How to Insure Utility Trailers and Campers

Summer is the perfect time of year to get out of your home and explore the great outdoors! But if you’re planning to carry some of the comforts of home with you - or rather haul them behind your vehicle - you’ll need to know how you’ll be covered by your insurance. 

Bringing along utility trailers or campers are great ways to travel cross country or to your local national park while also being able to tow what you need or have a ready room on the go. That being said, if you’re a driver utilizing a camper or trailer, you’re bound to encounter unique situations on your travels - and likely want to know how your insurance will cover you. 

Well worry not - Berry Insurance is here to make sure your next trip goes off without a hitch! In this article we’ll be discussing what coverage options you should consider when using a utility trailer or camper.

Does my car insurance cover utility trailers and campers? 

In most cases, trailers and campers that are used for personal use will have liability extended to them from the vehicle that tows them. But, your existing auto insurance policy will only extend liability coverages to the trailer/camper, not physical damage coverage. 

However, we should note that not all insurance providers will automatically extend coverage to trailers or campers, and the size of the vehicle being towed could limit or disqualify it from coverage. In both cases, it’s better not to assume you’ll be covered, and to check with your agent or carrier before the trailer or camper is hitched to your vehicle. 

What is the difference between liability and physical damage coverages? 

The liability coverages that would extend to your camper or trailer from your existing auto policy would protect other drivers and their property from damage caused by your vehicle. 

Physical damage coverages (such as collision or comprehensive), which typically do not cover towed vehicles, instead protect your vehicle itself from damage.

If you want to learn more about the many types of car insurance coverage available, read this guide: How Much Car Insurance Do I Need? (And Why the State Minimum Isn’t Enough). 

Can I get physical damage coverage on my trailer or camper? 

Since trailers and campers can be a large investment, it’s only natural for you to want to ensure yours is fully protected. 

While typically only liability will follow towed vehicles from your standard auto policy, additional physical damage coverage is available to be purchased to cover campers for utility trailers. 

These additional coverages can be added onto your existing auto insurance policy to guarantee every part of your vehicle will receive coverage in the event of an accident. Policyholders should know that the damage to the trailer may be subject to a deductible depending on who is found at fault in the accident. Adding these additional protections usually costs around $200 a year - but this can vary between policies and carriers.

For campers specifically, you can add them onto your existing policy or obtain a separate policy just for the camper - but that may vary on the size and specifications of the camper itself. As there are many types and classifications of campers and other recreational vehicles, it’s important to discuss your specific coverage options with your agent or insurance provider. 

What about insurance for my RV? 

If you’re instead looking to take recreational vehicles out on the open road, you would actually need to look into getting specialized RV insurance coverage. While the qualifications and definitions of this coverage may vary between states, it is typically used for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and other vehicles that have their own motor. 

RV insurance works a lot like car insurance, and offers collision, comprehensive, liability coverage, and more that you’ll need while on the road. However, this is not typically offered as a standalone policy, so you'll require a pre-existing auto insurance policy. To learn more about this policy type, read this guide: What is RV Insurance?

Keeping you covered wherever you tow

Before venturing out on your great cross country road trip - it’s important to guarantee you’re fully covered. After all, not being covered for a claim on your trailer or camper would be a sure way to sour the mood of the vacation. 

But now that you know more about your coverage options, you can hitch up that towed vehicle with confidence. 

Since accidents and bad drivers unfortunately never take a holiday, it’s best to be prepared for the worst situations. Read up on the most common accidents you're bound to encounter on the open road in our article on the top 8 auto insurance claims (and how to handle them).