We all know that car insurance helps protect your vehicle while you’re on the road. But what happens when you’re towing another vehicle? Does car insurance cover towed vehicles in the first place? Here's everything Pittsburgh, PA drivers need to know to stay covered and secure during their next towing trip.
Understanding Car Insurance Coverage
It’s important to understand what your car insurance actually includes. A typical policy may cover bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and medical expenses. Coverage for damage to your own vehicle, however, is often optional.
Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) helps pay for medical bills resulting from an accident. Liability coverage, meanwhile, protects you if you’re found responsible for injuring someone or damaging property.
When it comes to damage to your own car, you typically need:
- Comprehensive Coverage for things like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters
- Collision Coverage for accidents involving other vehicles or objects
Learn more about affordable vehicle coverage options in Pittsburgh. Make sure your next towing trip is not only safe, but also fully insured.
Car Insurance and Towed Vehicles
In general, vehicles being towed are only covered under their own insurance policy. If you’re towing a car with your truck, damage to the towed car won’t be covered under the truck’s policy—even if both vehicles are owned by you. Each vehicle needs its own insurance for full protection.
When Insurance Doesn’t Cover Towed Vehicles
Here are some scenarios when towed vehicles might not be covered:
- No separate policy: If the towed vehicle doesn't have its own active insurance policy.
- Non-vehicle towing: Items like boats, motorcycles, or even trailers usually aren’t covered by your auto policy.
- Contents inside a trailer: Your car insurance might cover the trailer, but belongings inside may fall under your renters or homeowners policy.
Rental Situations
If you rent a moving truck or trailer, your personal car insurance may not extend to the rental vehicle. In such cases, purchasing coverage from the rental company is often the safest bet.
Always verify what coverage is offered by the rental provider and consider additional protection, especially if you’re not experienced in towing.
Additional Towing Coverage
If you frequently tow trailers in Pittsburgh, consider adding trailer-specific insurance to your policy. Towed vehicles, however, still require their own standalone insurance.
Keep in mind that roadside assistance or towing coverage on your car insurance only applies if your vehicle becomes disabled—not for planned vehicle transport.
5 Tips for Towing Vehicles Safely
Preparation: Check all equipment and secure the towed vehicle properly.
Towing Capacity: Don’t exceed the manufacturer’s weight limits.
Weight Distribution: Balance the load evenly on the trailer.
Safe Driving: Drive cautiously with extended stopping distance.
Route Planning: Avoid sharp turns, steep grades, or restricted areas.
Conclusion: Does Car Insurance Cover Towed Vehicles?
If you’re towing another vehicle, remember that the towing vehicle’s insurance policy won’t cover damage to the vehicle being towed. Each vehicle needs its own insurance. For full protection in Pittsburgh, it's smart to speak with a local provider about coverage options.
For reference, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also provides helpful guidelines for safe towing you may want to review before hitting the road.
