Progressive Auto Insurance: What's The Deal With Trailer Towing?

Progressive auto insurance offers liability coverage for towing a trailer. This means that if you are legally responsible for an accident while towing your trailer, Progressive will cover damages or injuries you cause to others. However, this does not include damage to the trailer itself. For this, you will need to purchase additional insurance designed for trailers. Progressive offers 24/7 roadside assistance as an extra coverage that can be added to your policy. This includes towing services within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles.

Progressive's roadside assistance and what it covers

Progressive's 24/7 roadside assistance is an optional extra coverage that can be added to your policy. The services are provided by Agero, which is trusted by over 80 million drivers across the nation. Here is a list of services provided by Progressive's roadside assistance:

• Towing services: Progressive can arrange to tow your vehicle within a 15-mile radius. If there is no repair shop within that radius, they will tow it to the nearest qualified repair shop. If you choose to have your vehicle towed to a shop that isn't the closest one, you will need to pay for the extra mileage.
• Winching service: If your car is stuck in mud, snow, water, or sand within 100 feet of a road or highway, Progressive will pull your car out with a motor-powered cable or chain.
• Jump-start services: They will jump-start your vehicle at the scene to help you get on your way.
• Fuel delivery: If you run out of gas, they will deliver fuel directly to your vehicle. You only pay for the cost of the fuel. The delivery and service are free.
• Battery charge for electric cars: If your electric car runs out of charge, they can arrange to tow your vehicle within a 15-mile radius, or to the nearest qualified charging facility if there isn't one within 15 miles. You only pay for the cost of the charge.
• Locksmith services: If your keys are lost, stolen, or accidentally locked inside your vehicle, they will dispatch a qualified service provider. You are only responsible for the replacement key costs.
• Flat tire change: A roadside professional can put the spare tire on your vehicle at no extra cost as long as you can provide a spare.
• On-scene labor: They provide up to one hour of labor if your car is disabled. If you need more than an hour, you can choose to have your vehicle towed to the nearest qualified repair shop or pay for any extra costs.

Please note that there may be a limit to the number of roadside events your policy covers. Additionally, in some states, such as North Carolina and Virginia, roadside assistance coverage is subject to limits stated on your policy.

Trip interruption coverage can also be added to your roadside assistance coverage in eligible states. It covers breakdown-related costs like lodging, food, and travel expenses if your vehicle breaks down and needs repairs when you're far from home. The daily limit is $100 for lodging, $50 for transportation, and $50 for food.

The cost of travel trailer insurance

The cost of insuring a travel trailer varies depending on several factors. The average premium for a 12-month travel trailer insurance policy at Progressive for 2022 was $573. However, the cost can range from a few hundred to over $1,000 per year. The price depends on factors such as the size of the trailer, how often it is used, the purpose of its use, and the type of coverage.

Liability-only policies can start at $125 per year, while comprehensive coverage can cost a few hundred dollars. Customized trailers, like toy haulers, can cost up to $500 per year to insure, especially with comprehensive coverage. The more your trailer is used and the more valuable it is, the more coverage you will want, which will increase the premium.

It is important to note that standard car insurance policies typically do not cover damage to the trailer itself while being towed. Therefore, separate trailer insurance or a specialized recreational vehicle (RV) policy may be required to ensure coverage for the trailer.

When considering insurance for your travel trailer, it is recommended to shop around and compare costs and coverage options from different companies. Additionally, combining policies with the same company, paying premiums upfront, and raising your deductible can help save money on your insurance costs.

Whether you need travel trailer insurance

Progressive offers roadside assistance as an optional coverage for your auto insurance policy. This includes towing services for your vehicle within a 15-mile radius or to the closest qualified repair shop beyond 15 miles. If you have roadside assistance, you may also be eligible to add trip interruption coverage, which can cover up to $500 of your related costs (lodging, food, and transportation) while you wait for repairs if you break down more than 100 miles from home.

Now, whether you need travel trailer insurance depends on a few factors. Firstly, it's important to note that insuring your camping or travel trailer is typically not mandated by law, as they are non-motorized vehicles. However, if you financed the purchase of your trailer, your lender may require you to obtain comprehensive and collision coverage. Even if it's not required, insuring your trailer is a good idea to protect your investment.

