Travel Trailer Insurance Ontario

Ontario Travel Trailer Insurance

There's nothing quite like life out on the open road. Whether you've planned a careful route hitting all of Ontario's most scenic spots or are embarking on an ambitious trip across the country—no plan except wherever the wind takes you, or at least, the road—it's important to protect your travel trailer with the right insurance policy.

Travel trailers are your mobile home away from home. As such, it is important to ensure you and your travel trailer are properly protected from the risks you face while enjoying life on the road. It's important to remember that you also need insurance to protect you from incidents that are outside of your control. You require a unique set of coverages to ensure you and your trailer are protected! Travel trailer insurance will keep you and your trailer on the road so you can focus on enjoying your travels!

What Is Travel Trailer Insurance

Travel trailer insurance is a type of personal insurance that protects your non-motorized recreational vehicle. It provides a variety of protection for you and your travel trailer. One of these protections is that helps protect the value of the trailer itself against a variety of threats, both on and off the road. It also protects the contents of the trailer. Whether you're towing around supplies, fun recreational materials, or a combination of the two, there's almost certainly something in there that would be pretty pricey to replace. Having the extra coverage provided by travel trailer insurance can help give you peace of mind that your valuable cargo will be protected.

When it comes to protecting your travel trailer, this type of policy provides coverage for the trailer in the event of loss or damage. Travel trailer insurance is tailored to your use of the vehicle and fills in gaps in coverage left by your home or auto insurance.

Who Needs Travel Trailer Insurance in Canada?

Anybody who has a travel trailer could use the protection that travel trailer insurance provides, as the low cost of a travel trailer insurance policy is worth the peace of mind it provides. What many travel trailer owners don't realize is that damage to your travel trailer or your auto insurance policy would not cover its contents. This means that in the event of damage due to a collision or other reason, you could be left covering the costs of repairs or replacement of your trailer, even if you have the best car insurance you can possibly get. This could be financially taxing and halt your summer plans to camp throughout Ontario. Travel confidently with the right policy for you.

Is Travel Travel Insurance Mandatory?

Travel trailers are not motor vehicles and thus do not legally require their own auto insurance policy. However, this does not mean that the trailer is covered by your auto policy. If you do not have insurance for your trailer and you experience a loss such as damage, theft, or water damage, you will be required to pay for these out-of-pocket. If you had the proper travel trailer insurance policy in place, this would be covered.

For example, let's say you are headed to Algonquin Park. Your trailer is vulnerable to theft, damage in a collision, vandalism, and more. If any of these happen and your trailer is left uninsured, you'll be paying out of pocket. Travel trailer insurance prevents this and will reimburse you if anything were to go wrong. 

What Does Travel Trailer Insurance Cover?

Travel trailer insurance provides protection from a wide range of perils that you may experience while out adventuring on the open road or camped away for the night. If you require additional protection, extra coverage can be added to your trailer policy. An insurance broker will be able to assist you in determining what coverages you need to ensure your trailer is properly protected based on your unique needs and concerns. At Morison Insurance, we're passionate about finding comprehensive insurance solutions for our clients' problems. We don't want you to be worried about an accident and what that could mean for your travel trailer. Rather, we want you to enjoy the freedom of enjoying the great outdoors in comfort.

Comprehensive Coverage

There are other ways a vehicle can be damaged aside from a collision. This is where comprehensive coverage comes in. This travel trailer insurance policy can cover damages related to a range of reasons, such as weather conditions, including hail or fast winds, damage from falling trees and branches, or if you hit a pole or an animal that walks out into the road. An added benefit of comprehensive coverage is that it can also protect your travel trailer from threats such as theft, vandalism and fire. Since, for a period of time, you'll be living out of the trailer, it's essential that you protect it from these risks.

Collision Coverage

This type of travel trailer insurance covers physical damage that happens when involved in an accident. This could be a collision where your vehicle collides with another. It does not matter if one or both of the vehicles were moving. For instance, if you slid into a parked vehicle, this would still be considered a collision. What's important to know is that collision coverage protects your travel trailer no matter who is at fault.

Water Damage Protection

Flooding, whether internal or external, can wreak havoc on your travel trailer. There are many ways a trailer could end up flooded. Maybe a faulty sewage line bursts and leaks throughout the trailer, or you get stuck in a flood while on the road. Water damage is devastating, so you should be prepared with the right insurance policy. Protect your travel trailer from water damage and gain better peace of mind with travel trailer insurance.

