I woke up and my driveway was empty. My Ford F-150 was there, but my 22-foot Bayliner and its trailer were gone. I called my Auto Insurance (since it’s a vehicle on wheels). They said, “We don’t cover the boat.” I called my Homeowners. They said, “Motor vehicle exclusion.” I called my Boat Insurance. They said, “Did you have a trailer lock?”
Key Takeaways
- The “Who Pays What” Matrix:
- Auto Insurance: Covers the trailer only (maybe) and only for liability while towing. Usually pays $0 for the stolen boat.
- Homeowners: Usually excludes boats/trailers or has a tiny cap ($1,500).
- Boat Insurance: This is the one you need. It covers the Hull and the Trailer for theft.
- The Lock Warranty: Many boat policies have a warranty stating the trailer must be locked with a “commercial grade trailer lock” or “stored in a locked enclosure” when unattended. No lock = No coverage.
- Trailer Valuations: Factory trailers are expensive. A custom aluminum trailer can be $8,000. Ensure your policy lists the trailer separately or includes it in the “Total Insured Value.”
- Unattached Trailer: If the trailer is stolen without the boat (e.g., at the boat ramp), Auto insurance often denies it because it wasn’t “attached” to the towing vehicle. Boat insurance is needed here.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Bundling Confusion.”
You assume because you have Auto/Home/Boat with one company (e.g., Progressive), they will figure it out. But they are separate contracts.
The Auto Policy excludes “Watercraft.”
The Home Policy excludes “Motor Vehicles and Trailers.”
You need a specific Marine Policy that lists “Boat: $30k” and “Trailer: $5k.”
The Investigation (I Checked the Fine Print)
- Progressive Boat: Covers boat and trailer.
- Geico Auto: “Liability extends to trailer while towing.” Physical damage to trailer requires specific addition.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Auto Policy | Home Policy | Boat Policy |
| Trailer Stolen (No Boat) | Maybe (if listed) | No | Yes |
| Boat Stolen (On Trailer) | No | No | Yes |
| Trailer Hits Car (Liability) | Yes (While towing) | No | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- File Police Report: You need the VIN of the trailer and the HIN of the boat. These are entered into NCIC.
- Produce the Lock Receipt: If the insurer challenges you on the “Lock Warranty,” show them the receipt or photo of the Coupler Lock you used.
- [IMAGE: Photo of a heavy-duty yellow trailer coupler lock installed]
- Check Neighbors’ Cameras: Speed is key. Boats are often stripped of engines within 24 hours.
- Verify Trailer VIN: Go check your paperwork now. Many people never registered the trailer or lost the title. You can’t claim theft if you can’t prove ownership.
FAQ
Does a wheel boot count as a lock?
Yes, usually better than a tongue lock.
What if I stored it at a storage yard?
Ensure the storage yard is listed as a “Principal Place of Mooring/Storage” if required by the policy.