Does car insurance cover trailers?

Wondering does car insurance cover trailers? The answer can get a bit complicated, but we’re here to help. Read on to find out how different types of car insurance can protect your trailers, as well as how your insurance options can differ based on the type of trailer you’re towing.

We’ll also help you find and compare car insurance companies that cover trailers so you can choose a plan that’s right for you.

Once you feel confident about seeking car insurance for your trailer, enter your ZIP code to compare rates using our free online quote tool.

Car Insurance Coverage on Towed Trailers

Generally, liability coverage extends to any trailers that are towed by your vehicle, but for comprehensive coverage and collision coverage (sometimes called “full coverage” when bundled), you’ll often need to purchase a separate policy specifically for your trailer.

In other words, if your trailer is involved in an accident with someone else’s vehicle or property, liability coverage will likely help pay for any damage you’re responsible for. But when it comes to any damage done to your trailer (whether due to a collision or other source), most standard car insurance won’t cover you.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover towing and roadside assistance?

Requirements and availability for separate trailer insurance vary from state to state. For example, in Nevada, insurance is available but not required for utility and travel trailers. Check with your insurance agent if you want to be sure your trailer is covered.

Car Insurance Companies That Cover Trailers

Most major car insurance companies offer some kind of coverage for trailers. That said, it’s unlikely that your car insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your trailer as part of a standard collision and/or comprehensive policy, so you’ll want to be sure to look at trailer insurance specifically when comparing car insurance options.

Learn more: Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage 

Fortunately, most car insurance companies make it easy to add comprehensive and collision coverage to your trailer. Simply contact an agent at your insurance company of choice and they’ll either help you add your trailer to your existing policy or set you up with separate trailer insurance.

Types of Trailers Covered by Car Insurance

Liability coverage generally extends to any trailer being towed for personal use, including utility trailers, campers, and RVs. Comprehensive and collision coverage will need to be purchased separately for your trailer.

For some drivers, purchasing full coverage for a trailer can be as simple as adding it to an existing policy for a discounted rate. Other types of personal trailers may cost slightly less or more, depending on your policy.

Car Insurance For Rental Trailers

While your liability coverage may cover any damage caused by a rental trailer that you’re towing with an insured vehicle, it’s unlikely that the trailer itself is covered under your collision or comprehensive insurance policy.

Trailer rental companies typically offer some sort of coverage for your rental, often in the form of a waiver. We recommend purchasing this protection to ensure you’re not personally liable for any damage to the rental equipment.

What to Consider Before Buying Car Insurance That Covers Trailers

Ask yourself the following questions when considering if trailer car insurance is worth it or not.

• Do you travel with your trailer frequently? If not, is the cost of insuring it worth the peace of mind?
• Is the cost of your trailer greater than the cost of insuring it for several years? If you’re able to pay for repairs or a replacement out of pocket, you may not need more coverage than your liability insurance already provides
• Does your car insurance company offer any discounts for adding a trailer to a policy alongside your other insured vehicle(s)?

In most cases, insuring your trailer beyond liability insurance is a smart move.

Case Studies: Understanding Trailer Coverage in Car Insurance

Case Study 1: Liability Coverage for Towed Trailers

John owns a utility trailer that he frequently tows with his car. One day, while driving on the highway, the trailer becomes detached and collides with another vehicle, causing significant damage. Fortunately, John has liability coverage as part of his car insurance policy.

The liability coverage extends to the towed trailer, and his insurance company covers the damage caused by his trailer. This case illustrates the importance of liability coverage when towing trailers.

Case Study 2: Separate Trailer Insurance for Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Sarah owns a camper trailer that she uses for family vacations. She wants to ensure that her trailer is fully protected, so she contacts her car insurance company to inquire about comprehensive and collision coverage. However, she learns that comprehensive and collision coverage for trailers requires a separate insurance policy.

Sarah decides to purchase separate trailer insurance to adequately cover any damage to her camper trailer. This case highlights the need for separate insurance policies to fully protect trailers.

Case Study 3: Rental Trailer Coverage

Mark rents a trailer from a rental company for a weekend move. While towing the rental trailer with his insured vehicle, he accidentally damages the trailer when backing up. Mark’s car insurance liability coverage extends to the damage caused by the rental trailer.

However, the collision or comprehensive coverage of his car insurance policy does not cover the rental trailer itself. To avoid personal liability, Mark had opted for the rental company’s coverage option when renting the trailer. This case emphasizes the importance of considering rental trailer coverage options when renting trailers.

The Final Word on Car Insurance for Trailers

Now that you know the answer to does car insurance cover trailers, you can get started on finding the right trailer coverage for your needs to make sure your trailer is full protected.

Before you buy car insurance for your trailer, use our free online quote tool to find affordable trailer insurance that’s right for you.