You are on a road trip to Hatfield-McCoy. You stop at a hotel for the night. You leave the RZRs on the open trailer. You wake up, and the trailer is empty. Chains cut. You call insurance. They ask, “Was the trailer in a locked garage?”
Key Takeaways
- The “Locked Storage” Clause: Some discount policies require the vehicle to be in a locked building between 10 PM and 6 AM.
- Proof of Locking: You must prove you used an anti-theft device (chains, hitch lock).
- The Trailer vs. The ATV: The ATV policy covers the ATV theft. The Trailer policy covers the trailer. Two deductibles.
- Hotel Liability: The hotel is almost never liable. Those “Park at your own risk” signs are legally binding in most cases.
The “Why” (The Trap): “In Transit” Security
Insurers know that open trailers at hotels are buffets for thieves.
The Trap: If you didn’t chain the ATVs to the trailer, the insurer might argue you failed to “protect the property.”
Also, if you only have “Comprehensive” on the trailer but not the ATVs (thinking your homeowner’s covers them—it doesn’t), you are out $20k per ATV.
The Investigation: Assessing the Loss
I checked how theft claims are handled.
- Video Evidence: In 2026, ring cameras and hotel surveillance are everywhere. The adjuster will request footage. If the footage shows the keys were left in the ignition (common mistake!), claim denied.
- Recovered Vehicles: If the police find the stripped frame 3 weeks later, it’s still a total loss, but the title branding gets messy.
Comparison Table: Theft Protection
| Scenario | Coverage Status | Deductible |
| Stolen from Garage (Home) | Covered | Standard |
| Stolen from Hotel (Locked) | Covered | Standard |
| Stolen from Hotel (Keys in it) | Denied (Negligence) | N/A |
| Stolen from Open Field | Check Policy | High |
[IMAGE: Photo of an empty flatbed trailer with cut chains lying on the deck]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- GPS Trackers: In 2026, hiding an AirTag is amateur hour. Use a hardwired GPS tracker (like Spot or Garmin). It aids recovery and proves you took security seriously.
- Back It In: Back your trailer against a wall so the ramp cannot be lowered.
- Run a Chain Through the Frame: Don’t just chain the wheels (they can remove wheels). Chain the frame to the trailer.
- Police Report ASAP: You cannot file a theft claim without a police report number.
FAQ
Does homeowners insurance cover ATVs stolen from a hotel?
NO. Homeowners policies strictly exclude “Motor Vehicles” regardless of where they are stolen. You must have a specific ATV policy.