What Happens If Something Goes Wrong on a Camping Trip?

Camping is supposed to be relaxing. You’re sitting outside your RV with a cup of coffee, enjoying the campground… and then suddenly something goes wrong. Maybe a storm rolls in. Maybe someone backs into your camper. Maybe a tree branch comes crashing down in the middle of the night. Now what happens if something goes wrong on your camping trip? Because it happens more often than many campers realize. In the latest episode of the Girl Camper Podcast, Lesa McDermott sat down with Matt Havrilla from Progressive Insurance to talk about real-world camping mishaps, RV insurance claims, roadside assistance, and what campers should actually do when something unexpected happens on a trip. This episode is packed with practical advice for RV owners, travel trailer campers, van campers, and anyone who spends time on the road. Common Camping Mishaps That Lead to RV Insurance Claims One of the most surprising takeaways from the conversation was how common campground liability situations can be. Matt shared examples including: Tree branches falling on RVs Campground backing accidents Storm and hail damage Fire damage spreading to neighboring campers Awning damage during windstorms Trip and fall accidents around campsites Water damage caused by failed roof seals Many campers assume these situations are rare until they happen to them. Lesa and Matt also discussed how quickly a relaxing camping trip can turn stressful if you don’t know what your RV insurance policy actually covers. Why RV Liability Coverage Matters One important topic in the episode was vacation liability coverage. Many travel trailer owners do not realize that once their trailer is unhooked from the tow vehicle, they may no longer have liability coverage unless they carry a separate RV policy. That means if: A fire spreads from your camper Someone gets injured at your campsite Your dog bites another camper Someone trips over equipment or falls into a fire pit …you could be responsible for damages without realizing you lack coverage. Matt explained that vacation liability coverage through Progressive Insurance can help protect campers in those situations. RV Storm Damage and Comprehensive Coverage Storms are another major concern for campers. Lesa shared a recent experience camping in Oklahoma when tornado sirens went off in the middle of the night during a Girl Camper trip. Situations like that can leave RV owners wondering: Is tornado damage covered? What about hail damage? What if wind destroys an awning? What happens if flooding damages the RV? Matt explained the difference between collision coverage and comprehensive coverage and how comprehensive coverage generally applies to storm-related incidents and falling objects like tree branches. One of his biggest pieces of advice:Mitigate additional damage immediately whenever possible. For example: Cover roof damage with a tarp Prevent water intrusion Move the RV to a safe location if it can be done safely Taking quick action can help reduce further damage and make the claims process smoother. What Happens if Something Goes Wrong on a Camping Trip If you are involved in a camping accident or roadside incident, staying calm is one of the most important things you can do. Matt and Lesa discussed several important steps: Make sure everyone is safe Call emergency services if needed Gather insurance information Take photos and videos of the damage Get a police report whenever possible Contact your insurance company quickly Save receipts for expenses related to the incident One especially helpful tip was keeping printed insurance information inside the RV in case there is poor cell service while traveling. RV Roadside Assistance Expectations Roadside assistance was another major topic during the episode. Many campers expect a tow truck to arrive immediately after calling roadside assistance, but Matt explained that RV towing is much more complicated than towing a regular car. Large travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class A motorhomes often require specialized tow vehicles that may not be readily available, especially in remote camping areas. Lesa shared a personal experience involving a breakdown while towing a trailer during the holidays and how complicated those situations can become when pets, campers, and multiple vehicles are involved. The biggest takeaway:Patience and preparation matter. Roof Leaks and RV Maintenance Issues One area where many RV owners are caught off guard is water damage caused by roof leaks. Matt explained that insurance companies often consider roof seal failures to be maintenance-related issues rather than sudden accidental damage. Because of that, regular RV roof inspections are extremely important. Lesa admitted she probably does not inspect her roof seals as often as she should, which is something many RV owners can relate to. The conversation also highlighted optional coverages like Roof Protection Plus and pest protection coverage that may help with issues involving: Roof deterioration Rodent damage Wiring damage from pests Don’t Let Camping Problems Ruin the Adventure One of the best moments in the episode came when Matt shared his personal story about being rear-ended while towing his camper during a family trip. Instead of letting the accident ruin the vacation, the family still went to the amusement park they had planned to visit and handled the insurance details afterward. That led to one of the biggest themes of the episode: Camping is never perfect. Something will eventually go wrong on a trip. The key is staying calm, being prepared, and not letting the situation destroy the experience. Listen to the Full Episode This episode is full of real-world RV insurance advice, camping safety tips, and practical guidance every camper should hear before their next road trip. A huge thank you to Progressive Insurance for sponsoring this episode and supporting the Girl Camper community. Interested in learning about different types of insurance coverage more in-depth? Check out our interview with Melissa Geric where she explains it all: Are You Covered For That? https://youtu.be/RHudDGkvoRk