Whether you’re taking your caravan down to the coast or pulling a trailer of garden clippings to the local tip, here’s what you need to know before you tow:
- Do I need a special licence to tow a trailer?
- Does my car insurance cover me to tow a trailer?
- What do I need to do before pulling a trailer?
- Is my caravan covered by my car insurance?
- What do I need to watch out for when towing a trailer or caravan?
Do I need a special licence to tow a trailer?
In short, probably not. Unless you’re planning to hook up an oversized and weighty trailer, your normal driving licence will be just fine.
You can even tow a trailer with a provisional licence. You’ll need to have an experienced driver with you and pop some L plates on the trailer.
You’ll find more information on what you can tow on the government’s website.
Does my car insurance cover me to tow a trailer?
Standard car insurance usually offers ‘third party’ cover whilst towing a trailer or caravan. This means you’ll be covered for the damage you cause to other vehicles, buildings or people if you’re at fault in an accident. However, you won’t be covered for damage to your trailer or caravan.
If you’re a Swiftcover customer, check your policy wording in your Swiftspace account for more information about your cover when towing. You’ll find a summary on our HelpHub, too.
What do I need to do before pulling a trailer?
It’s important to make sure both your car and your trailer are in a safe condition before you set off. If they’re not and you get stopped or cause an accident, you could:
- be fined up to £2,500
- be banned from driving
- get 3 penalty points on your licence.
You’ll need to visit the government website for a full list of safety checks you’ll need to do before you set off. By inspecting your tyres, making sure your connectors are all secure, and loading your trailer carefully, you’ll set yourself up for a tip-top towing trip.
For a more in-depth safety check, check out the National Trailer and Towing Association. They offer free safety checks for trailers from their trusted workshops across the UK.
Is my caravan covered by my car insurance?
Just like with trailers, your caravan cover will depend on who you’ve got your car insurance with.
Swiftcover customers will benefit from ‘third party’ cover. This means we won’t cover damage to the caravan itself, but we will cover injury or damage to other people, vehicles or objects while you’re towing it.
For more details about what you are and aren’t covered for, check out your policy documents. Swiftcover customers can do this in their Swiftspace account. You’ll find more information on our HelpHub, too.
To fully protect your caravan both on the road and when parked, look for specialist caravan insurance. It’s not compulsory like car insurance is, but it could offer you more protection than car insurance alone.
What do I need to watch out for when towing a trailer or caravan?
Once you’ve done your checks, there are still some things you’ll need to consider before you set off, and while you’re on the road.
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Check the weather
High winds and stormy weather can make towing especially difficult. Trailers and caravans with tall sides will catch the wind. This can make them snake, buffet or tip over.
It’s best to postpone your trip if the Met Office have issued a warning or the forecast looks blowy.
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Choose your route carefully
Country lanes, roundabouts and sharp bends will be trickier to navigate when pulling a trailer or caravan. Pick a route you’re confident you can drive safely, avoiding hairpin turns and narrow streets where possible.
If you plan to drive on the motorway, be mindful of which lane you’re in. If you’re towing, you mustn’t use the right-hand lane on motorways with three (or more) lanes.
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Mind your size
Be aware of the combined height, length and weight of your car and the thing you’re towing. You may come across restrictions on bridges, narrow streets and level crossings. Pay attention to the signs and find a different route if you think you could get stuck or wedged.
If you’re not sure how heavy your car and trailer/caravan is, you can have them weighed at a local weighbridge.
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Reversing
As well as taking turns widely, you’ll also need to go carefully when reversing with a caravan or trailer. You’ll need to turn your steering wheel the opposite way to where you want to go. This will turn the trailer in the correct direction.
It can be a little confusing at first. Take it slow and build your confidence by having a bit of a practice somewhere with plenty of space.
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Watch your speed
On some roads, the speed limit for cars towing trailers and caravans is lower. Check the government’s handy table to see how much slower you’ll need to go when towing.
When you’re on the road and you feel your trailer starting to snake from side to side, ease of the accelerator. You’ll need to slow down gently, so don’t break. Your trailer snaking or swerving could mean you’re going too fast – or it could be a sign your load has shifted.
Towing a trailer or caravan might be the first step on a big adventure - or simply a useful string to your driving bow.
No matter where you plan to go, make sure you check your car insurance, and do some quick safety checks before you drive. Plan your route carefully, keep an eye on your vehicle's size, and adjust your speed for the road and weather. With these tips, you can tow with confidence and make some great memories!
