Do I need a separate trailer insurance policy when pulling it with my car or truck?
In order for you to be best protected, it is always recommended that you carry a separate trailer insurance policy. Because of the countless situations that may occur with a trailer, it is not entirely possible to say that your auto insurance policy will provide liability protection if your trailer causes damages or personal injury.
Common Trailer Types Include:
Conventional Trailer: The most common type of travel trailer between 12-40 feet
- Fifth Wheel Trailer: Attached to a vehicle using a hitch in the bed of the tow vehicle.
- Pop-up Tent Trailer: Collapsible trailer used for camping & recreation.
- Truck Camper: Mounted in the bed of the truck with an over-cab area for sleeping.
- Horse Trailer: Trailer used primarily to haul horses.
- Toy Hauler: An RV type trailer with living space as well as ability to haul ATVs or Motorcycles.
- Cargo or Utility Trailers: Small trailers used for moving or landscape jobs odd jobs.
What types of coverage should I have for my Recreational Trailer, Camper or other trailers?
Liability insurance may be provided to your trailer while it is attached to your vehicle. Check with your agent to see if your insurance company provides coverage while the trailer is in use and attached to your vehicle.
It is always recommended to have a separate trailer insurance policy to avoid any gaps in insurance coverage and trailer insurance is typically inexpensive. Some common options include:
Comprehensive Coverage: Can provide coverage for your trailer if it catches on fire, is vandalized or damaged by severe weather.
Collision Coverage: Can provide coverage if your trailer is damaged by you while being towed, or while unattended and parked.
Liability Insurance: Can provide coverage for injuries or property damage caused by you. Many companies will have “liability follow the tow vehicle” for trailers since trailers can’t drive themselves.
Optional coverages to discuss with your agent include:
- Roadside Assistance
- Total Loss Replacement
- Replacement cost/personal effects
- Vacation Liability
- Full timer’s Liability
& many more!
Exploring the country in a trailer or just going camping on the weekend can be great fun. Be sure that before you leave you talk to your licensed insurance agent about insuring your trailer correctly to avoid any surprises.
I didn’t know that utility trailers are meant for landscape jobs. I thought any type of trailer would work. So this helps me plan for the future.
I like how you mentioned because trailers cannot drive alone, many firms will have “liability follow the tow vehicle” policies for them. When I was in college I think about it differently, there is really numerous information in this article that helps me. I’m grateful for your advice about auto trailers.
Thanks for the info about trailer insurance. My friend wants to get a trailer. I’ll share this info about trailers with my friend.
It’s good to know that you can get insurance plans for a trailer. I recently got an RV, so that’s definitely something that I’ll need to start looking into. I’ll be sure to find one that can cover it for unexpected damages.