At Holley Insurance, we know that owning a boat is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to the lake for the weekend or bringing your boat back from winter storage, there’s a part of boating that often gets overlooked: what happens if you get into an accident while towing your boat on the road?
It’s a common question: Which insurance covers my boat and trailer if there’s an accident while I’m driving?
Let’s break it down.
Your Auto Insurance Covers the Accident – But Not Everything
If you’re in an accident while towing your boat, your auto insurance policy is the first line of defense. Here’s what it typically covers:
✅ Liability Coverage:
If you’re at fault for the accident and you damage someone else’s property or injure someone, your auto policy’s liability coverage will usually extend to the trailer being towed.
✅ Collision Coverage (if selected):
If you carry collision coverage on your auto policy, it may help pay for damage to your trailer—but not the boat—depending on the insurer and policy.
BUT—and this is important—your auto insurance does NOT cover damage to your boat.
Boat Insurance Covers the Boat Itself
If your boat is damaged in a road accident while it’s on the trailer, your boat insurance policy (if you have one) is what typically covers the damage to the boat itself.
Here’s what boat insurance may cover:
✅ Physical Damage Coverage:
This is the part of your boat insurance that helps pay for repairs or replacement if your boat is damaged in an accident—whether on the water or on the road.
✅ Comprehensive & Collision:
Just like with car insurance, your boat policy may have comprehensive and collision coverage to protect against a wide range of risks, including road accidents, theft, vandalism, and storm damage.
Trailer Coverage: It Might Need Its Own Policy or Endorsement
Your boat trailer may or may not be covered under your auto or boat insurance policies. Some insurers require a separate endorsement or even a standalone policy to insure the trailer against damage or theft.
Be sure to ask your agent whether your trailer is fully protected—especially if it’s high-value or used frequently.
Quick Scenario: Here’s How It Plays Out
You’re driving your boat out of the lake on your trailer. You were so determined to dock the boat without yelling at anyone for once… that you didn’t even see the truck in front of you at the marina. Nailed the silence, missed the brakes. The impact damages your trailer and cracks the hull of your boat.
- Auto Insurance: Covers the damage to the other vehicle (liability) and may cover the trailer if you have collision.
- Boat Insurance: Covers the damage to the boat.
- Trailer Insurance: If you’ve added trailer coverage to your policy, it helps pay for repairs or replacement of the trailer.
Protect Your Investment—On the Road and On the Water
Whether you’re trailering your boat to a nearby lake or hauling it across state lines, it’s important to know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Don’t wait until an accident happens to find out your boat or trailer isn’t properly insured.
Let Holley Insurance Help You Get Covered the Right Way
As an independent agency, we work with top insurance companies to tailor coverage that protects your boat, trailer, and towing vehicle—on the water and on the road.
Not sure if your current policy covers your trailer or boat during transit?
Let’s review it together and make sure there are no surprises.
📞 Contact us today or click here to request a free, no-pressure quote. You’ll probably be surprised at how affordable it can be!
Holley Insurance was founded in 2000, and retains a core base of loyal clients. We have locations in Roanoke, Rocky Mount, and Forest, VA. As an independent insurance agency, Holley Insurance represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies. Therefore, we are able to offer you the best coverage at the most competitive price. If you’re interested in starting a quote online or having us take a look at your current policies, click here!
