jetsetters, but also controlling just how much their actions are impacting the environment.3
Just because you’re piloting a 20,000-lb steel horse down the highway vs. sprinting between connecting flights doesn’t mean you should skip out on travel insurance.
In fact, travel insurance should be at the top of your packing list. For starters, if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, you can recoup pre-paid non-refundable expenditures — like those tickets for every MLB ballpark you purchased in advance of your great summer road trip. Also, if you’re taking an RV, odds are you’re going on an adventure. And spraining your ankle on an out-of-the-way trail or pulling out your back while taking a sunset selfie will have you glad you have Emergency Medical Transportation.
But you know what the real benefit of travel insurance is on your next RV trip: peace of mind. It’s all the mishaps and accidents you couldn’t even fathom if you tried.
As we already mentioned, the idea of RV rentals isn’t new. Companies such as Cruise America have been offering rental vehicles for decades. And similar to rental car companies, they offer something that’s difficult for RV sharing sites to match: the ability to pick up your RV in one location and drop it off at another.
But RV sharing sites have their own advantages: variety. Cruise America’s fleet is going to be fairly standard no matter where you rent. But sharing sites offer a wide range of styles, sizes, price, and more. It’s the same way unique Airbnb accommodations can be a big draw to some travelers vs. ho-hum hotel rooms.4
So, what are some of the more unique RVs out there available for rent on these sites? There’s the original RV — a 1957 Airstream trailer completely restored with luxe, vintage furnishings? (Did we mentioned the trailer is named “Dimples?” Yes, RVs can have names.) You may also stumble upon an old ambulance made over on the inside and appropriately christened “Campulance.” Or even a camper van that can off-road over the dunes and through the woods.5
So, if you know you want to pursue RV rentals from one of these sharing sites, where should you look and what type of RVs should you consider?
There are two main players in the RV sharing space: Outdoorsy and RVshare. Both offer rentals in all 50 states and offer a wide range of price points to fit your budget. The big draw for RVShare is selection; they have more than 100,000 on their site to choose from.2 Meanwhile, Outdoorsy boasts a convenient service in which RV owners will drive their vehicle to your door.3 Both sites offer emergency roadside assistance, which is huge plus considering that RVs are more apt to break down than your average car (or hotel room).
Another important factor to consider in RV rentals is the type of vehicle you’re looking to land. RVs come in many shapes, sizes, and price points. Here are a few to consider:
Finally, a quick word on cost. While the average weekly RV rental is about $1,000, there are other costs to consider, including campsite fees, gas, and even RV insurance if your auto insurance policy doesn’t cover it. If you’re choosing RV rentals for value alone, be sure to add up all the costs to make sure you’re really getting the deal you think you are.1, 7
RV rentals and RV sharing sites can be your ticket to an exciting new getaway you never dreamed of. And who knows, renting an RV could simply be first step toward owning your own motorhome one day. Maybe you’ll even rent it out — that’s the circle of life.
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
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