How the RV Insurance Claim Process Works: Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with RV damage can be stressful, especially when you’re unsure how the insurance claim process works. At McBride’s RV in Chino, CA, we’ve been helping RV owners navigate insurance claims and repairs since 1986. With strong relationships across major insurance carriers and decades of hands-on experience, we make the claims and repair process as easy as possible.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the RV insurance claim process and explain how McBride’s RV helps you get back on the road faster and with less hassle.

Before starting a claim, it’s important to take clear photos of any visible damage and make notes of everything that needs repair. Whether your RV sustained a dented side panel from a low-hanging tree or suffered major damage in a collision, having well-documented evidence will help support your claim.

Step 1: File the Insurance Claim

Only the policyholder or lienholder can initiate an RV insurance claim, so be sure the right person makes the call. You’ll typically need to contact your insurance provider either through their website, app, or by phone. During the process, you’ll be asked to give a recorded statement describing what happened. After that, your insurance provider will issue a claim number—make sure to save this number for all future communications. Once you have the claim number, you can choose your repair facility. Remember, you have the right to pick a trusted shop like McBride’s RV.

Insurance claims are typically categorized as either collision or comprehensive. A collision claim refers to damage that occurs while you are driving and is considered your fault, which may result in higher premiums. On the other hand, a comprehensive claim involves damage caused by external forces such as wind, hail, falling trees, or vandalism, and generally does not affect your insurance rate.

Step 2: Call McBride’s RV with Your Claim Number

Call McBrides RV with Your Claim Number

Once you’ve filed the claim and received your claim number, your next step is to contact McBride’s RV at 909-627-7566 to schedule an appointment. After that, our team takes over and handles the rest. We’ll manage all communication with your insurance adjuster, inspectors, and claims representatives on your behalf. Our familiarity with many adjusters and insurance carriers allows for faster approvals and a smoother overall experience. Our relationships with companies like Progressive, AAA, GEICO, and GMAC streamline the process for our customers.

Step 3: Estimating the Damage

You are not required to collect multiple estimates. You can bring your RV directly to McBride’s RV, and we’ll provide a comprehensive and accurate repair estimate. While your insurance provider has the right to write their own estimate, they cannot require you to get more than one. Our expert technicians use advanced color-matching technology and modern repair procedures to ensure your RV is restored to factory condition. Once we create the estimate, it is shared with both you and your insurance provider to facilitate a quick approval.

Step 4: Approving the Repairs

Approving the Repairs

Although your insurance provider pays for the repairs, only you—the RV owner—can authorize the work. This means you have the final say in whether repairs are performed and where they’re completed. At McBride’s RV, we keep you informed every step of the way so you fully understand the scope of work, the estimated repair timeline, and any potential out-of-pocket costs you may incur. Transparency is a core value for us, and we want you to feel confident in your decision.

Step 5: RV Repairs Begin

Once you authorize the repairs, our certified RV technicians begin restoring your vehicle. At McBride’s RV, our focus is on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. We specialize in everything from minor dent removal to major structural repairs and complete paint refinishing. All paint work is done in our state-of-the-art enclosed booth, ensuring precise application and color matching. If any parts require replacement, we source high-quality OEM or equivalent parts promptly to minimize downtime. We understand how important your RV is to your lifestyle, and we do our best to work around your camping schedule whenever possible.

Step 6: Final Inspection and Pickup

Final Inspection and Pickup


Before handing your RV back to you, we perform a thorough final inspection to ensure every repair meets our quality standards. When you arrive to pick up your vehicle, we’ll walk you through everything that was completed and provide all necessary documentation for your records. If you need any additional services before your next trip—such as a roof inspection, generator servicing, or battery testing—our in-house service team is here to help. We’re proud to be a full-service RV facility that supports your RV’s performance long after the repairs are done.

Why Choose McBride’s RV for Insurance Repairs?

We are more than just a repair shop. At McBride’s RV, we view ourselves as your partner throughout the insurance claim and repair process. Based in Chino, CA, we serve the greater Southern California region, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are a third-generation, family-owned business that has proudly served the RV community since 1967. Our certified technicians are trained by top organizations such as RVIA, Spartan, Workhorse, Cummins Onan, and Dometic. Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a full-size paint booth, precision color matching equipment, and a full-service collision repair center.

We are an established and ethical repair facility that values honesty, reliability, and putting customers first. From routine services to major collision repairs, we deliver quality you can count on. When you bring your RV to us, you’re not just another repair ticket—you’re part of the McBride’s RV family.

Final Thoughts

Accidents and unexpected damage are an unfortunate reality of RV ownership. But navigating the RV insurance claim process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At McBride’s RV, we make it our mission to guide you through every step—from filing your claim and estimating damages to completing professional repairs and getting you back on the road safely.If your RV has sustained damage and you’re ready to start the claim process, contact McBride’s RV in Chino, CA at 909-627-7566. Let us take care of the paperwork, repairs, and coordination—so you can focus on planning your next adventure.