Does auto insurance cover trailers?
If you plan on towing a trailer behind your vehicle, it's likely that your auto insurance policy will cover trailers as long as you own the trailer. Your auto insurance policy will not cover trailer rental, but you may be able to purchase rental trailer insurance from the rental company.
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Zach Fagiano
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Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
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UPDATED: Jun 28, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Does an auto insurance policy cover trailers towed behind your vehicle? Does car insurance cover boats and other items towed behind your car? Today, we’re explaining everything you need to know about whether or not auto insurance covers trailers and other items towed behind your vehicle.
Most Liability Auto Insurance Policies Cover Trailers
If you are towing a trailer behind your insured vehicle, then your auto insurance policy may cover it. Most auto insurance policies provide liability coverage for trailers. If you own the trailer, if your vehicle is insured, and if you get into an accident, then you should have liability insurance on your trailer.
However, not all policies work this way. Not all policies from all insurance companies cover trailers, for example. Guidelines vary state-by-state and between companies. Some policies may explicitly forbid any type of trailer coverage. Other policies may require your trailer to be listed on your declarations page.
Generally, however, your trailer will be covered under your car’s liability coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage is a different story. Furthermore, certain trailers – and other things towed behind your vehicle – may be exempt from all types of car insurance coverage.
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Your Auto Insurance Policy May Not Cover Trailers for Comprehensive or Collision Insurance
Many auto insurance policies automatically extend liability coverage to your trailer. The same cannot be said, however, about comprehensive and collision coverage. Many insurance companies require you to buy a separate insurance policy to receive comprehensive or collision coverage.
Some insurance companies are more generous. They will extend your comprehensive or collision coverage to the trailer without requiring you to buy a separate policy. In other cases, your trailer may need to be listed on the declarations page of your policy to be covered. Or, your insurance company may need to add an endorsement to your policy verifying coverage for your trailer.
Remember there’s a big difference between liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. All three are types of car insurance that cover different things:
Liability Coverage: Liability coverage covers damage you cause to other people and property during a collision. It may cover the medical expenses of the other driver if you caused an at-fault collision, for example, as well as the cost of repairing the other driver’s vehicle. If your trailer was damaged during a collision with another vehicle, and the other driver was at-fault, then your trailer should be covered by the other driver’s liability insurance.
Collision Coverage: Collision coverage covers damage to your own vehicle during a collision – even if you were at-fault. It covers the cost of repairing your vehicle to its pre-loss condition. Or, if your car is sufficiently damaged, your insurance company will send you a check for the replacement value of your vehicle.
Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage covers your trailer or vehicle in non-accident situations. If your trailer is damaged by hail, for example, or destroyed during a flood, then you may be able to make a claim under your comprehensive damage.
Talk to your insurance company to verify the type of coverage on your trailer. Depending on your policy, your trailer could have liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage – or no coverage whatsoever.
Your Auto Insurance Policy Might Not Cover Items Towed On Your Trailer
Up to this point, we’re assuming you are hauling a trailer with nothing on it. Most auto insurance policies will extend coverage to a trailer towed behind your own vehicle (assuming it’s your own trailer and not a rented trailer).
However, this coverage does not necessarily extend to the item towed on your trailer – like an ATV, RV, a boat, or a separate vehicle.
Sometimes, your auto insurance policy will cover anything on the trailer. In some cases, however, you will need to buy a separate insurance policy – or at least pay to add the item onto your current car insurance policy.
This is where insurance companies can vary widely. Some insurance companies will extend liability to your boat and your trailer while it’s being towed behind your vehicle. Typically, they only extend liability insurance – not comprehensive or collision coverage.
Read more: Can I get auto insurance for a car that is used for towing or hauling
Does your auto insurance policy provide rental trailer insurance?
Generally, your auto insurance policy will extend liability coverage to anything towed behind your vehicle. Certain types of trailers, however, are not eligible for coverage on a typical policy:
- Rental trailers, like a trailer you rent from U-Haul for a move
- A farm wagon used to carry people
- A trailer or mechanical device towed by a motor vehicle and used in a business or occupation other than farming or ranching
- A trailer or car top carrier designed to be attached to the roof of a car
- A vehicle other than a trailer being towed behind your vehicle
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Ensuring Proper Coverage for Trailers and Towing
When planning to tow a boat, many vehicle owners wonder if their car insurance covers towing a boat. Typically, standard car insurance policies do not provide coverage for trailers or boats being towed. This lack of coverage makes it essential to have dedicated trailer insurance to protect against potential damages or liabilities.