Contents Coverage

The term contents refers to personal property. This includes a wide variety of personal belongings that you have in your trailer, such as TVs, appliances, satellite dishes, and more. Property damage or theft can be devastating while you're on the road. Sometimes, they could steal something that has a low cost but priceless sentimental value. On the other hand, while some possessions are replaceable, the replacement cost can be financially overwhelming. For instance, if you work remotely while on the road and are forced to buy a new laptop or camera equipment due to theft, you could be strained financially. Prevent this headache by adding contents insurance to your travel trailer insurance plan. Please note that only items stored primarily in the trailer may be covered by contents insurance. Your travel trailer insurance policy would not cover items that temporarily leave your home and are only briefly in your travel trailer.

Standard Emergency Roadside Assistance

Being stranded on the side of the road because of a problem with your travel trailer. For example, if you get a flat tire while driving, you have to pay for roadside service. The same follows if you accidentally lock yourself out of the camper and require a locksmith service. However, with standard emergency roadside assistance as part of your travel trailer insurance plan, you can protect yourself from the cost of having to pay for standard repairs.

Campsite Vacation Liability

While there are certainly more perils out on the open road, that's not the only place where accidents can occur. Likely, if you're spending the warmer months camping throughout the province, you'll be staying at campsites. This opens you up to a few risks as well. For instance, if a fellow camper is injured in your travel trailer or near it while you're parked for the day, you could find yourself facing a personal liability suit. This is similar to if a person tripped and fell, injuring themselves while on your property. Liability insurance prevents you from paying out of pocket for medical and legal expenses in situations such as these. Legal fees, in particular, can wrack up quickly and really put a damper on your vacation.

Emergency Expense Coverage

Emergencies happen, and when they do, you need to be sure you're adequately protected. For instance, if your trailer is not parked correctly, becomes unhitched and rolls down a hill, or the entrance becomes damaged and won't open correctly, then you could find yourself stranded from your mobile home. You may not have access to shelter, food or water. Not to mention, if anyone was in the trailer as it rolled, they may have gotten injured. Emergency expense coverage will offset the costs of staying at a hotel while the trailer is repaired. It never hurts to have a little extra protection.

Optional Coverages

When it comes to your travel trailer insurance, there are numerous options available to protect yourself and conventional travel trailers further. Each of these allows you certain protections that can be accepted or declined on the basis of whether or not they fit your situation. This lets you choose a custom trailer insurance plan that is right for you. A few of these additional coverages include:

Loss of Use

This coverage is very useful in the event that an accident or problem has occurred and you're unable to use your travel trailer—permitting the incident is listed among the policy's insured perils. It provides a replacement vehicle and/or covers additional transportation costs as a result of your travel trailer needing to be repaired or replaced following a covered loss.

Legal Liability for Non-Owned Travel Trailers

Do you have a travel trailer that you rent out? Perhaps you have a stationary trailer that you lease while you're staying at your permanent residence. In this case, you need to have legal liability for non-owned travel trailers. This will protect you from a range of liabilities, such as if a renter is injured while using your vehicle.

What Isn't Covered by Travel Trailer Insurance?

As comprehensive as your Ontario travel trailer insurance policy may be, it doesn't cover everything, and there are some limitations that you should be aware of. It's also important to note the following exclusions can not be added to an existing insurance policy.

Lack of Maintenance

General wear and tear that could have been prevented through proper maintenance will not be covered by your Ontario travel trailer insurance policy. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, general wear and tear is a normal part of life. It affects all structures, from your home or business to your motorized vehicles. The same is true of travel trailers. As time goes on, it's anticipated that a certain level of wear will occur.

Additionally, as the travel trailer owner, it's up to you to make sure it's properly maintained to prevent damage. This includes taking care of the interior and exterior of the trailer. For instance, you can prevent mould by properly cleaning small shower areas and watching for rust damage along the trailer's side, or getting on the roof to ensure proper sealing.

It should also be noted that this counts both for the inside and outside of the trailer.

Intentional Damage

Naturally, if you purposefully damage the trailer, you will not be covered by your insurance policy. No insurance products are available that cover intentional damage—for obvious reasons. Rather, insurance representatives are in the business of protecting you against unforeseen accidents.

Criminal Acts

In keeping with why intentional damage is not covered by your insurer, neither are criminal acts of any kind. Rather, criminal acts disclosed to your insurance broker or agent must be disclosed to the appropriate authorities.

How Much Does Travel Trailer Insurance Cost?

