If you own or regularly use a trailer, insurance is rarely the first thing on your mind. Yet a trailer, whether a car trailer, caravan, horse trailer or boat trailer, can cause serious damage in an accident, and the question of liability is often more complicated than expected.
The basic rule: while it is being towed, the trailer is covered by the motor liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) of the towing vehicle, but only as long as it is attached to it. Once the trailer is uncoupled and parked, a gap in cover appears. Damage caused by a parked trailer (for example because it rolls away and hits another vehicle) is then not automatically covered.
For damage to the trailer itself (from an accident, vandalism, theft or natural events), comprehensive cover (Kaskoversicherung) gives the protection you need. This is worth having especially for high-value trailers, caravans and special-purpose trailers. The replacement value can be considerable, and without insurance the loss stays entirely with the owner.
Special rules apply to caravans that are parked permanently: they need their own motor insurance, because the link to a towing vehicle is permanently missing. Longer stays on campsites also call for a careful check of your cover.
We go through the different ways you use your trailer with you and make sure it is adequately covered in every situation.
Trailer Insurance Benefits
Trailer liability insurance:
- Property damage and financial loss insured up to 100 million euros
- Personal injury up to 15 million euros per injured person
- Defence against unjustified claims: Allianz examines third-party liability claims and fends off unfounded compensation demands, in court if necessary
- Cover when uncoupled: Liability insurance also pays when you move the trailer by hand
- Insured: property damage, personal injury, financial loss
Partial comprehensive cover (Teilkasko) for trailers:
- Collision with animals of any kind (any animal)
- New-price and purchase-price compensation for up to 24 months
- Damage from natural forces (storm damage)
- Short-circuit and fire damage
- Glass breakage
- Animal damage (e.g. marten bites)
- Theft and partial theft (e.g. a stolen tarpaulin)
Fully comprehensive cover (Vollkasko) for trailers:
- All partial comprehensive benefits plus:
- New-price compensation for up to 24 months after first registration in case of a total loss
- Waiver of the gross negligence defence
- Malicious damage through vandalism
- Self-inflicted damage to the trailer
Trailer Insurance Everyday Examples
Holiday trips: You hitch your trailer to your car once or twice a year to carry luggage or camping gear? Then liability insurance gives the most affordable protection.
Occasional errands: You use your trailer now and then for trips to the DIY store or furniture shop? Partial comprehensive cover is worthwhile if you are on the road regularly and often leave the trailer parked outside.
Regular transport of vehicles: You have a special trailer for a quad, motorcycle or classic car? If you tow a lot and own a high-value trailer, fully comprehensive cover protects you best.
Trailer Insurance Guide
Goods trailer insurance: If you carry goods with your trailer, separate goods trailer insurance is a legal requirement. Goods trailers and semi-trailers are not covered by the motor insurance of the towing vehicle.
Boat trailer insurance: Your boat trailer is covered by the insurance of the towing vehicle. Vehicle trailers for unregistered sports vehicles and special-purpose trailers are also exempt from compulsory insurance, provided they are registered with a green plate and used only for their intended purpose.
Horse trailer insurance: Trailers for transporting sport horses are not subject to compulsory insurance. Your horse trailer is covered by your regular car insurance. The same applies to trailers used in forestry and farming with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
Caravan insurance: Camping trailers legally need their own motor insurance. With Allianz, you take out caravan insurance (Wohnwagen-Versicherung).
Tent trailer insurance: Folding caravans and tent trailers legally require insurance. For a mobile home, this is done through caravan insurance with contents included.
Motorcycle trailer insurance: A motorcycle trailer needs insurance if the bike being carried is approved for use on public roads.
