Something I never really considered though was producing additional income by renting your RV after you buy it. That was until the other day when I was talking to Bert Alanko, President of MBA Insurance. Bert explained that RV rentals by owners are growing in popularity, especially during tough economic times. And, you not only get to enjoy the benefits of using your RV whenever you like, but you can produce additional income when it would normally be sitting in storage.
Bert said, “RV rental can be true entrepreneurship. Someone can start with one vehicle and stay small, renting out their vehicle. Or as has happened, start with one vehicle and end up being a full scale dealership with sales, service, rentals, a showroom and a complete service center.”
The thought of making additional income by renting the RV piqued my interest, so I started with the questions:
Q1: Do you provide rental insurance for individually owned RV’s?
Bert Alanko: Yes, we insure small, one unit, rental business to the larger 500 vehicle fleets.
Q2: What do you base the rates on for individually owned RV’s?
Bert Alanko: Our rates are based on the vehicle’s value and the geographical location of the RV. We write insurance in every state. MBA will provide an individual with the rental insurance necessary to cover the vehicle, the owner and the renter. It is very important if you are going to rent out your vehicle that you obtain the proper insurance coverage.
Q3: How would an individual learn what is required to properly rent their RV out?
Bert Alanko: We can provide the owner with state specific rental contracts, the check-in and check-out forms, and all the necessary forms that one has to have to start the business from the rental standpoint. They would need to contact local officials about any requirements from a business standpoint.
Q4: Is it difficult for an RV owner to learn and operate a small rental operation?
Bert Alanko: Not in my opinion. We also offer a Rental Operation Manual. This manual is a how-to book providing tips and suggestions that we have learned and are taught in our RV rental school. Yes, MBA puts on an annual RV rental school. This year will be our 12th annual rental school. It is taught by dealers who are currently in the RV rental business, and it’s a great way to learn the business.
Q5: Now for the big question! Is renting an RV profitable for an individual?
Bert Alanko: Renting an RV can be very profitable. Lots of folks make their monthly RV payment from income generated through renting their RV. I look at it like this; your RV isn’t making any money when it sits in storage, so why not put it to work for you.
Q6: Is there anything else you can add about renting an RV for an additional source of income?
Bert Alanko: MBA takes pride in not only selling the insurance – that is easy, but our specialty is providing the necessary information to our customers so they can make rentals profitable. Our insurance policy can be seasonal. One does not have to commit to a full year at a time. We have a wide range of programs to suit the needs of owners that are going to commit to rental on a long or short term basis.
Q7: Thanks for all of this great information Bert. Where can RV owners go for more information about renting their RV?
Bert Alanko: They can visit our website at http://www.mbainsurance.net/ or just call us toll-free in Arizona, 800- 622- 2201.
So there you have it. If you would like to try your hand at renting your RV when you aren’t using it contact the folks at MBA insurance for more information.
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Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
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