What states require trailer insurance in the USA?

Certain types of insurance, like auto (car) insurance, are state-mandated, which simply implies that as a car owner, you are required to have it, even though each state sets its own minimum limits. For insurance types that are not mandatory, such as trailer insurance, some states do require coverage, especially for motorized trailers. And that’s exactly what we are here to explore in our comprehensive guide about trailer insurance. Therefore, to determine if your state requires trailer insurance, stay with us for a little bit as we take you through this policy coverage and the states in the USA that require you to have trailer insurance.

What is trailer insurance?

Trailer insurance is a policy under auto or car insurance that provides coverage for your trailer, its passengers, and all contents within it. A trailer is either a non-motorized vehicle towed by a car or truck or a motorized vehicle used for travel, leisure, or business purposes. As a trailer owner, securing insurance is essential, regardless of its use. The extent of coverage, including costs, benefits, and limitations, will generally vary based on your policy provider.

Which states in the USA require trailer insurance?

Here is a list of some of the states in the USA that will require you to have a minimum of RV liability insurance on your trailer or recreational vehicles that have a motor and are self-powered:

1. Alabama

In Alabama, if you own a movable RV, you must have trailer insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements of $25,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. However, if your trailer is designed for towing, a separate insurance policy is not required.

2. California

In California, trailers towed by other vehicles do not need separate insurance. However, if your RV is motorized or similar to a motorhome, you must insure it according to the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements.

3. Colorado

In Colorado, self-propelled RVs must comply with the state’s minimum liability coverage for vehicles. However, towed trailers and RVs do not need a separate insurance policy.

4. Maryland

For Maryland residents, owning a four-wheeler or fifth-wheeler necessitates an insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum requirements. Only two-wheeled trailers are exempt from requiring insurance coverage.

5. Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, trailer insurance is required for motorized trailers. If you operate your trailer independently without towing it, the state mandates that you have a valid insurance policy to protect yourself and third parties.

6. Michigan

In Michigan, motorhomes require their own insurance since they are driven independently. However, if you have an RV that is towed by your car, your car insurance policy will cover the trailer as well. This coverage includes benefits for collisions, property damage, and comprehensive coverage.

7. New Mexico

Non-motorized trailers are not required to have an insurance policy, although you can choose to add them as additional coverage. However, motorized RVs must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements for all movable vehicles.

8. New York

In New York, owners of movable RVs must meet the state’s minimum liability coverage requirements for motorized vehicles, including coverage for bodily injury and personal property damage.

9. North Carolina

If you have a motorized commercial RV, state law requires you to have an RV insurance policy. This policy includes coverage types such as collision, comprehensive, liability, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

10. Oregon

Oregon state law mandates that all trailers, both motorized and non-motorized, must have insurance, particularly for liability coverage. This insurance covers bodily injuries and property damage in the event of a collision or accident.

11. Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, while you don’t need separate trailer insurance, all drivers must have liability coverage for bodily injuries and property damage. Additionally, medical coverage of at least $5,000 is required.

12. Rhode Island

As long as your vehicle towing a non-motorized trailer is insured, state law does not require separate trailer insurance, as the vehicle’s insurance coverage will extend to the trailer.

13. Tennessee

Insurance is required for all motorized RVs, and the coverage must meet the state’s minimum liability requirements. Non-motorized trailers that are merely towed do not need separate insurance.

14. Vermont

State law mandates that all road vehicles must have insurance coverage. This includes motorized trailers, which are classified as road vehicles needing insurance. Owners of non-motorized RVs must also obtain a separate insurance policy for them.

15. South Carolina

Insurance coverage is required for all RVs that move independently, as they are classified as vehicles. Trailers that are towed by other vehicles do not need separate insurance.

Those are some of the states in the USA that will definitely require you to have insurance for your trailer. In case you want to find more information about the minimum requirements per state, check out the Progressive insurance website for a full list of requirements.

Do trailers need insurance?

Yes, insurance for your trailer is necessary. This coverage can protect you from financial losses due to accidents or collisions involving your trailer. Since accidents are common for all road users, having insurance for your trailer is advantageous as it helps save on costs and expenses that you’d have otherwise incurred. Depending on your policy provider and the type of trailer you own, you might be able to include trailer insurance under your auto insurance policy. If you use your trailer for business purposes, consider purchasing a business insurance policy that covers the trailer’s contents.

What is utility trailer insurance?

