I was towing my 5th wheel down I-40 when I hit a massive pothole. The hitch failed (high hitch), and the trailer slammed down onto my truck bed, crushing the bed rails and the nose of the trailer. It then disconnected completely and skidded into the guardrail. I was safe, but my truck and trailer were wrecked.
Key Takeaways
- Two Deductibles: In a towing accident, you often have to pay two deductibles: one for the truck (Collision) and one for the trailer (Collision).
- “Collision” includes the Road: The trailer hitting the road/guardrail is a Collision claim.
- Bed Damage is Truck Policy: The damage the trailer did to the pickup truck bed is covered by the Truck’s policy.
- Liability Only Applies if You Hit Others: If the trailer hit a minivan, your Truck’s Liability covers the minivan. It does not cover the trailer itself.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Connected Vehicle Coverage.”
Many people assume “Full Coverage” on the truck covers the trailer. It does not.
- Truck Policy: Covers the truck and Liability for what the trailer hits.
- Trailer Policy: Covers the physical damage to the trailer itself.
If you don’t have comprehensive/collision on the trailer (only liability), and it falls off and is destroyed, you get $0 for the trailer.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the Claims Process)
I analyzed how this nightmare scenario plays out.
The “High Hitch” Error
- The Cause: Driver error (failed to latch the kingpin).
- The Coverage: Insurance does cover stupidity/accidents. They will pay.
- The Cost: It will be an “At-Fault Collision” claim, raising your rates.
Mechanical Failure
- The Cause: The hitch mechanism snapped due to a defect.
- The Coverage: Insurance pays for the resulting damage (truck bed, trailer nose) but not for the broken hitch itself (mechanical breakdown).
[IMAGE: Photo of a pickup truck with “bed rail crush” damage caused by a dropped 5th wheel]
Comparison Table
| Damage Item | Covered By | Deductible Applies? |
| Pickup Truck Bed | Truck Collision Policy | Yes (Truck Deductible) |
| Trailer Nose/Frame | Trailer Collision Policy | Yes (Trailer Deductible) |
| Guardrail/Road | Truck Liability Policy | No Deductible |
| The Hitch Itself | Not Covered (unless added) | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Verify Trailer Collision: Check your trailer policy. Does it have “Collision”? If it is “Liability Only,” you have no coverage for a drop.
- Buy a “Bed Saver”: For 5th wheels, products like Blue Ox BedSaver catch the kingpin if it drops, saving your bed and trailer. Cost: $400. Insurance deductible: $1,000. Do the math.
- Pull Test Every Time: Never drive off without holding the trailer brake and pulling the truck forward to ensure the jaws are locked.
- Bundle Policies: If you insure truck and trailer with the same carrier (e.g., Progressive), they often have a “Single Deductible” clause. You only pay one deductible for the whole event instead of two.
FAQ
Does my truck warranty cover the hitch?
Only if it was a factory-installed puck system that failed. Aftermarket hitches (B&W, Curt) have their own warranties.
Is this considered a “Collision” or “Comprehensive”?
Collision. You (the vehicle) collided with the trailer/road.