National General Good Sam Rv Insurance: Complete Guide & Comparison (2025)
Photo by Matthew Moloney on Unsplash
National General Good Sam RV Insurance is one of the most recognized choices for RV owners in the United States, combining the expertise of National General Insurance with the trusted Good Sam brand. This comprehensive guide explores coverage options, real customer stories, case studies, and expert insights to help you decide if it’s the right insurance solution for your recreational vehicle lifestyle.
Everything you need to know about coverage options, claims experience, pricing factors, competitor comparison, and a practical buying checklist.
Quick summary
National General underwrites many Good Sam RV insurance products and positions itself as a specialty provider for RV owners. Key selling points often mentioned across sources include total loss replacement, coverage for permanent attachments (awnings, satellite dishes, custom fixtures), and optional personal effects protection. However, consumer reviews show mixed experiences on claims handling; we cover those in detail below.
Coverage types — what is included?
Below are the most important coverage types you should understand when evaluating National General / Good Sam RV insurance.
Liability
Liability covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others while operating the RV. Limits vary by policy and state — always check the policy declarations page.
Collision & Comprehensive
Collision covers damage to your RV from an accident; comprehensive covers non-collision perils such as theft, vandalism, and weather events.
Total Loss Replacement / Full Replacement Cost
This is a frequently cited benefit: some Good Sam/National General programs offer replacement cost or total loss replacement for newer RVs (subject to terms). That means, in certain cases, the insurer pays to replace the RV rather than pay actual cash value (depreciated value). (Tip: confirm age and mileage limits for eligibility.)
Permanent attachments coverage
Permanent attachments (awnings, custom-built storage, satellite systems, fixed appliances) are often excluded under standard auto policies. Good Sam programs typically offer endorsements to cover permanent attachments — document additions with photos and receipts for best results.
Personal effects & contents
Personal property inside the RV (clothes, electronics, cookware) can be covered up to a limit. Consider higher limits if you carry expensive gear; keep an inventory with photos.
Storage & Seasonal options
Policies may offer lower premiums for seasonal storage or reduced use. If you store the RV off-season, ask for storage endorsements or reduced exposure rates.
Optional features & add-ons
Towing & Roadside Assistance
Common add-on that covers towing, fuel delivery, tire changes, and lockout service. Good Sam also offers branded roadside plans that can be bundled.
Vacation Liability & Rental Reimbursement
If you rent your RV or drive it while on vacation, specific endorsements may be required. Rental reimbursement covers transportation or rental vehicle costs while your RV is repaired.
Electronics & Custom Parts Endorsements
High-end stereos, TVs, solar panels, and custom cabinetry may need special endorsements to be fully covered.
The claims process — step-by-step and three short case studies
Understanding the claims workflow is crucial — many user reviews hinge on the ease or difficulty of getting a claim paid. Below is a typical process and three anonymized case studies based on public forum reports and review platforms.
Typical claims steps
- Report the claim via the insurer's 24/7 claims phone or online portal.
- Document damage: photos, videos, serial numbers, receipts.
- Receive a claim number & adjuster assignment.
- Adjuster inspection: remote photos or in-person inspection.
- Estimate & repair authorization or settlement offer.
- Dispute resolution (if needed) via appeals or state DOI complaints.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Positive Experience with Roadside Assistance
Source: IRV2 Forum (2023)
A motorhome owner described a breakdown on a remote highway in Arizona. Good Sam/National General arranged towing within 90 minutes to the nearest RV service center, covering the full $1,200 bill. The customer highlighted peace of mind and quick response as the key value.
Case Study 2: Claim Settlement Dispute
Source: ConsumerAffairs Review (2022)
A user reported hail damage to their fifth wheel RV. While the adjuster initially quoted $9,000, the insurer offered $6,200 citing depreciation. After escalating via the state insurance department, the customer received a revised payout of $8,500. The case shows the importance of persistence and understanding policy language.
