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Do I Need To Insure My Boat Trailer

The Difference Between Great Insurance And Bare Bones Is Less Than The Cost Of A Tank Of Gas

Do I Need Boat Insurance or is My Boat Covered on Home Insurance?

Are discounts available?

Discounts are available after you have responsibly owned your boat for three to five years, for being claims free, and if you have taken courses at Canadian Power and Sail Squadron or Sail Canada. Discounts are not available for holding the required Pleasure Craft Operator Cardthats like asking for a discount because you have a drivers license.

Is my boat insured even when Im not using it?

Yes, when you buy a years policy, your boat is covered in storage, in transit, on the water and over the winter. The risks dont stop when youre not using your boat – its more likely to sink when you are not there, and more electrical fires start in the cold months.

Can my insurance be voided?

Yes, if you are involved in any criminal act such as drinking illegally on your boat – your insurance is void.

What about my trailer?

ICBC requires a license plate, and liability insurance. Physical damage can be added to your boat policy for Agreed Value.

Take time to choose your insurance, Paul advises, to make sure you get everything you need.

He asks, Whats peace of mind worth to you?

Facts About Boat Trailers

  • A boat trailer should be approximately 2 feet longer than the boat you haul with it.
  • Boats weigh significantly more when fully fueled you also need to consider the weight of anything else you carry on the boat.
  • You may need a tandem-axle trailer if your boat is too heavy for a single-axle trailer.
  • Boat trailers either come painted or galvanized. Painted trailers are susceptible to corrosion from saltwater and should only be used for boats in freshwater lakes or rivers.

What Does Boat Insurance Not Cover

Boat insurance generally won’t cover maintenance or general wear and tear, including gradual weathering and deterioration, insect damage, mold, or damage from animals or marine life.

Pro Tip:

With Sign & Glide® On-Water Towing, Progressive will pay for on-water towing, jump starts, soft un-groundings, and fuel delivery if your boat is disabled on the water. or contact our dispatch center by calling , and we’ll make sure the tow operator is completely paid for and on their way to help.

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Is Boat Trailer Insurance Required And Do I Really Need It

No state requires you to have boat trailer insurance, but that doesnt mean that it isnt a wise investment. As with most insurance, whether you need to insure your boat trailer really depends on many factors, including the value of the trailer, how old it is, how often you use it and whether you have the financial resources to replace it.

Evaluating those factors can help you determine whether boat trailer insurance makes sense for you.

Save on Trailer Insurance

Does My Car Insurance Cover My Boat’s Trailer

Do I need a separate trailer insurance policy when pulling ...

I own a small boat but dont live on a lake. When I want to use my boat, I drive it to the public access. What happens if I get into an accident while Im driving with my trailer? Will my car insurance cover it?

Your car insurance will usually provide liability coverage for your boat trailer or any other trailer you might use. That means that if you cause damage to another person, or vehicle, or to property, your car insurance will pay for that damage.

However, car insurance rarely covers any damage done to your trailer. That means that if it gets damaged or stolen, if you dont have special boat insurance or trailer insurance, youll need to pay to repair or replace it yourself.

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Do I Need Boat Insurance

Some states require boat insurance. Also, if you dock your boat or finance it, the marina or lender will probably require coverage.

But even if your state doesnt require it, consider the implications of going without boat insurance. If you get into an accident, youll be on the hook for your own repairs and your liability to others. With the average boat insurance claim hovering around $11,000, according to The Hanover Insurance Group, not having coverage could put you in a sticky financial situation.

The type of insurance you need will depend on the vessels size, type and value:

Small boats. Standard homeowners or renters insurance policies often cover smaller boats like canoes or small sailboats, but usually have limited property damage coverage. While a homeowners insurance policy typically provides coverage for the small boat, motor and trailer, it excludes liability insurance. But its possible to add boat liability coverage to your home insurance policy for an additional charge.

Larger boats. If you have a larger and faster vessel like a yacht, you will need to purchase a boat insurance policy. Depending on the boat accessories you have, you may need additional insurance such as trailer coverage.

Also, to increase your liability coverage limits, consider umbrella insurance. It provides extra liability protection for your auto, home and boat, such as extra insurance in case youre sued for a costly boating accident.

Proof Of Ownership For Boat Trailer Registration

For initial registration of a boat trailer in Massachusetts, you’ll also need proof of ownership. If you bought the trailer new from a dealer, the dealer will provide you with the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. This document establishes proof of ownership for boat trailer registration. If you purchased a used trailer, bring in the title of the previous owner with that person’s signature transferring it to you. If the transfer was made by a bill of sale, bring the original of that document.

