Q: Does a personal auto insurance policy, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage, provide physical damage coverage while the car is being hauled on a trailer?

Response 1: There was a time when the language in personal auto policies was nearly identical from one to the next. That time has passed. PAPs are unique, and therefore may contain unique exclusions. 

The “comprehensive” coverage under some policies only provides named peril-type coverage. If the policy is an ISO policy, the answer is yes, coverage would be provided. If any other form, I’d need to see the form to say.

Response 2: If it’s an ISO PAP in the coverage territory, the answer is yes.

Response 3: If the auto has physical damage coverage, it should have coverage while being hauled on a trailer. Look at the exclusions. If it’s not excluded, it’s covered.

Response 4: I've never seen a physical damage exclusion that would affect comprehensive and collision coverage when a vehicle is being transported. So, yes, coverage should apply. It's important to have liability coverage on the vehicle as well, on the off chance it is responsible for an accident that happens while it's being transported.  

Response 5: Barring some contractual arrangement with the hauler, coverage under an ISO private passenger auto policy should be the same, whether the car is driven under its own power or being transported on a trailer.

This question was originally submitted by an agent through the VU’s Ask an Expert Service, with responses curated from multiple VU faculty members. Answers to other coverage questions are available on the VU website. If you need help accessing the website, request login information.