The RVIA found that 10 million US households possess an RV. According to the RVIA, RV shipments increased 16.6% in 2020. With so many RV owners, RV insurance coverage is crucial.
Delamination is one of the most common RV difficulties caused by moisture, temperature changes, and structural issues. In this article, we will explore rv insurance cover delamination, providing the facts and figures you need to make an informed decision about protecting your investment.
Does RV insurance cover delamination?
RV insurance protects against damage and liabilities. Most RV insurance policies cover structural damage, although delamination often needs to be clarified.
The answer is yes and no, depending on the RV insurance policy. Most RV insurance policies cover if water or fire damage is not caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. Some policies exclude delamination damage.
In general, delamination is only covered by RV warranties or insurance programs if it occurs in a brand-new RV and very soon after purchase. Insurance does not cover delamination caused by RV carelessness, wear & tear, or incorrect upkeep. Since water damage causes delamination, RV insurers recommend regular maintenance.
RV insurance may cover delamination repairs in exceptional situations. However, the insurance company will likely decide that the delamination could have been prevented and that the owner must fix the damages.
To prevent delamination, RV roofs must be inspected routinely and seals replaced. Delamination can lower an RV’s resale value and should be addressed immediately to avoid becoming a runaway train and destroying the RV.
RV insurance protects against damage and liabilities. Most RV insurance policies cover structural damage, although delamination often needs to be clarified.
Does RV insurance cover fire?
Yes, RV insurance typically covers fire damage, depending on the reason for the fire and the type of coverage you have. Collision insurance covers fire damage resulting from a collision. Comprehensive insurance covers fire damage from events beyond your control, such as robbery, vandalism, natural disasters, and cooking fires.
Moreover, RV insurance can provide liability coverage if someone is injured or their property is damaged due to a fire in your RV.
Does RV insurance cover delamination & What is delamination on an RV?
On a recreational vehicle, delamination occurs when the fibreglass layers of the walls or roof begin to separate, causing the surface to swell or blister. Typically, it occurs when moisture becomes confined between layers, causing them to weaken and separate. Delamination can occur in any portion of an RV with a fibreglass exterior, including the walls, roof, and even the front and rear caps.
Delamination is a serious problem because it impairs the RV’s structure and can lead to additional damage if left untreated. It can also be an eyesore and decrease the value of the RV if you intend to sell it. If you suspect your RV has delamination, it is best to have it inspected and repaired by a professional.
How much does it cost to fix delamination on an RV?
RV delamination is where the bond between the exterior fibreglass layer and the inner wall separates, causing bubbles or ripples on the RV’s surface. The cost of repairing delamination varies depending on the extent of the damage.
Minor repairs can be done using DIY kits for $100 to $300. However, professional services may be required for extensive repairs, which can cost several thousand dollars.
The materials needed for repairs range from $80 to $200, and the process can take several days to complete. Treating delamination as soon as possible is essential because the damage can worsen if left untreated.
RV insurance Comprehensive Coverage for delamination:
Comprehensive coverage pays to fix your vehicle in case of damage beyond your control. This could result from a tree falling on its roof during a hurricane, a flash flood washing it away or tipping it over, or even just a single car colliding with an overpass by accident.
Let’s say your RV experiences instant delamination in each of these scenarios. Having your RV’s lamination fixed (and anything else covered by your policy) would be a breeze, thanks to full coverage.
Complete coverage on your insurance should be equal to or greater than the value of your recreational vehicle or trailer. You won’t have to pay for repairs over $60,000 if you have full-value comprehensive insurance.
If your insurer totals your RV and you only have $40,000 in comprehensive coverage, you may have to pay the difference.
Lenders will likely insist that RV and travel trailer owners with a balance on their loans acquire and maintain comprehensive vehicle coverage.
RV insurance Liability Insurance for delamination coverage
If your insurer agrees that the RV delamination was unexpected and accidental, you may be eligible for further coverage if you have vacation liability coverage.
If you purchased the optional vacation liability coverage and the incident happened while you were at an approved campsite or RV resort, your policy may cover up to $10,000 in repairs.
