One thing I've noticed since moving over here is that people often leave trailers outside their house unhitched to anything. Back home you would get a ticket because the trailer isn't insured on the public highway unless it's hooked up to something.

So these people I see leaving boats, ATV's, etc outside on the street are they uninsured and therefore if I hit one I suppose I'd have sue them?

I believe that if a trailer is legally registered and left on side of road in front the owners dwelling it is legal and considered a none moving motor vehicle,,, as long as it is not in violation of any local laws..

If someone were to hit the parked trailer the accident would be the fault of the operator of moving vehicle...

I may be wrong but that is how things work around here...

Would seem like a good way to lose a boat

Around here most cities have ordinances against leaving trailers, boats etc. parked on the street. Some places have like '3-day rules', some have 'immediate use only' rules. Most rules typically depend on how well your neighbors like you!


BUT--I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter if something is supposed to be parked somewhere or not, if you're driving something and hit it, it's YOUR fault! (tie goes to the vehicle with nobody in charge of controlling it)

I think in most cases, if it is being towed, it is covered under automotive insurance. If it is off the tow vehicle, it is covered under separate or homeowner's insurance.

In a lower end neighborhood, there are some beat up pop-up campers unhitched on the street. Someone hit the back left corner and spun the pop up around and made a nice size hole in the corner. To me seeing pop-ups and even boats unhitched in the street is unsightly. If the trailer is registered, I suspect you are alright

I park my boat in the side yard.

Other evening we had our 3 vehicles, daughter's boyfriend's Jeep, 2 or 3 of her friends cars, brother-in-law's little Suzuki truck, camper, boat, utility trailer, boy scout trailer and a towable grill all in the back yard! Glad we don't HOA restrictions! Front and side yards were clear though

Oh...and 4 bikes and 1 riding mower

Them being on the street legally, illegally, insured, or uninsured doesn't matter. If you hit one, your insurance (or you personally) are liable for the damages that you cause to their property. And for the damage to your own.

I used to get this all the time from Insureds. "Well, yeah I hit that parked car, but it was illegally parked. I shouldn't be at fault." Sorry, game over, thanks for playing! Just cause it's not sitting exactly where it is supposed to be doesn't mean you can just plow into it!

Does that apply to the neighbors dog too?

Actually it does. If you hit your neighbors dog while driving on the street (or in their yard) your vehicle's comprehensive coverage will apply.

With the front end of a trailer facing oncoming traffic,there are no reflectors or lenses facing a driver to reflect their headlights.I could see that as being a dangerous condition caused by the owner of the trailer.Any thoughts? Tommy

In sunny CA, you can leave a LICENSED vehicle on the street for three days without moving it.

A licensed vehicle is any vehicle or detached trailer with valid CA plates attached. Boats, travel trailers, tent trailers, cargo trailers, etc...

The catch is that the three day clock really doesn't start until you get tagged with a warning notice by the CHP or local jursidiction. The warning notice gives you three days.

Most folks who want to kink the system just tow the trailer around the block once every few days, or when they are tagged.

If folks live in an HOA, all bets are off. You have to live by their rules.

But of course, they knew that prior to buying there, so no whining is allowed...