Case Study 3: Mixed Reviews on Policy Renewal
Source: Reddit r/RVLiving Thread (2024)
Several RV owners discussed sharp premium increases (up to 25%) at renewal despite no claims. One user negotiated a reduction by comparing competitor quotes (Progressive, Roamly) and presenting them to Good Sam, who matched the lower price. This highlights how negotiation can influence cost.
Case Study Summary Table
Case Scenario Outcome Key Takeaway
| No. | Case Scenario | Outcome | Key Takeaway |
| 1 | Roadside breakdown in Arizona | Towed within 90 minutes; $1,200 covered | Fast response, strong peace of mind |
| 2 | Hail damage claim dispute | Payout increased from $6,200 to $8,500 after escalation | Persistence and policy knowledge matter |
| 3 | Premium renewal increases | Premium reduced after negotiation with competitor quotes | Shopping around can lower renewal costs |
Pricing, discounts & how to get the best quote
Premiums depend on multiple factors: RV type (motorhome vs travel trailer), age, usage (full-time vs seasonal), driving record, location, mileage, and optional endorsements. Below are practical tips and discount types.
Common discounts
- Multi-policy (bundle RV with home or auto)
- Paid-in-full discounts
- Storage/off-season discounts
- Anti-theft & safety device discounts
How to request competitive quotes
- Prepare a full specification (VIN, year, model, attachments, serials).
- Request quotes from at least 3 RV-specialty insurers (including Good Sam/National General, Progressive, Foremost).
- Compare not only price but also endorsement availability (attachments, replacement cost).
- Ask agents for sample declarations pages to verify limits and exclusions.
Sample premium ranges (illustrative)
Premium ranges vary widely by state and profile; below is an illustrative example (not a quote):
| RV Type | Typical annual premium (range) |
| Travel Trailer (non-motorized) | $300 — $900 |
| Class C Motorhome | $700 — $2,200 |
| Class A Luxury Motorhome | $2,000 — $7,500+ |
Comparison: National General / Good Sam vs competitors
Below is a feature-by-feature snapshot to help compare market options. Always verify current products and endorsements directly with insurers.
| Feature | Good Sam / National General | Progressive | Foremost |
| Total loss replacement | Available on select newer RVs | Available on select plans | Varies by carrier |
| Permanent attachments coverage | Endorsements offered | Available with extras | Often available |
| Personal effects limit | Modest default; higher limits available | Customizable | Customizable |
| Roadside assistance | Good Sam branded plans | Available | Available |
| Full-time RV options | Yes — specific underwriting | Yes | Yes |
Reputation & customer reviews
Reputation is mixed: many users praise pricing and specialty features, while negative reviews typically focus on communication and claim delays. We recommend reading ConsumerAffairs, BBB, and community forums for contemporary sentiment and to look for patterns rather than isolated complaints.
State & underwriting notes
Availability and endorsements can change by state. National General underwrites many Good Sam policies — check state-specific forms and the Department of Insurance for your state for precise disclosures.
FAQ
Q: Does Good Sam insure rental RVs?
A: Some policies offer vacation liability and rental endorsements — disclose rental activity when you quote to ensure proper coverage.
Q: What is the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost?
A: Actual cash value (ACV) pays depreciated value; replacement cost or total loss replacement seeks to pay to replace the RV with a similar unit without deduction for depreciation (subject to policy terms).
Q: How do I document permanent attachments?
A: Take dated photos, keep receipts and installation invoices, record serial numbers where available, and include detailed notes in the policy application or endorsements.
Buying checklist — what to prepare before you buy
- VIN, make, model, year, mileage
- List of permanent attachments + photos & receipts
- Inventory of personal effects with serial numbers
- Driving records for primary drivers
- Usage (full-time/seasonal) & garaging state
- Desired endorsements (replacement cost, roadside assistance)
Sources
Last updated: October 8, 2025. This article synthesizes public information and community reports to provide a comprehensive guide. For the exact policy terms, always consult official Good Sam / National General policy documents or your licensed insurance agent.