Most states don't legally require travel trailer insurance since they're non-motorized vehicles. However, if you're financing your trailer, your lender will almost certainly require comprehensive and collision coverage. Your tow vehicle's liability insurance typically covers the trailer while attached, but won't protect your trailer itself from damage, theft, or total loss. Smart coverage choices depend on your trailer's value, how you use it, and whether you're renting it out for income.
Travel trailers are not motorized, so nearly every state doesn't require liability coverage for them—instead, you need auto liability coverage for the vehicle that tows your trailer.
Here's the key difference: your truck or SUV's liability insurance typically extends to cover any trailer you're towing. That means if you accidentally back your trailer into someone's car at a campsite, your auto policy's liability coverage should handle the damages and any medical bills.
But here's what it won't cover—damage to your own trailer. If that same backing incident cracks your trailer's exterior or damages your slide-out, you're on your own unless you have separate travel trailer insurance.
The Bottom Line: Think of travel trailer insurance as protection for your investment, not a legal requirement (in most cases).
New York state mandates liability insurance coverage for all trailers, regardless of weight or use. Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in liability coverage and $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for trailers. In Michigan, if your trailer has more than two wheels, you need to get trailer insurance.
Most other states treat travel trailers like cargo—they're covered under your tow vehicle's policy for liability purposes, but that's it. States like Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, and New Hampshire don't mandate trailer insurance for non-motorized RVs.
Pro Tip: Even if your state doesn't require it, check if you'll be crossing into states that do. You don't want to get pulled over in New York with an uninsured trailer.
The only time insurance is actually required on your travel trailer is not based on law but by your financing contract. If your RV is being financed, the lender can (and almost certainly will) stipulate that you need comprehensive and collision coverage until the full balance is paid.
This makes sense—the bank owns your trailer until it's paid off, and they want to protect their investment. Most lenders require comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease your motorhome or travel trailer.
Many RV insurance companies will not insure your RV if you are renting it out. Roamly is different—we're built for adventurers who want to make money from their rigs, offering personal and commercial RV insurance that allows you to rent your RV out to others.
If you're thinking about making money with your trailer on peer-to-peer rental platforms, you'll need proper coverage. Many platforms include insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance with their rental programs.
Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against damages caused outside of collisions, such as hail, lightning, fallen trees, flooding, theft, and vandalism.
Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your travel trailer from a collision or accident, no matter who was at fault, so if you misjudge the size of your trailer and accidentally back it into a tree, collision coverage will pay to repair the damage.
Vacation Liability: You can typically purchase vacation liability coverage for your travel trailer, in case you're liable for property damage or injuries to others while your trailer is parked at a campsite.
Personal Effects Coverage: Pays for the replacement of your personal items in your RV that resulted from a covered loss, with coverage available up to $100,000.
Many travel trailer policies include roadside assistance specifically designed for RVs. This isn't your standard roadside assistance call—RV roadside assistance understands the unique challenges of towing a large trailer and can help with tire changes, emergency towing to an RV-friendly facility, and even temporary RV rental if yours becomes uninhabitable.
For those with custom builds or unique rigs, Roamly also covers DIY conversions and non-traditional RVs that other insurance companies often reject.
Travel trailer insurance costs vary significantly based on multiple factors, including the type and size of your RV, coverage limits, your driving record, and deductible amounts.
Key factors that affect your premium include:
Money-Saving Tip: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle your car insurance with travel trailer insurance.
Most peer-to-peer rental platforms offer insurance for both the renter and owner that covers the rental dates. If your current auto insurance policy offers full coverage (not liability only), your current auto insurance policy might already offer liability, collision and comprehensive coverage for an RV rental.
Always check with your auto insurer before assuming you're covered. Some policies exclude peer-to-peer rentals entirely.
This is trickier territory. Rented or borrowed travel trailers may not be eligible for insurance coverage under your existing auto policy. The trailer owner's insurance might cover it, but you'll want to verify this before hitching up.
Since renters and/or borrowers of a trailer are not required to have separate coverage for a camper trailer, you may find yourself in a bind if they have an accident and damage your rig. Consider requiring borrowers to add your trailer to their auto policy temporarily, or make sure your own coverage extends to permissive users.
Here's the straight talk: if your trailer is worth more than a few thousand dollars, you probably want insurance. Travel trailers represent a significant investment that deserves protection.
According to the RV Industry Association's latest economic impact study, the RV industry has an overall annual economic impact of $140 billion, supporting nearly 680,000 jobs, which shows just how significant this market has become for American families.
Consider these scenarios:
Even if you own your trailer outright and insurance isn't required, ask yourself: could you afford to replace it tomorrow if something happened?
Most folks buying their first travel trailer get hung up on whether insurance is "required." Here's the better question: can you afford not to have it?
Travel trailers are becoming more sophisticated and expensive every year. Whether you're weekend camping with the family or planning to rent out your rig for extra income, proper insurance lets you focus on the adventure ahead, not worry about what could go wrong.
Ready to protect your investment and hit the road with confidence? Get a fast quote now to see how affordable peace of mind can be. Whether you're financing your first trailer, looking into lender requirements, or want to see how Roamly's unique approach lets you rent out your trailer while staying covered, we've got options that fit your lifestyle—and your budget.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.