Am I Covered When Towing Someone Else’s Trailer?

Many standard auto insurance policies include liability coverage while towing, but only under specific conditions:

• The trailer must be properly attached to your insured vehicle
• It must be road-legal (registered, inspected, and not overloaded)
• Your policy may only cover damage or injury you cause to others, not the trailer itself

This means you're typically covered for accidents that result from towing, but not for damage to the trailer you're towing.

If the trailer you’re towing belongs to someone else and is damaged in an accident:

• Your auto policy usually won’t pay for the trailer unless it has a specific endorsement or coverage extension
• The trailer owner’s insurance may cover it, if they have a physical damage policy
• If it’s a rental trailer (like U-Haul), the rental company often offers optional insurance that you must buy separately

It’s critical to clarify this before hooking up and hitting the road.

If the trailer becomes detached, jackknifes, or causes a crash, you could be liable for:

• Injuries to others
• Property damage to other vehicles, buildings, or road structures

Your liability coverage may help cover these costs, as long as the trailer was properly connected and being used within your vehicle's capacity.

Negligence (e.g., improper hitching, towing an unregistered trailer) could result in denied claims and/or legal complications.

To protect yourself and the trailer you're towing, ask your insurer about:

• Trailer endorsement: Adds physical damage coverage for trailers you own.
• Non-owned trailer coverage: May extend liability and/or physical damage protection to borrowed trailers.
• Roadside assistance for trailers: Helps with flat tires, disconnects, or breakdowns.

If you regularly tow trailers for friends or family, these add-ons are worth considering.

There are many instances where you’re towing a trailer that isn’t yours, such as:

• Towing a neighbor’s utility trailer to the dump
• Helping a friend move with their enclosed trailer
• Pulling a borrowed camper to a weekend site
• Hauling a borrowed boat on vacation

Each of these scenarios have different risk levels, especially if the trailer contains valuable cargo or is driven long distances.

A few things to consider before you start driving your vehicle:

• Inspect the trailer: Tires, lights, hitch, and brakes (if equipped)
• Review your insurance policy and the trailer owner's policy
• Discuss coverage responsibilities in advance
• Take photos of the trailer before departure
• Don’t overload or exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity

Documenting the trailer’s condition before towing is a smart move in case damage occurs.

Before you tow someone else’s trailer, even just down the street, take the time to understand your coverage. A quick check now can save you thousands later.