There is a very large range for the cost of travel trailer insurance, as, on average, it can cost between $25 and $1,000 per month. For example, premiums for a travel trailer valued at $30,000 can cost around $46 per month, whereas a travel trailer valued at $100,000 would cost an estimated $161 per month. The cost of travel trailer insurance will vary depending on the year, make and model of your travel trailer. You also have the ability to add extra coverage, which will affect your travel trailer insurance premium.

To receive an accurate trailer insurance quote, contact our Morison Insurance brokers by giving us a call or completing the contact form at the bottom of this page!

What Factors Impact The Cost Of Travel Trailer Insurance? 

There are a large number of factors involved in determining your travel trailer insurance quote. As noted above, the cost of the travel trailer is the largest factor. However, there are many other things that can impact your premium. They include:

• Your claims history
• Your driving record
• The level of coverage you desire
• Where you live
• Where you bring your travel trailer
• How frequently you use your travel trailer
• What you use your travel trailer for
• The condition of your travel trailer
• Age of trailer

Please note that this is not a complete list of factors involved in determining your travel trailer insurance premium. If you would like a travel trailer insurance quote, please speak with your Morison Insurance broker.

Are there Discounts for Travel Trailer Insurance?

Yes, there are discounts available for trailer insurance, such as a claims-free discount and combining your travel trailer insurance with your home insurance and auto insurance. If you would like to know more about potential discounts for travel trailer insurance or would like a travel trailer insurance quote, please speak with your Morison Insurance broker, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What Do I Need to Consider Before Taking a Travel Trailer Adventure?

There are a few things to know before you embark on those highways, byways and country roads. These considerations include whether you should use a travel trailer or a motorhome, what type of trailer to use, and, of course, proper travel trailer insurance coverage. But fear not, fellow adventure seeker, we have got all the answers to your many questions.

Please also note that you must register a trailer with Service Ontario before taking onto a public road. This process involves receiving a license plate for the trailer.

What Kind Of Licence Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?

To tow most trailers, you only require a regular driving license, and if you don’t have your full G license, you need to follow all of the additional restrictions that come with said license. However, if you are carrying a trailer that exceeds the sizes mentioned in the Highway Traffic Act, you will require a special permit. The sizes are as follows:

• width: 2.6 metres (8’6″),
• length: 23 metres (75’6″),
• height: 4.15 metres (13’6″), or
• weight: determined by vehicle registration and the Highway Traffic Act

If your trailer exceeds any of the above measurements, you also require an Oversize/Overweight permit or O/O permit for short.

Can I Tow Two Travel Trailers In Ontario? 

Unfortunately, a non-commercial vehicle may only tow one travel trailer in Ontario, according to the Highway Traffic Act.

What Is The Difference Between A Travel Trailer And An RV? 

A travel trailer and an RV might seem like the same thing. After all, they're both places where you can live while travelling throughout the wilderness. Although there are many similarities between the two, it is important to note that they are not the same thing. An RV (recreational vehicle) can be driven on its own, while a travel trailer must be towed by another vehicle. 

What Are The Different Types Of Travel Trailers?

The different types of trailers include a travel trailer, a fifth-wheel trailer, a toy hauler, a pop-up camper, a pop-up hybrid, a truck camper, and a teardrop travel trailer. Each of these types of trailers has its pros and cons and is intended to be used in different situations. You can use the information and descriptions below as a starting point when deciding which is perfect for your needs. Make sure you know which type of get, as this will impact your travel trailer insurance quote.

Travel Trailer

There is no single travel trailer; rather, they come in many different variations. This makes them versatile, and you will likely be able to find an option in any price range. Just always keep in mind the Gross Vehicle Weight Rate (GVWR) and you should be just fine with this option.

Travel Trailer

Fifth-Wheel Trailer

This is a similar option to the travel trailer; however, the fifth-wheel setup provides significantly more stability while driving. This stability makes it one of the safest trailer options out there. Fifth-wheel trailers also provide more space, making them a slightly more comfortable option for living in. You can also fit more people in this trailer, making them a great choice for those looking to bring the whole family along. Prices on fifth-wheel trailers range, though they almost always fall on the higher end of the spectrum. Also, please be aware that a truck is necessary to tow a fifth-wheel trailer.

Fifth-Wheel Trailer

Toy Hauler

If you have a vehicle, such as an ATV, that you want to bring with you, a toy hauler has room for that. They tend to run a little more expensive, but that space makes them perfect for those who do not like to pack lightly—or for those who are embarking on a long journey across the country. Additionally, should you choose to live in your travel trailer permanently, a toy hauler may be exactly what you need.

