Whether you’re driving down to the beach for a caravan holiday, or pulling a trailer to transport stuff, it's important to know how towing and insurance works.
In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about towing a trailer, and how your car insurance can keep you covered.
- Can I tow a trailer or caravan?
- Driving with a trailer or caravan
- Is there anything else I need to do?
- Once you're on the road
- Does my car insurance cover towing a trailer or caravan?
Can I tow a trailer or caravan?
Yes. With a U.K. driving licence, you’re allowed to tow a trailer or caravan. You don’t need a specific ‘trailer licence’, or to take another driving test to tow something.
However, when you passed your test will have an impact on how much you can tow:
| Passed before 1 January 1997 | Passed after 1 January 1997 |
|---|---|
| Total vehicle and trailer weight of up to 8,250kg | Vehicle weight of up to 3,500kg and trailer of up to 750kg |
If you have a provisional licence, you can still tow a trailer. But you’ll need to:
- Have someone with you who has had their licence for at least three years, and
- Attach L plates to the trailer.
You can find out more about the restrictions on the government website. So, unless you’re planning to take your towing to the next level, it’s highly likely you’ll be able to hitch a caravan to your car and hit the road.
Driving with a trailer or caravan
Once you’re ready to go, you’ll need to know how a trailer or caravan will affect your driving. There are plenty of different rules and regulations you need to be aware of before you set off.
Firstly, you’ll need some kit to attach to your trailer and car. This includes:
- A 'type approved' towing bar. This means that it meets EU regulations and is designed for your vehicle
- Towing mirrors
- Trailer or caravan brakes, if you’re towing more than 750kg
- Breakaway cables. They will make sure that the trailer stops safely if it detaches
- A number plate that matches your vehicle, to attach to the trailer
- Working lights, indicators and reflectors
- Straps and covers to prevent anything falling off.
Is there anything else I need to do?
- Connection. You’ll need to make sure that the trailer/caravan is properly connected to your car before you head off.
- Roadworthy. Check that the trailer/caravan is roadworthy first. This means checking over the wheels, tyre treads, lights, couplings, and brakes, to make sure everything is working as it should. Tyre treads should be at least 1.6mm.
- Your car. Don‘t forget to check your car’s wheels and tyre tread before you head off. The extra weight will add more strain to your tyres, so they need to be in good condition.
If you’re unsure, get a free trailer safety check from the National Trailer & Towing Association.
Once you're on the road...
Make sure to stick to the speed limit. These limits are slightly different depending on whether you’re towing a trailer or caravan, and the total weight that you’re towing. The government website has a handy table, showing you the different speed limits.
Driving with a trailer can feel a little odd, and it can take some getting used to. Try to take corners a little wider than you normally would. If you turn too sharply, the trailer may cut the corner behind you. When it comes to reversing and parking, start by turning the opposite way to where you want to turn. This will turn the trailer in the correct direction. You can then straighten up and reverse into the space. It may take some time to get it right, so a bit of practice first may help you out.
If you find the trailer starts to swerve, don’t worry. Just ease off the accelerator and slowly reduce your speed. Swerving tends to happen if you’re driving too fast, or if the trailer is loaded incorrectly.
Does my car insurance cover towing a trailer or caravan?
With AXA Car Insurance, you’re covered for third-party liability while you’re towing. This means, should an accident happen while you’re driving with a caravan or trailer in tow, you’ll be covered for any injury or damage that you may cause to a third-party. However, this does mean that any damage to your trailer/caravan or anything inside of it won’t be covered. So, make sure you drive carefully whenever you’re towing, and stick to the speed limit to reduce the risk of an accident.
