Car insurance and towing a trailer

[The Gurnard]

Hi all,

I have a query to ask about car insurance and towing a trailer which I am hoping someone can help with.

Today I phoned my insurance company (Direct Line) as it is renewal time again. I noticed my permitted yearly mileage allowed on the insurance was slightly over last year..so wanted it increased to cover my projected mileage for next year. It is not a problem and is sorted.

I then asked ..(just to make sure they knew I did it ).. about towing a small un-braked trailer and I assume Im insured to do that.

The lady said yes..the car is insured to tow a trailer.. but the trailer will not be insured for accidents. I asked for clarification..and was told.. if the trailer or load broke free from the car.. any damage it did would not be covered by insurance. I asked ..so if my trailer accidentally broke free from the car and injured or killed someone.. I would not be insured ? She said yes..that is correct.

When I read my policy it states...

We will cover you for your legal responsibility if there is an accident which involves your car and :
You kill or injure someone or
You damage their property
This cover also applies to any accident involving injury or damage caused by a trailer or vehicle you are towing.

So I came away from that phone call quite confused ? Not to mention concerned.

I appreciate the trailer and boat will not have insurance..example I get nothing if I damage or loose them..but surely if I have an accident ..Im covered if I injure someone with the trailer while towing it..or if it breaks free while towing and technically is not attached to the car ?

My question to anyone who might know is... is the lady correct..or has she had too much festive drink lately ? I told her I would not re insure with Direct Line if they cant cover me for towing the trailer. She said I would be better getting a specialised insurance..example for towing a caravan ?

Your thoughts and experience will be much appreciated... Im a safe driver but cannot risk an accident with trailer without knowing for sure I am covered for the third party damage..if that makes sense

[kerny]

As far as I know the trailer would be covered for third party's your boat insurance covers the rest. That's on fully comp insurance not sure about third party and theft.

[PeterM]

Gurnard.... The problem is these insurers emply divvys..

You're fine... As long as the car n trailer are attached when you drive off, if you then bust something and the trailer goes on its merry way and does damage the car insurance will cover it.

[The Gurnard]

Thanks Kerny..yup..that is what I always thought too...except I don't have boat insurance..as its a cheep boat and trailer so not worried about loosing them ..and where I go boating.. I consider there is very little chance of third party damage..Im prepared to take that risk.

I guess the lady and myself were talking at cross purpose.. as I said.. ok.. can I get you to insure me for the trailer..and she said Direct Line don't offer that type of insurance..Im best to try a specialised insurance company ?

I think Im covered for hitting something with the trailer when towing it..at least I hope so

[The Gurnard]

Ah..just seen your reply too Peter..I can now renew it and sleep easy Thanks guys

[camelgas]

I insure my SIB , trailer and O/B/M for £43 year fully comp. several times at slipways I have been asked to produce insurance before launching.

[HughN]

In any case I wouldn't expect an insurer to pay out if there was an accident and your trailer was overloaded, not roadworthy or, for example, not fitted with a secondary connection device. Equally, if the driver's license didn't cover it.

I once rang my insurer to tell them I had just fitted a towbar to my car. They weren't bothered in any way - despite the fact I had effectively just added a very solid 'spike' to the rear of my car.

[bartiny]

Originally Posted by HughN

I had effectively just added a very solid 'spike' to the rear of my car.

Or robust parking sensor