Trailer in Tow

[somarco]

Someone I know was traveling behind an SUV with a trailer (camper) in tow. The camper came loose and caused major damage to the car behind (but no injuries).

SUV insurance carrier claimed the trailer is not covered under the auto policy so they are refusing to pay.

Driver of the car that was damaged says his auto insurance won't pay and suing the SUV driver/insurance is a waste of time.

Sounds like there are some missing pieces to the story.

 

[adjusterjack]

Sounds like there are some missing pieces to the story.

There is.

Personal auto policies generally include liability for hauling a trailer.

What reason did trailer guy's insurer give for denying the claim?

Speculation: Has a rare policy that doesn't extend liability to a trailer. Used the trailer for an excluded purpose. Was not negligent in causing the accident.

What reason did your acquaintance's insurer give for denying the claim?

Speculation: Did not have collision coverage.

 

[marindependent]

Great Points @adjusterjack - perhaps an additional potential decline - Was the trailer owned by the tower [if thats a word]? In other words did he borrow the trailer from the neighbor?

 

[somarco]

All good responses, thanks.

The circumstances were relayed to me from a relative of the "victim". I suspected there was more to the story but this is all I got.

 

[Allen Trent]

There is.

Personal auto policies generally include liability for hauling a trailer.

What reason did trailer guy's insurer give for denying the claim?

Speculation: Has a rare policy that doesn't extend liability to a trailer. Used the trailer for an excluded purpose. Was not negligent in causing the accident.

What reason did your acquaintance's insurer give for denying the claim?

Speculation: Did not have collision coverage.

SUV could be on a BAP, so no automatic liability extension to a trailer being towed, correct? Doesn't BAP liability only cover specified vehicles or trailers?

 

[Allen Trent]

Great Points @adjusterjack - perhaps an additional potential decline - Was the trailer owned by the tower [if thats a word]? In other words did he borrow the trailer from the neighbor?

Personal auto liability would extend to a borrowed personal trailer. Where I could see this for sure being an issue is if either or both the SUV doing the towing or the trailer being towed were a business use or business owned SUV or trailer