I was towing my 13’6″ tiny home under a bridge marked 13’8″. I didn’t account for the new layer of asphalt the city laid last week. CRUNCH. The entire roofline was sheared off, destroying the rafters, the loft, and the metal roof. Repair estimate: $35,000. The adjuster asked one terrifying question: “Do you have a DOT permit for this height?”
Key Takeaways
- The 13’6″ Limit: In most states, 13’6″ is the maximum legal height. If you built your tiny home to 13’10” and hit a bridge, you were operating illegally.
- “Illegal Acts” Exclusion: Insurance covers stupidity (accidents), but many policies exclude damage resulting from “illegal acts” or “gross negligence.” Driving an oversized load without a permit fits this definition.
- Collision Coverage Applies: If you are legal height and hit a low bridge (driver error), this is a standard Collision claim.
- Trip Endorsement is Critical: As mentioned in previous articles, if you didn’t add the “Trip Endorsement” to your stationary policy, you have zero coverage for this crash.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Height Verification.”
Tiny homers often measure their height at the eaves, forgetting the chimney cap, the skylight, or the AC unit. If your AC unit is at 13’8″ and you hit a 13’6″ bridge, you are at fault.
While “At-Fault” accidents are usually covered, the insurer will scrutinize the legality. If you were required to have a “pilot car” or a specific permit for your route and you ignored it, they can deny the claim based on “violation of law.”
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I asked adjusters about the “Can Opener” scenario.
Progressive
- The Verdict: They usually pay, but they will total the unit quickly.
- The Catch: If the roof is ripped off, they often view the structural integrity of the walls as compromised. They prefer to write a check for the Total Loss value rather than try to rebuild a custom roof.
Foremost
- The Verdict: Strict on Trip Endorsements.
- The Reality: If you had the endorsement, they cover “Collision with an object.” A bridge is an object.
Commercial Hauler Insurance
- The Best Option: If a pro hauler hits the bridge, their “Cargo” insurance pays.
- The Benefit: It doesn’t go on your claims record. It goes on theirs.
[IMAGE: Photo of a tiny home roof sheared off at the front, exposing the loft framing and insulation]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Legal Height (13’6″) | Over Height (No Permit) | Pro Hauler |
| Coverage | Covered (Collision) | Risk of Denial (Illegal Act) | Covered (Cargo) |
| Deductible | Your Deductible ($500+) | Your Deductible | $0 (Usually) |
| Rate Impact | Rates Increase | Policy Cancelled | None |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Measure the Apex: Get on the roof with a tape measure and a level. Measure the absolute highest point (usually the chimney or smoke stack). Write it on a sticker on your dashboard.
- Use a Trucker GPS: Do not use Google Maps. Use “Hammer” or a Garmin Truck GPS. Input your height as 6 inches higher than you are for a safety buffer.
- Scout the Route: If you are towing yourself, drive the route in a car first if possible. Look for low branches and bridge signs.
- Remove Roof Obstacles: Take the chimney cap off before towing. It saves you 6 inches and a potential disaster.
FAQ
Does the city pay if the sign was wrong?
Maybe, but good luck fighting City Hall. You have to prove the sign was inaccurate. Your insurance will pay you (if covered) and then try to sue the city (subrogation).
What if I hit a tree limb instead of a bridge?
That is also a Collision claim (hitting a stationary object).
Does “Full Replacement Cost” apply to the roof?
Yes, if you have a Replacement Cost policy. If you have ACV, they will depreciate the roof materials, leaving you to pay the difference.