Your trip budget should include transportation and hotel or short-term rental accommodations.
When Does RV Insurance Pay for Delamination?
Any delamination in your recreational vehicle must have happened without warning for your insurance company to pay. The previously mentioned natural disasters and single-vehicle accidents are the most typical causes of covered RV delamination claims.
Let’s have a look at some illustrations. You wouldn’t have to worry about paying for repairs to the RV or replacing any damaged belongings if, for example, a tree fell on your RV during the hurricane, as mentioned earlier and tore through the lamination on the roof, letting water seep inside. The same holds for a sudden flood that washes over a tree, fence, or other object, scraping the lamination off your RV.
Your insurance company will most likely classify those occurrences as sudden and accidental. As a result, your insurer will most likely pay for all of the costs associated with fixing the delamination in your rig under your insurance’s “comprehensive” section.
Does RV delamination need to be repaired?
Yes, RV delamination needs to be repaired to prevent severe structural damage. Delamination involves splitting laminated layers and can occur in an RV’s exterior fibreglass or gel covering. RV sidewalls, roofs, and floors can delaminate. Water causes most RV delamination. It can enter laminated panels through cracks or tension breaks in the fibreglass coating, rips or loose rubber tubing used to seal roof seams, or tears or loose rubber tubing used to seal glass window and door frames.
When buying used RVs, consider the cost of RV delamination repair. If badly maintained, the seams weren’t examined or resealed every five years, or they experienced rapid and dramatic temperature changes; even new units can delaminate.
RV delamination repair prevents structural damage and improves aesthetics. When driving, the loosened layers could fall off. Two methods can fix a delaminated RV panel. First, a delamination repair kit with a high-strength bonding compound costs $80-150. This reseals fibreglass to RV layers. The new bonding material is marine-grade and can withstand water. Stripping and reconstructing is the second method when the delamination area has spread, and the separation is substantial. This entails removing the delaminated panels and restoring the damaged or weakened substrate.
DIY delamination kits cost $100–300. However, you must discover and fix the water leak’s cause, which may cost more. Replace an RV window gasket ($75–150) or RV weatherstripping ($50–200).
How much does it cost to fix delamination on an RV?
RV delamination occurs when the fibreglass shell separates from the interior wall structure, causing bulging and air pockets. Untreated damage might worsen, requiring costly repairs. DIY kits cure delamination. According to numerous sources, DIY delamination repair kits cost $80–300. These kits fix the fibreglass-inner layer bond with epoxies, syringes, and tubing. These kits are for minor repairs only. You’ll need clamps, scrap wood, and painter’s tape to cover the surface from epoxy spills. Materials cost $200, but waste wood, clamps, and hours of your effort add up.
After injecting resin, you won’t get a second chance to design delamination repair. Park your RV on a level surface and mark the treatment area with blue painter’s tape. West System’s 105 Epoxy Resin and 206 Slow Hardener can cure delamination. After that, use a long plastic or wooden dowel, an injector, tubing, a clamp, and plenty of wood for bracing and pressing.
How serious is delamination in an RV?
Untreated RV delamination can be dangerous. The fibreglass or gel coat layer separates from the lightweight plywood or luan layer. Delamination severity varies on damage and the water leak’s cause. Big box hardware stores sell repair kits for $80-$150 that can fix modest delamination if found early.
Delamination can only improve if addressed, requiring more expensive and lengthy repairs. Water can accelerate delamination and cause wider fissures. When the bonding agent fails, the fibreglass outside layer separates from the underlying layer, compromising the RV’s structural integrity and causing additional issues.
What causes delamination on rv?
RV delamination occurs when the external fibreglass or gel coat layer separates from the supporting material, usually lightweight plywood or luan. Water is the main RV delamination cause. Water can infiltrate laminated panels through fibreglass coating cracks or tension breaks, roof seam tears or loose rubber tubing, and glass window and door frame tears.
Other conditions can induce RV delamination besides water damage. Sun damage, regular wear, and long-term RV ownership are examples. RV bonding chemicals and glue deteriorates with time, creating delamination. Small fractures in the RV wall or where the roof meets the wall can let moisture in and cause delamination.