Take Form RMV-1, correctly completed, and proof of ownership to an office of the Massachusetts Registry of Vehicles. Once you get them filed and pay a filing fee, you are good to go. The fee is a 6.25 percent sales/use tax imposed on the amount you paid for the trailer.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Ashley S

Before working with McDougall/Bickerton I had been with my previous broker for years a half decade or more I think and I didnt feel like I was getting the best deal anymore. I contacted Jon Borrello and right away I knew Id found someone I could trust not only to find me a great deal, but to go to bat for me. Jon ended up saving me hundreds, and my coverage is excellent. Im so happy with the service I have received that I happily refer my friends to him whenever they ask if I know a guy in insurance. Yeah, I know a guy. And hes awesome!

Rhonda Murray

We have been a customer of McDougall Insurance for 15 years and cant say enough good things about them. We have had the pleasure of working with Gary for the entire time and honestly cant imagine having the trust I have with anyone else. Gary takes our calls, emails and texts any time we need his help. He has worked evenings and weekends in such an efficient manner that weve barely had the time to ask and its already been taken care of. He not only keeps us up to date on anything new with our policy he also recommends ways we can save money and improve our coverage. We highly recommend McDougall Insurance to anyone who wants knowledge, friendly customer service and 100% dedication.

I am so happy that I switched over to McDougall/Brister Ever since I did I have had no issues at all Shannon Leblanc is always a great help and treats like a friend I would highly recommend this to everyone

Meagan Froats

Car Insurance Trailer: Everything You Need To Know

Do I Really Need Boat Insurance?

Do you need to carry car insurance on a trailer? In most cases, the liability policy for your vehicle will pay for damage caused by a towed trailer. However, it will not cover accidents caused by a trailer with its own motor. Review this guide to make sure you have the appropriate auto coverage if you own or plan to buy a trailer.

Do you need to carry car insurance on a trailer? In most cases, the liability policy for your vehicle will pay for damage caused by a towed trailer. However, it will not cover accidents caused by a trailer with its own motor. Review this guide to make sure you have the appropriate auto coverage if you own or plan to buy a trailer.

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The Solution Is A Boat Insurance Policy

Boat insurance not only covers damage to your boat in and out of the water, but it also provides liability protection in case you are responsible for injury to swimmers, water skiers or other boaters or damage to another boat, a dock or the environment .

In addition, boat insurance provides no-fault medical payments coverage for accidental injuries to the passengers on your boat.

Does My Truck Insurance Also Cover My Trailer

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

If you have a storage trailer, a boat trailer, or another kind of trailer you use that is towed behind your vehicle, youll need to make sure that this is insured in addition to purchasing insurance on your vehicle. Many people forget to check if their trailer is covered under their truck insurance, but this can be a pretty expensive mistake if you were to be involved in an accident with your trailer.

Typically, most automobile insurance policies will have a level of liability coverage for your trailer, but only if you own the trailer as well. If there is an accident involving your vehicle while you are towing a trailer, your auto insurance can cover the trailer. However, every auto insurance policy is different you will need to look at the details of your existing auto insurance policy to make sure that your trailer is covered in case of an accident or other damage.

Trailer Insurance

State laws vary when it comes to their regulations on trailers. Each insurance company operates within state and federal guidelines, so policies between insurance companies can differ regarding trailer coverage. You may find that you need to purchase a policy specific to your trailer and whatever you have in or on that trailer. Sometimes, your insurance policy will cover your trailer, but not its contents.

Insurance Requirements for Different Trailers

What Trailers Arent Covered

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How Does Boat Insurance Cover Trailers

A boat insurance policy can typically cover damage to your boat trailer if it’s added to your policy, even if your boat isn’t on the trailer at the time of the incident. Boat insurance won’t pay for injuries or damages you cause while towing your boat trailer that’s where your car insurance policy comes into play.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover My Trailer

Putting my boat trailer through roadworthy

Naturally, you have personal car insurance coverage to protect your investment in your vehicle and to shield you from liability in case of a crash. But what about car accessories such as utility or travel trailers? If you own a trailer, is it automatically covered under the same policy?

The answer, generally speaking, is that most auto insurance policies will provide liability coverage for a trailer you own if it is being pulled by the insured vehicle when an accident occurs. However, this can vary among different policies and in different states. For comprehensive and collision insurance on a trailer, you may need to purchase separate coverage and list the trailer on the declarations page of your policy.

How Are Trailers Covered Under Personal Auto Insurance Policies?