Travel trailer insurance can provide coverage for various scenarios, such as accidents, theft, and personal belongings. It can also offer liability protection in case you are at fault in an accident, ensuring you are not financially liable for damages or repairs. Comprehensive coverage will protect your trailer from damages caused by events outside of collisions, such as natural disasters, theft, or vandalism. Collision coverage, on the other hand, will cover damages resulting from accidents, regardless of fault.

Additionally, travel trailer insurance can provide medical payments coverage for you and your passengers in the event of an accident while the trailer is parked. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage ensures that damages and medical bills are covered if you are in an accident with an at-fault driver who lacks sufficient insurance. Roadside assistance is another valuable feature, providing services like towing, jump-starts, and fuel delivery for your trailer and, in some cases, the towing vehicle.

Full-time RV coverage is an option for those who use their trailer as their primary residence, combining traditional RV policies with homeowners or renters insurance protections. When deciding on travel trailer insurance, consider your specific needs, the value of your trailer, and the level of protection you desire.

What travel trailer insurance covers

Travel trailer insurance is necessary to protect your investment. Travel trailers do not inhabit a fixed location and do not have a motor, so they don't fall into a specific insurance category.

Your auto policy will typically extend to your trailer when you are pulling it, but only for liability, and it provides no coverage for your actual trailer. This means that an auto policy alone will only cover damage your trailer causes to other people and their property.

Depending on the kind of travel trailer insurance you choose, it can extend past basic liability to cover the gaps left by your home and auto policies. Your home or renters policies provide coverage for your personal belongings kept outside of your home (such as a travel trailer), but at a fraction of your coverage limit (usually 5 to 10% less). This amount of coverage is insufficient if you have any valuable belongings stored in your trailer.

Travel trailer insurance offers physical coverage much like an auto insurance policy. Without this coverage, you would be forced to pay for the damages yourself in the event of an accident.

As previously mentioned, your auto policy's liability coverage is extended to your travel trailer when you are towing it. However, if you live full-time in your travel trailer or use it quite a bit, you should consider some additional liability coverage above your original auto coverage.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage covers damages to your travel trailer resulting from severe weather (including flooding), theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and other risks. Like your auto coverage, collision covers your travel trailer in the event it is damaged in a traffic accident.

Personal property coverage

If you have expensive equipment or other valuable items in your travel trailer, you should consider additional insurance to cover your contents. Usually, you'll be able to set the amount of personal property coverage you would like.

Total loss replacement

If you have an expensive travel trailer, this coverage will replace your totalled travel trailer with a model that is within five years of yours.

Emergency expense coverage

If a travel trailer is damaged to the point of being uninhabitable, this coverage will pay for your additional living expenses if you are more than a certain distance from your home.

Towing and roadside assistance

The distance for which you will be covered depends on your company and your policy.

How to get a quote for travel trailer insurance

To get a quote for travel trailer insurance, you'll need to answer a few basic questions about your camper. This will help determine the best travel trailer insurance for you and provide an accurate quote. Here's what you need to do:

Know Your Camper's Make and Model

The make and model of your camper will give the insurance company an idea of its size and type. This information is crucial in determining the right coverage for your trailer.

Provide Information on Where You Keep Your Trailer

The location of your trailer is important. Insurance companies like Progressive insure travel trailers that are kept at campgrounds year-round. However, if your trailer is on a permanent foundation, you may not be eligible for an RV insurance policy. Instead, you may need to look into a manufactured home policy.

Share the Current Value of Your Trailer

The current value of your trailer will impact the cost of your insurance policy. If you have a brand-new trailer, keep your bill of sale handy, as you may be asked for the amount of tax and title fees.

Choose Your Coverages

When quoting travel trailer insurance, you can select the coverages that fit your needs. For example, you may want comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect your trailer from various types of damage. You can also opt for full-timer's liability coverage if you use your trailer as a permanent residence. Additionally, consider the cost of replacing any belongings that may be damaged or stolen from your trailer.

Look for Discounts and Savings Opportunities

Insurance companies often offer discounts that can help lower your insurance costs. For instance, if you already have a home, renters, condo, auto, boat, or motorcycle policy with the same company, you may be eligible for additional savings when adding RV insurance. A clean driving record can also work in your favour, as safe drivers are often rewarded with discounts.

By following these steps and providing the necessary information, you'll be well on your way to obtaining a quote for travel trailer insurance that suits your specific needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions