When transporting your boat to and from the waters, you’ll need a boat trailer to help you. However, your trailer can cause liability issues or suffer expensive damages both in and out of the water.
Boat trailers come in various forms — including galvanized and painted styles — and they require insurance. These are vehicles themselves (in most cases), and they can be very valuable investments.
At its most basic, boat insurance does not cover boat trailers. It instead covers the boat itself in case of physical damage due to fire, wind, hail, lightning, smoke, theft, vandalism and more as well as liability risks in case you cause an accident on the water.
Boat owners who store their vessel on dry land in the colder months should ensure to protect both the trailer and boat by adding proper boat trailer coverage to their policy.
What Should Boat Trailer Insurance Include?
Boat trailer insurance should match your specific use and vehicle type. You can customize the policy, but you should ensure it has two main components.
First, the policy should provide you with financial protection from losses related to damage or total loss of your trailer, as this protects your asset’s value. This will ensure you’re covered if a fire, theft or even a significant accident damages your trailer.
Second, you’ll need proper liability insurance. This will protect you financially from claims filed against you due to accidents related to your trailer, such as collisions you’re deemed to be at-fault for.
The proper boat trailer insurance keeps your financials in mind while also lowering your liability risks.
Boat insurance does not automatically cover most trailers. However, you can add a trailer endorsement or rider that can both extend the protection you have and help keep your vehicle safe while you are using it. Don’t overlook the value of a complete boat insurance package with trailer protection.
How Much is Boat Trailer Insurance?
The cost of boat insurance and boat trailer insurance varies depending on several factors including your location, coverage limits, credit score, value of the boat and/or boat trailer, deductible and more. Shop around and compare quotes to find the cheapest boat insurance to cover your boat and your trailer. Not all policies are created equal, so contact your insurance agent about getting the best coverage.