Tips for Towing a Boat Trailer to Reduce Accidents and Insurance Claims

Owning a boat can make weekends and vacations fun and memorable. Follow these tips to help ensure that when you’re towing your boat you’re being as safe as possible to lower the risk of accidents and unwanted insurance claims.


Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Powerful Enough for Towing


Many people underestimate the amount of power they need to tow a boat. It’s actually better to overestimate the power necessary than to fall short. The general rule of thumb is you need at least 15 percent more capacity than the weight of the boat fully loaded plus your trailer.


This gives you a buffer for accelerating during a highway merge, for example, or climbing a steep hill without straining your vehicle’s engine. It also reduces the risk of trailer sway behind your vehicle, which can cause catastrophic accidents.


Invest in a Good Trailer System


Always use the best trailer you can afford, both to protect your boat and to enjoy smooth travel on the road. You want to make sure braking and signaling are integrated with your vehicle, so cars traveling behind your boat know when you’re turning, slowing down, or stopping. Other trailer features are nice, but safety should be paramount when making your selection.


Use Safe Driving Practices Meant for Towing


You can’t drive the way you normally would when towing a boat; instead, you need to use driving techniques meant for towing, such as:

  • Giving yourself a greater stopping distance to allow for the additional momentum you have with a boat behind you. Don’t tailgate, and slow down if you think you might need to stop soon, such as when you know a yellow light is imminent.
  • Remember you need more space when changing lanes. Signal first to alert other drivers, and make sure you have room between vehicles for you and your boat. Get in the habit of double checking with your mirrors and performing a shoulder check before you make your final lane change.
  • Use your directional signals liberally. If you must drive well below the speed limit, use your hazard lights (aka “flashers”) to alert other drivers.
  • In general, you’ll be going at or below the speed limit, so stay to the center or the right whenever possible, and let other traffic pass you.
  • Use pull-through parking, so you don’t have to deal with backing up with a boat.


If you don’t have a lot of experience towing a boat, it’s smart to practice in less busy areas before hitting the highway on a packed holiday weekend. Make sure you’re completely comfortable before putting yourself in more high-stress situations. Many areas offer boat trailering classes that are well worth it to give you more tips, practice in controlled environments, and confidence.


Protect Your Car and Your Boat With the Right Insurance


No matter where you’re driving, you want to make sure you’re operating legally and responsibly with the right auto insurance and boat insurance policies in case of an accident. Our independent agents at The Cusmano Agency can help you find the right coverage, so you can enjoy your boat knowing your vessel and the vehicle towing it are properly insured. Give us a call at 203-394-6645, or request a quote online at any time.


By Chris Uzzo June 5, 2026
Starting and growing a family comes with many exciting milestones, but it also brings new responsibilities and financial risks. Between busy schedules, growing expenses, and changing priorities, insurance coverage is often overlooked. Unfortunately, small gaps in coverage can create major problems when the unexpected happens. Keeping the Same Coverage for Too Long Many young families continue using the same insurance policies they had before getting married, buying a home, or having children. As life changes, insurance needs often change as well. Coverage that worked a few years ago may no longer provide enough protection today. Underinsuring Personal Property Families tend to accumulate furniture, electronics, appliances, toys, and other belongings quickly. Many people underestimate the total value of their personal property until they experience a major loss. Creating a home inventory can make it easier to understand how much coverage may be needed. Choosing Coverage Based Only on Price It is natural to want affordable insurance, especially with the expenses that come with raising children. However, choosing the lowest-priced policy without understanding the coverage can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs later. Deductibles, liability limits, exclusions, and coverage options all matter. Not Updating Beneficiaries Life insurance and other financial accounts often require beneficiary updates after major life events such as marriage or the birth of a child. Forgetting to review this information can create complications later and may not reflect your current wishes. Many young families delay purchasing life insurance because they assume it is too expensive or unnecessary. In reality, life insurance can help provide financial stability for a spouse or children if something unexpected happens. Policies are often more affordable when purchased at a younger age. Ignoring Liability Protection  As families grow, liability risks can increase as well. Owning a home, hosting guests, having pets, or adding teenage drivers can all increase exposure to liability claims. Reviewing liability limits and discussing umbrella insurance may be worthwhile for some families. Forgetting to Review Coverage Regularly Insurance should not be treated as a one-time purchase. Families often experience changes in vehicles, income, home value, and lifestyle over time. Regular policy reviews can help identify gaps and ensure coverage continues to match current needs. Insurance may not always be top of mind during busy stages of life, but having the right coverage in place can help provide peace of mind and financial protection for your family. Taking a little time to review your policies now can help prevent larger problems later. Contact us today to review your insurance coverage and make sure your family is properly protected.
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