Utility trailer insurance is a policy that covers the contents of your utility trailer, which is designed for transporting goods, equipment, or furniture. Unlike larger, enclosed trailers, a utility trailer is smaller, open, and features a base with side structures to secure its load. This insurance policy safeguards your personal items from risks such as damage or theft. Basic coverage under utility trailer insurance typically includes:

Collision Coverage: This coverage provides payment for any damages to your trailer resulting from an accident or a collision with another vehicle.
Liability Coverage: Liability coverage offers protection for third parties who may have their property damaged or suffer bodily injuries in a collision.
Comprehensive Coverage: If your trailer is damaged by uncontrollable factors such as vandalism, theft, or natural disasters, the policy will cover the repair costs.

Which companies provide trailer insurance in the USA?

If you are in the United states and your state laws require you to have insurance coverage on your trailer or RV vehicle, here are some of the companies you may want to consider when it comes to auto insurance and its premiums:

1. Progressive

RV insurance is available for Class A, B, and C motorhomes, as well as utility and travel trailers. Progressive offers affordable policies, with annual rates starting at $125. You can also earn discounts for having no driving tickets or accidents in the past three years, and for bundling your trailer insurance with home, condo, or renter’s insurance from Progressive.

2. Geico

Geico also provides trailer insurance, with separate coverage for both motorized and non-motorized trailers. This is due to the specific purposes each type of trailer serves, necessitating individual insurance protection. The company offers a variety of discounts, including paid-in-full, homeowner, military, good driver, and others.

3. Nationwide

Nationwide provides a range of customizable trailer insurance plans to suit your travel needs. Coverage options include liability for bodily injury and property damage, collision, medical coverage, and protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists. These plans are offered at affordable rates, with additional policy discounts available.

4. Good Sam

Good Sam RV insurance provides coverage for those using their trailer as a full-time residence. Benefits include collision, liability, and comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the policy offers discounts to help you save on your trailer insurance.

5. Allstate

Allstate’s RV insurance covers conventional travel trailers, fifth-wheels, pop-up campers, and toy haulers. The coverage includes bodily injury for third parties, collision, medical payments, comprehensive coverage, and more. Policy discounts are available for homeowners, those who complete an RV safety course, and married couples who add their spouse to the policy.

Editor’s Remarks

As we conclude our guide on trailer insurance and the states in the USA that require it, we hope we’ve addressed your key questions and highlighted some of the companies providing this coverage. While not all states require trailer RV insurance, it’s still wise for trailer owners, whether motorized or non-motorized, to have insurance for added peace of mind on the road. Unexpected events can occur, so knowing that you, your RV, and others are protected in case of collisions, damage, or accidents is reassuring. Take the time to compare quotes from various insurance providers and choose a policy that can be tailored to meet your specific travel needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance for a trailer?

Absolutely! You do need insurance for your trailer, especially if it is motorized. For towed trailers, having insurance is optional. However, having insurance for any type of trailer can significantly protect you from financial losses due to damage to your RV, bodily injury, or property damage to third parties in the event of a collision.

What is car trailer insurance?

Car trailer insurance is a policy that protects you from financial losses resulting from damage to your trailer and medical expenses for injuries sustained by others in an accident involving your trailer. Essentially, it provides coverage for both you and your trailer at all times.

Do travel trailers need insurance?

Trailers, particularly motorized ones like motorhomes that often hold personal belongings, require insurance coverage. This insurance helps protect you from the costs of repairs and damage to both the trailer and its contents. For the towed trailers, you may opt not to have insurance coverage for them, as your auto insurance policy may extend coverage benefits to the towed trailers.

Do trailers have to be insured in Texas?

No, it’s not a must to have trailer liability insurance coverage in Texas. However, you must keep in mind that trailer insurance is an essential addition especially for those that own RV vehicles and other non-motorized vehicles since it protects you from costs incurred in damages such as liability, theft, and vandalism.

Do I need insurance on a trailer in Florida?

No, Florida state law does not require you to have insurance for your trailer. You will only need to have auto liability coverage for your vehicle. However, note that this coverage doesn’t cover trailers being towed behind your vehicle. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase trailer insurance to cover your trailer in case of any disastrous event.

Does a trailer need to be insured in California?

You may need liability insurance coverage in case your trailer or RV is powered. In other words if your trailer can move by its power without being towed, insurance is required in California. However, if your RV or trailer can’t move by its own power or if it needs to be towed like a travel trailer by your insured personal car, there you may not need additional insurance.

Do you have to insure a trailer in Michigan?

The Michigan state law claims that if a trailer has more than two wheels, then you will need to have insurance for it. On the other hand, if the trailer only has two wheels, then, you don’t need additional insurance for it.

Do you need insurance on a trailer in Colorado?

For Colorado, there are no insurance requirements for your stationery travel trailer. In case the vehicle towing your trailer is insured, then you don’t need additional insurance coverage for the trailer itself. You are only required to carry minimum liability coverage equivalent to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.