🔗 Trailer Insurance

Trailers are one of those vehicles that often seem secondary, but can actually have serious consequences from both a financial and legal standpoint. Whether you use a trailer for construction, yard work, transporting a motorcycle, or as part of your business—it’s important to know that it must also be insured. Trailer insurance not only ensures protection for your property but also gives you peace of mind while on the road and when parked.

When is trailer insurance required?

Under Lithuanian law, trailers with a gross weight exceeding 750 kg must have valid mandatory civil liability insurance (TPVCA). This means that such a trailer—even if you use it infrequently—must be treated as a separate vehicle. For lighter trailers (up to 750 kg), separate insurance is often not required if they are used with an insured vehicle, but this depends on the specific circumstances of use.

It is important to understand that trailer insurance is not automatically included with car insurance—each vehicle must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What risks does trailer insurance cover?

There are different types of insurance, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs:

• TPVCA (Civil Liability) Insurance

  – Covers damages caused to other road users when an accident is caused by your trailer. This is mandatory insurance if the trailer exceeds the weight limit specified by law.

• Comprehensive Auto Insurance or Property Insurance

  – With this insurance, you can protect the value of your own trailer. It covers theft, damage, natural disasters, fire, and vandalism.

• Supplementary Insurance

  – If a trailer is used to transport valuable cargo or is adapted for a specific purpose (e.g., mobile retail), special solutions may be available.

Even if your trailer is parked in your yard or in a warehouse, there are still risks: a sudden gust of wind could tip it over, it could be damaged by third parties, or it could even be stolen. That’s why it’s worth considering broader insurance coverage.

How is the cost of trailer insurance calculated?

Like any other type of insurance, the cost of trailer insurance depends on various factors. The following aspects are most commonly taken into account:

• Trailer type and weight,

• Nature of use (personal or commercial),

• Frequency of use,

• Geographic area (Lithuania or abroad),

• Value and year of manufacture.

Short-term insurance is also available—for example, if you use your trailer only during the summer season. In that case, the insurance policy can be taken out for a few months rather than a year.

Important: If the trailer is new or expensive (e.g., a boat trailer or a car transporter), it’s worth considering more comprehensive coverage—such as KASKO insurance.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Is separate insurance required if a trailer is attached to a car that is already insured?

Yes, even if the car has valid TPVCA insurance, a trailer weighing more than 750 kg requires separate liability insurance. These are two different vehicles with different risks.

Do I need to insure my trailer if I only use it a few times a year?

If the trailer weighs more than 750 kg, then yes—TPVCA insurance is mandatory regardless of how often it is used.

Is the insurance valid when traveling abroad?

Yes, if the territory is specified in the insurance terms and conditions—this could be the Baltic countries, the entire EU, or specific countries. You must select this when taking out the insurance.

What happens if I cause an accident while driving with an uninsured trailer?

Your insurance will not cover the damages, and you will be solely liable. You may have to compensate for both property damage and personal injury out of your own pocket, and you may also face administrative penalties.

Do I need to insure a trailer if I'm using it to transport cargo solely for my own needs, not for commercial purposes?

Yes. Compulsory insurance is required for all trailers used on public roads, regardless of their intended use—whether for personal or business purposes.