If you need insurance for a trailer, you should look into policies that offer comprehensive protection, as relying solely on your auto insurance might leave you exposed to significant risks. Understanding the specific insurance needs for trailers is crucial. You definitely need insurance on a trailer to cover various scenarios such as theft, damage, or accidents.
Additionally, for those using rental trucks, it’s important to know if auto insurance covers U-Haul rentals. Generally, personal auto insurance policies do not cover rental trucks, necessitating separate insurance from the rental company. Another common question is whether trailers are covered under auto insurance.
While some auto insurance policies might offer limited liability coverage for trailers, it’s often insufficient, making it wise to invest in specialized trailer insurance for comprehensive protection.
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Understanding Trailer Insurance Coverage
When towing a trailer, it’s essential to know if you need specific trailer rental insurance or if your current auto policy provides coverage. Generally, most auto insurance policies extend liability coverage to trailers you own, but this might not apply to rented trailers like those from U-Haul. To ensure comprehensive protection, especially for rented trailers, obtaining separate utility trailer insurance or cargo trailer insurance can be necessary.
So, is a trailer covered by auto insurance? The answer varies, and having the right insurance for a trailer can prevent unexpected costs. If you own a trailer, you might wonder, do you need insurance for a trailer beyond your auto policy. For instance, policies typically cover liability but might not include comprehensive or collision for trailers unless specifically added.
This means questions like does my car insurance cover towing a boat need careful consideration. Moreover, for rentals, you may need additional coverage since car insurance may not cover towing a rental like U-Haul. So, auto insurance does not cover U-Haul.
Thus, securing trailer insurance coverage for owned or rented trailers, including enclosed trailer insurance or insurance for a utility trailer, ensures all your bases are covered.
Conclusion: Does your auto insurance policy cover trailers?
Most car insurance policies will extend liability coverage to a trailer towed behind your vehicle – assuming your vehicle is insured and you own the trailer. Your policy will not cover rental trailer insurance.
However, many car insurance policies do not automatically provide comprehensive and collision coverage for your trailer. In order to receive comprehensive and collision coverage, you may need to contact your insurance company and buy a separate policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are utility trailers covered by auto insurance?
Yes, utility trailers are typically covered by auto insurance, as long as you own the trailer and your vehicle is insured. Liability coverage is commonly provided for utility trailers, but comprehensive and collision coverage may require a separate policy.
Does auto insurance cover cargo trailers?
Yes, cargo trailers are generally covered by auto insurance if you own the trailer and your vehicle is insured. Liability coverage is typically included, but comprehensive and collision coverage may vary.
Does auto insurance cover travel trailers or RV trailers?
Yes, auto insurance can cover travel trailers or RV trailers, but coverage options may vary. Liability coverage is commonly provided, while comprehensive and collision coverage may require a separate policy or endorsement.
Does auto insurance cover horse trailers?
Auto insurance policies can provide coverage for horse trailers. Liability coverage is usually included, but comprehensive and collision coverage may require additional policies or endorsements.
Does auto insurance cover enclosed trailers?
Yes, enclosed trailers can be covered by auto insurance. Liability coverage is typically included, but comprehensive and collision coverage may have specific requirements or may require separate policies.
Does auto insurance cover snowmobile trailers?
Yes, snowmobile trailers can be covered by auto insurance. Liability coverage is usually included, while comprehensive and collision coverage may have specific requirements or may require separate policies.
Does car insurance cover towing a trailer?
Typically, standard car insurance does not cover towing a trailer. You would need a specific trailer insurance policy to ensure comprehensive protection.
Does my truck insurance cover my trailer?
In most cases, your truck insurance provides limited liability coverage for your trailer but not comprehensive or collision coverage. You may need a separate policy to cover your trailer fully.
Does car insurance cover a boat trailer?
Standard car insurance generally does not cover a boat trailer. You would need a separate boat trailer insurance policy for proper coverage.
Does my car insurance cover a U-Haul?
Typically, personal car insurance does not cover U-Haul rentals. You would need to purchase rental insurance from U-Haul for full coverage.
Do trailers need insurance?
Yes, trailers need insurance to cover potential damages, theft, and liability. Having dedicated trailer insurance ensures comprehensive protection.
Do utility trailers need insurance?
Yes, utility trailers need insurance to cover any damages, theft, or liability. Specific utility trailer insurance provides the necessary coverage.
What does trailer insurance cover?
Trailer insurance typically covers damages to the trailer, theft, and liability. It may also include comprehensive and collision coverage, depending on the policy.
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Zach Fagiano
Licensed Insurance Broker
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Licensed Insurance Broker
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.