Toy Hauler

Pop-up Camper

These act as a combination of a tent and a travel trailer. These are travel trailers with tent sides that “pop up” when you need them to. They are very light, will not break the bank, and are also referred to as tent trailers. You and three to seven other people can enjoy a trip in this trailer. Also, trucks are not required. You can attach your pop-up camper to just about any vehicle, making this a far more accessible option for most people.

Pop-Up Camper

Pop-up Hybrid

As the name suggests, this is a combination of the pop-up camper and the travel trailer. Unlike pop-up campers, these trailers come with an indoor shower—which may be needed, depending on your travelling style. They tend to run in the middle of the road when it comes to cost and can also be towed by some cars. Their size dictates how many passengers you can bring along, but you could certainly get away with eight campers, including yourself.

Pop-Up Hybrid

Truck Camper

This trailer serves a unique niche. Instead of being towed like other trailers, it attaches to the back of your truck. This is a good option for those who are nervous about towing something large. As the name suggests, a truck is required for this option, and prices fall on the middle to high end of the spectrum. However, if you decide to purchase a truck camper, you and up to five of your most deserving friends will be able to enjoy a good time.

Truck Camper

Do Travel Trailer Options Exist For Motorcycles?

Absolutely. Also known as the teardrop travel trailer, this little option is a great choice for those looking to hitch their trailer to just about anything with an engine. From truck to car to motorcycle, this trailer is great for those who are looking for a quick and easy getaway. It is also light on the wallet (as is the travel trailer insurance) and an always-appreciated bonus. The teardrop trailer is perfect for just one or two people who embrace the minimalist lifestyle. Call Morison Insurance or complete the contact form on this page and we will be in touch to discuss your travel trailer insurance needs!

Tear Drop Travel Trailer

What Are Some Great Travel Trailer Destination Ideas?

So. Now that you have your travel trailer and travel trailer insurance policy ready to go, you may be looking for some road trip ideas. As long as you follow all road trip safety ideas, you’re good to go, regardless of which destination fits your needs. From rivers and forests to lakes and waterfalls, it is hard to go wrong as far as destinations in Ontario. At any point, you are only a few hours’ drive from escaping the cities and staring up at the starry night skies. However, if you are just getting started, here are a few suggestions.

Did you know? There are over 400 travel trailer campgrounds in Ontario!

Algonquin Park

This is probably the best park for the new camper. During the summer you can swim in the lake and dry off by lying on the rocks in the sun. At night, you can enjoy a full view of beautiful night skies. Or, if camping in the fall is more your style, then you can enjoy the mosaic of reds, oranges and yellows as the trees begin to change colours. Algonquin Park is a great destination for those who are looking to get away from the city.

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Park your travel trailer alongside the largest of the Great Lakes! When visiting Lake Superior Provincial Park, you can enjoy views of waterfalls, rivers, beaches and valleys. In the fall, the forest lights up with the changing leaves, and you can enjoy activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. As visitors, you will also be able to immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous history of the area. 

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

At Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, you can enjoy views of the second-highest waterfall in Ontario (over 40 metres). You can also walk down to Kaministiquia River and the base of the falls, where the water has revealed fossils over 1.6 million years old. The park is open all year round and offers a variety of activities. In the summer you can go birding, biking and hiking. In the winter, trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. This is a destination for those who want to take part in numerous activities over their trip.

Where Can I Get Travel Trailer Insurance? 

Our Morison Insurance brokers are happy to help you with all of your travel trailer insurance needs to get you out on the road. We are proud to be one of Ontario's top insurance brokers and work tirelessly to find the best insurance coverage at competitive rates for our loyal customers. As a family-owned and operated business, we go the extra mile to make our customers also feel like extended members of our family. We'll take care of finding the right company for your travel trailer coverage and will diligently shop around to find you the best coverage options. Building lasting relationships with our clients is one of our top priorities. Through providing outstanding customer service, we aim to grow with you and adjust your insurance needs as they change.

To get started today, all it takes is a quick call at 1-800-463-8074. You can also get started by filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page, and we will have your travel trailer insurance quote in no time. We look forward to helping you feel safer on the road while enjoying all the natural beauty that Ontario has to offer.

This content is written by our Morison Insurance team. It is provided for general information only. Insurance needs differ from person to person, and this article is therefore not a substitute for professional advice about your individual insurance needs which can be obtained by speaking to one of our brokers.