Most insurers will extend liability coverage for a trailer in tow if an accident should occur. This is because personal injury and property damage caused by a towed trailer is considered to be the result of the actions of the driver in the lead car. This extended coverage is typically limited to third-party liability. It only kicks in if the trailer is owned and registered in the name of the insured, and the trailer is attached to the insured vehicle when the accident occurs. Personal car insurance liability coverage does not extend to any vehicle with its own motor.

What If You Are Towing A Trailer Out Of State?

Different Coverage For Different Types Of Trailers

Insurance Coverage for Rented Trailers

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The Insurance You Need For A Trailer

If you’re towing a trailer that detaches and causes damage to property, an accident, or harm to someone, youll be held financially responsible. It’s best to understand all the ways you can protect yourself and others with the right insurance choices. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Insurance law. Depending on the size and weight of the trailer, some states require drivers to purchase additional trailer insurance to cover any potential accidents. However, Florida trailer laws focus more on preventing accidents rather than planning for accidents. Florida statute 316.530specifically addresses particular towing requirements without mention of the need for permits or additional insurance.
  • Insurance recommendations. Although your car insurance policy may include trailer liability, purchasing additional coverage is highly recommended. A loaded trailer can weigh as much as 10,000 lbs., and the force of its release at high speeds has severe consequences. Additional insurance provides coverageup to your policys limitfor the following:
  • Property damage. Coverage for when your trailer strikes another vehicle or object and causes significant damage to another persons property. This policy reimburses the owner for any damage caused by the trailer.
  • Bodily Injury. Coverage for when your trailer is responsible for injuries to another person. This policy provides compensation for medical bills, recovery expenses, and potential funeral costs.

How Much Does Trailer Insurance Cost

Trailer insurance prices differ depending on the risk level and the sum insured. Some factors that might impact your trailer insurance costs include:

  • The value of your trailer. More expensive trailers naturally cost more to insure.
  • The value of other insured items. The full sum insured under the policy, including all items and cover types, can affect the cost of your policy.
  • Age and driving history. Younger and less experienced drivers are generally more likely to have higher premiums.
  • Frequency of use. A trailer that’s used more often is more at risk and may have higher premiums.
  • Other risks. This can be affected by the types of roads you drive on, your location, and other risk levels for things that are covered under your policy.
  • Your cover types, options and excess. More comprehensive cover with additional options is naturally more expensive. Your excess can also make a significant difference, with a higher excess leading to lower premiums.

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How Much Will It Cost To Repair The Damage Out Of Pocket

This largely depends on the damage. Was it the boat, the trailer, the car or all of it? Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars up to the value of your car, trailer and boat combined.

For example, say you get in a fender bender while towing your boat. Since theres no fender, your boat or trailer might take the damage instead of your car. Some scratched paint or a bent frame might run several hundred dollars to repair, but any real damage to your boat could run into the thousands to fix.

What Are The Types Of Boat Trailer Insurance Coverages

Do I need Boat Insurance?

We will now see the basic types of coverages under boat trailer insurance, which you may need to look at or ask them while purchasing one.

  • Collision coverage Collision coverage only covers your boat trailers damages, not for others. If you are involved in an accident and have collision coverage, it will pay for your damages only it wont pay anything for others.
  • Liability coverage Liability coverage pays if you cause any damage to others . Liability coverage doesnt cover your boating-related injuries or damages. So, it will cover the damages you caused to others.
  • Comprehensive coverage Comprehensive coverage pays for the damages caused to your boat trailer other than collision-related like theft, vandalism, fire, weather-related damages , etc.
  • Roadside assistance Roadside assistance coverage pays if anything happens to a towing vehicle. While trailering the boat, if your towing vehicle got any breakdowns, repairs, run out of gas, etc., roadside assistance coverage will cover that.
  • Those are the main types of coverages available for boat trailer insurance. Among them, collision, liability, and comprehensive coverages are similar to boat insurance coverages . To know more about those coverages in a detailed way, check this article, .

    Related post Why do I need a boating license? Check this article to know the 6 benefits you will get if you have a boat license.

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    What Should I Do If Im In An Accident While Towing My Boat

    • Document the accident. Gather as much information as possible, taking photos, recording the date and time of the occurrence, location and weather conditions, especially if weather caused the accident. If the accident involves another vehicle, exchange personal and insurance information.
    • In most cases, youll need an official police report to file a claim with your insurance company. Call them and ask the officer to give you a copy of the report. Try to get the officers name and badge number if you can you may need it later.
    • If youre injured during the accident call the medics. If another vehicle caused the accident, file a report. Otherwise, your personal medical insurance is responsible for your medical expenses.
    • Contact the insurer. Theyll guide you through the procedure for filing a claim.

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