Trailer Insurance Requirements

[haycord]

This months Bass & Walleye Boats magazine (pg22) says ALL states require insurance on the trailer.<br /><br />My boat is sorta older and I haven't been carrying anything except on the tow vehicle. I haven't called the insurance agent yet, but would not the tow vehicle cover an accident "caused" by the trailer? Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Haycord,<br /><br />Call your agent. Mine (State Farm) told me "NO".<br /><br />The boat/trailer combo., is a seperate policy.

 

[BR549]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

I also have State Farm and my boat policy covers the boat and trailer - I keep mine at a remote lake cabin and was more concerned about someone taking the trailer during the summer when I leave the boat in the slip. My agent told me the automotive policy would not provide any coverage other than liability.

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

BR549, Haycord,<br /><br />Sorry, I should have been more specific. I meant the auto. policy does not cover the boat/trailer.<br /><br />You are correct, the boat policy typically covers both boat and trailer.

 

[dmessy]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Whattt... Insurance on a boat trailer madatory? Better check with TxDOT on that one. Seems like I'd be asked for proof of insurance on the trailer when I renew plate tags like they do for cars/trucks, but I haven't been asked yet. Nor have I had to show proof to the local cops when checked. I gotta renew this month so I'll check at that time and report back.

 

[haycord]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Thanks, I will be out on a job for a few days but will check with agent late next week and report back as well.<br /><br />I'm wondering if "boat trailer", then why not every type trailer as well? Liability is the big issue to me; what if someone T-boned the boat when I miscalculated that yellow-light! Thanks

 

[blifsey]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

I've discussed this with my State Farm agent and was told auto ins covers trailer while towing for liability purposes. My friend towed my boat to lake once when we camped and he called his agent and verified his truck's policy covered liability while trailering. My boat policy continued to cover boat/trailer for accident coverage.

 

[dmessy]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Trailer/boat insurance is a good idea, and of course, mandatory if you are carrying a loan on them. If , I'm pulling my rig(has to be hooked up) and someone hits it, they are liable. If they don't pay I can go to my insurance then let them sue the responsible party.<br /> If I am pulling it and it comes loose and causes damage , I am liable. <br /> This mandatory insurance rule you speak of is new to me and I will check on it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

I think the magazine used their artistic license to generalize a little. I believe there is still a state that doesn't even require insurance on a car. But that may have changed recently.<br /><br />On my small utility boat/motor/trailer, my homeowners covers for fire and theft and liability when it is on my property. Auto covers it for liability when being towed or used on the water.<br /><br />On my 16' 70 hp fishing rig, all liability and theft is covered by a separate "floater" (their term) on my homeowners policy. My fault accident damage while towing??? I'm not sure, but all three policies are with the same company, and agent told me it was covered.

 

[dmessy]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Ok, just renewed my tag on my trailer's liscense plates. Texas does NOT require insurance on a boat trailer, just the tow vehicle. Your bank mat require it but the state does not. Don't believe everything you read

 

[Norm Malcosky]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Haycord, <br /><br />I had my boat's "storage trailer" stolen from my marina this fall. State Farm declined to honor a claim since the trailer was normally stored at my cottage and when there, was covered by homeowners insurance. <br /><br />Because the trailer was briefly stored at the marina for them to winterize and shrinkwrap the boat it was not covered by either my homeowner's or the boat policy. The boat insurance policy did not specifically mention a trailer - so no coverage.<br /><br />Guess I will have to get a new trailer next year (the boat is blocked up for the winter) and make sure the insurance covers the trailer the way we use the it, reguardless of where it is parked. And YES, I did change insurance companies for my boat because the agent simply did not understand boats or how they are used with their trailers.<br /><br />Make sure yours does ... this was a lesson learned the hard way. Anyone see a tired three-axle Eagle (blue) with black bunks ??

 

[haycord]

Re: Trailer Insurance Requirements

Talked to my agent today (in Texas). The Liability Insurance on the tow vehicle does cover the boat trailer, utility trailer, etc. Guess them magazine writers don't know everything. Thanks for all the good comments and help.