How to File Trailer Insurance Claims

Whether you have a boat trailer, horse trailer, motorcycle trailer, or specialty trailer, you probably invested quite a bit of savings in it. If your trailer gets damaged or destroyed, you don’t want to have to pay for it all over again out of pocket. Whether you have coverage for your trailer under your existing auto insurance policy or have a separate trailer insurance policy, you might need to file a claim at some point for theft, vandalism, or damage from accidents or severe weather. 

Luckily, a local independent insurance agent can help you file trailer insurance claims. They can walk you through the entire trailer insurance claims process and help you get reimbursed ASAP. Until then, here's a closer look at when, why, and how to file trailer insurance claims.

The Most Common Trailer Insurance Claims

You might need to file a trailer insurance claim for many different reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of trailer insurance claims.

• Theft: Trailer theft claims are, unfortunately, some of the most common. Often, trailer hitches are dismantled, and the trailer is stolen.
• Equipment failure: Trailer equipment claims are often filed due to defective hitches, broken tow bars, and broken axles.
• Accidents: Trailer accident claims are often due to collisions while backing up, fishtailing collisions, and breakaways.

If you experience any of these losses, file a trailer insurance claim right away. If you have trailer coverage through your vehicle insurance, you can file a claim through your auto policy.

How Trailer Insurance Claims Work

You might be wondering how to claim trailer insurance losses. In the event of an accident, theft, or damage to your trailer, be sure to contact your independent insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible. The insurer will inform you and your independent insurance agent of all information and documentation required to process the claim. 

Typically, you'll need to be prepared with the following:

• Details of the incident
• Details about your trailer
• Trailer insurance policy details
• Photo or video documentation of the damage
• Personal identifying information

For example, if your boat trailer is stolen from the boat dock, document any suspicious activity in the area and whether you filed a police report. If you’re involved in an accident, document everything that happened while it's fresh in your mind. 

Also, use a camera or smartphone to take pictures of any damage to your trailer and all the vehicles involved. Having details and documentation available when you file your claim will help expedite the process. If you work with an agent, they will help you complete the claims process and ensure it's handled efficiently.

What Does Trailer Insurance Cover?

Depending on your specific trailer, you'll likely need several types of coverage to fully protect it. A trailer insurance policy may include some or all of the following:

• Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your trailer from a collision with another object, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damage to your trailer due to non-collision events, such as flood or theft. 
• Total loss replacement coverage: This can cover the full replacement of your trailer with a brand-new vehicle of the same model year or newer if your vehicle gets totaled due to a covered loss.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This can reimburse you for expenses related to collisions, etc., caused by drivers who don't carry adequate insurance.
• Towing and roadside assistance coverage: This can cover the cost of emergency roadside services, such as towing, if your trailer breaks down and leaves you stranded on the road.
• Full-timer's liability coverage: People who live in their trailers full-time may need special liability coverage in case of bodily injury or personal property damage to others in their trailer or at a campsite.

An independent insurance agent can help you assemble a complete trailer insurance policy.

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When Should You File a Trailer Insurance Claim?

There are many scenarios in which you'd need to file a claim through your commercial trailer insurance, travel trailer insurance, or recreational trailer insurance. Some scenarios of when to file a claim include:

• You were involved in an accident that damaged or destroyed your trailer
• Your trailer was stolen or vandalized
• Your trailer was damaged by severe weather
• Items within your trailer were stolen
• Your parked trailer was hit by a passing vehicle that drove off
• The trailer rolled over due to driving conditions, rough road, or another driver’s actions
• Your trailer was damaged by a fire

Your trailer insurance coverage can reimburse you for theft, damage, or destruction to the trailer itself, as well as to contents and personal property stored inside it. Your independent insurance agent can also advise you on when to make a claim through your trailer insurance.

Trailer Safety Tips to Avoid Filing Insurance Claims

While your trailer insurance claim can be handled quickly, especially with the help of an independent insurance agent, of course, it's most likely preferable not to have to file a claim in the first place. 

To avoid needing to file a claim under your policy, exercise extra caution when towing a trailer. For example:

• Make sure the load of anything you're hauling is balanced.
• Maintain a safe speed, as fishtailing is more common when you're traveling faster.
• Be aware of the full length of the car and trailer when reversing or going around corners.
• Make sure your brake and reverse lights are properly connected and working.
• Travel especially slowly over rough roads, railroad crossings, and near steep embankments.
• Brake slowly and evenly, and test brakes regularly on downgrades.

Following these simple safety tips can help you avoid collisions and other incidents, as well as the entire claims process altogether. 

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

Filing a trailer insurance claim doesn't have to be a hassle. While the stress of accidents, damage, and potential injury might weigh on you, your independent insurance agent can help you get the compensation you deserve after an incident. They can walk you through the entire claims process and even file claims directly through your carrier for you.

If you're still in need of the right coverage or are seeking an updated policy to protect your trailer, an independent insurance agent can shop and compare trailer insurance quotes for you. They'll get you matched with the best trailer insurance policy at a great rate.