Washington D.C. Trailer Insurance

If you live in the Washington, DC area and own a trailer of any type, you may have questions about trailer insurance coverage. Whether you have a large trailer, such as those used to transport show horses to events put together by the DC Area Horse Show Association or a smaller trailer, such as one you might use to transport your PWC to the Potomac River, a suitable trailer insurance policy can help you keep your finances secure. It may be worth your while to compare a variety of trailer insurance quotes and to consider purchasing a policy.

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Trailer Types You May See on Washington, DC Streets

• Utility trailers: Lawn care companies frequently use these open-top trailers to haul equipment, ATVs, motorcycles and other large, heavy items.
• Cargo trailers: These are similar to utility trailers except that they are enclosed rather than open-topped. People typically use them to carry equipment that needs protection from the elements.
• Boat trailers: Designed specifically for transporting boats, these trailers may be seen towing watercraft to and from National Harbor.
• Auto hauler trailers: People use these low-sitting flatbed trailers to tow racecars, automobiles and household items.
• Travel trailers: These include pop-up-style campers and fold-down trailer tents. These are more popular than larger RVs in this city, as they are much easier to navigate through the congested streets.
• Horse trailers: People use these large trailers to carry horses and other livestock. You can see them going to or from the Washington International Horse Show.

Do Washington, DC Residents Need To Carry Trailer Insurance?

Washington, DC does not require trailer coverage. However, it is highly recommended. You may not need to purchase a separate policy, as you can usually include trailer coverage as an option with your auto insurance policy. Likewise, if you use your trailer for transporting a boat or ATV, you can often get trailer insurance included as part of your boat insurance or ATV insurance coverage.

If you include trailer insurance with another policy, be sure to check the coverage, as it may be limited. If this is the case and you want full coverage against damage to your trailer or against liability issues, you may want to look into a trailer insurance policy that will give this added coverage.

There are several ways that your trailer may cause problems, putting you on the wrong end of lawsuit. If your trailer comes loose and separates from your towing vehicle, this can result in a runaway trailer that causes a great deal of damage and injuries to others. Other problems may occur if you misjudge the length of your trailer and strike another vehicle while changing lanes or strike a person or object while you are making a sharp turn in a residential area.

What Coverage Does Trailer Insurance Offer DC Residents?

Trailer insurance, whether it is included as part of your auto, ATV, boat or business insurance policy or purchased as an entirely separate policy, will probably include a few different coverage options, including these:

• Liability coverage: This will cover third property damage and personal injuries caused by your trailer, as well as your legal defense if you're sued for these damages.
• Comprehensive coverage: This will cover non-collision-related damage to your trailer. This can include damage caused by such things as severe weather, falling objects, flood, fire and theft.
• Collision coverage: This will cover necessary repairs to your trailer if it sustains damage in a collision for which you are at fault.
• Contents coverage: This will cover the property kept inside or on your trailer if it sustains damage in a collision or other covered event. Compensation will be limited to the amount of coverage you purchase.
• Roadside assistance coverage: This covers the specialized towing necessary if your vehicle becomes inoperable while you have your trailer attached.

How Much Does Trailer Insurance Cost?

If you own a small trailer that you use only on occasion here in the Washington, DC area, there is a good chance that you already have sufficient coverage through your auto insurance policy. Some providers may require you to purchase an additional endorsement for a nominal fee, so be sure to check the terms of your coverage.

Larger, more expensive trailers and those used for commercial purposes, will have more comprehensive insurance needs, particularly if you need to insurance the trailer’s contents as well. The cost of trailer insurance will vary significantly according to the type of trailer you own and amount of coverage you purchase.

Some other factors that may influence cost include the following:

• The size of the trailer, including its length and width
• The make, model, year and value of your trailer
• Where you store your trailer when not in use
• Whether you will be using the trailer for personal or commercial purposes, or both
• Your personal driving record

In general, trailer insurance is not very expensive. You can insure a utility trailer used for personal use for as little as $10 a month. Quotes will be higher for commercially used trailers or larger trailers such as those used for horses.

Easily Compare Trailer Insurance Quotes in Washington, DC

If you are considering purchasing a trailer insurance policy, you may find yourself with questions about what coverage you already have, what coverage you need and what policy options are ideal for your particular situation. Independent agents in the Trusted Choice® network can answer these questions and can help you find a policy that is right for you.

Contact a local agent to get more information. You'll be able to start comparing trailer insurance policies and quotes in no time.