travel trailer insurance requirements

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RV Insurance

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Make sure you have the right recreational vehicle (RV) insurance policy for your next trip. GEICO offers affordable RV insurance with great coverage for your needs.

We know you love the RV lifestyle – whether it's an RV, camper, motor home, or travel trailer. That's why GEICO's RV specialists are available to help you get the right RV insurance coverage for you.

Specialty RV protection on the open road.

RVers encounter unique situations on the road. With that in mind, GEICO offers these enhanced coverages in most states*:

• Motorized RV insurance
• Towable RV insurance

Learn more about the RV insurance coverages we offer.

Do you need RV insurance?

Most states require RV drivers to carry liability insurance, and the minimum requirements for RV are usually the same as for cars. Make sure you get the right camper insurance by educating yourself on your state's insurance laws and coverage requirements .

Protect your investment with additional coverage for specialty vehicles like RVs and travel trailers. Check out our special coverages to see how GEICO can help.

How much does RV insurance cost?

RV insurance costs depend on factors such as your state's insurance requirements, your driving history, and your needs. The deductibles, liability limits, and RV insurance coverage that you choose may affect the total cost.

The extra protection that comes with higher liability limits may increase the cost of your insurance. On the other hand, a higher deductible may reduce your RV insurance costs.

Unlock potential savings and peace of mind with RV insurance.

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RV Insurance Coverage With GEICO

Motorized rv and towable rv insurance.

Enhanced recreational vehicle insurance coverages include:

• Total loss replacement
• Replacement cost personal effects
• Vacation liability
• Emergency expense coverage
• Special windshield deductible
• Recreational vehicle medical payments coverage
• Medical payment coverage for a recreational vehicle

Travel Trailer Insurance

GEICO provides insurance coverage for these towable RVs and travel trailers:

• Conventional travel trailers
• Fifth-Wheel travel trailers
• Folding camper trailers
• Truck campers

GEICO even covers the toy-hauler you use to transport your motorcycle or ATV .

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RV Insurance: Get the answers you need.

• Do I need RV insurance? Absolutely, RV insurance is a smart move for protecting your home on wheels. Much like a car insurance policy, it provides coverage in case of accidents, theft, or damage. Plus, it often includes liability coverage, which is crucial for your peace of mind while you're out exploring the open road.
• How much does RV insurance cost? The cost of RV insurance can vary widely depending on several factors. It's influenced by the type of RV you own (motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, etc.), its value, how you use it (full-time or occasional trips), and where you're located. It's a small price to pay for the freedom and protection it provides as you travel in your RV.
• What RV insurance coverages are available? GEICO offers a range of coverages such as total loss replacement and vacation liability to protect your RV and provide you with peace of mind while on the road. These coverages are designed to address various risks and potential losses that RV owners may face. For more information on the types of coverage available, check out our RV coverages page .
• How do I get the best RV insurance rates? You can customize your RV insurance policy and find a few ways to possibly lower your insurance rates. You should consider whether you're storing your RV in a safe and secure location, decide how you will use your RV, change your insurance deductible, and more.
• How can I avoid common RV problems? You can't predict when a problem will occur but you can help avoid them with simple maintenance. You should check your tires regularly, keep tires properly inflated, replace the old sealant around all windows, and constantly maintain your RV. To protect yourself financially, you should also have RV insurance. For more info, check out our common RV problems page .
• What RV type is right for me? Deciding which RV is right for you comes down to personal preference and needs. Consider factors like whether you need a self-propelled or towed RV, the amount of weight your vehicle can safely tow, and the amount of RV space you need. For more guidance on selecting the right RV type, be sure to check out our help page .
• Where can I learn more about RV safety? To learn more about RV safety, you can check out our safety tips for RVs . These tips provide valuable information and guidelines to make a safe and enjoyable RV experience more likely. By following these tips, you can enhance your knowledge and take precautions designed to help financially safeguard your trailer itself and also help cover you financially in case of accidents or liability issues. So, even if it's not compulsory, it's a wise choice for protecting your investment and ensuring your peace of mind while you're on the road.
• What's the difference between motorhome and travel trailer insurance? Motorhome insurance is tailored for vehicles you can drive, such as Class A, B, or C motorhomes. It provides coverages for both the RV and liability that might arise while you're on the move. On the other hand, travel trailer insurance is designed for non-motorized trailers towed behind your vehicle. It provides coverage for the trailer itself and may also include liability protection. So, the main distinction lies in whether your RV has its own engine or not, but both types of insurance could help ensure you're well-covered during your adventures.

Please note:

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.

*Enhanced RV coverage is currently available in all states except: HI, MA, MI, and NC.

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The Wandering RV

When is rv insurance required what about travel trailers.

• Bill Widmer
• Updated: May 25, 2023

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You may be wondering…

Do I need RV insurance ?

The answer is that it depends . If you’re actively driving a motorhome, RV insurance is a requirement to be on the road in most states.

But if you’re storing your RV or you own a towable trailer, you don’t need insurance on your RV.

There’s a bit more to it than that, so let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

Do you need insurance on a camper, when don’t you need rv insurance, do you have to have insurance on a travel trailer, rv insurance faqs, other rv insurance articles.

In most states, both RV and car insurance is mandatory (travel trailers however aren’t permitted to have RV insurance – more on that later). New Hampshire is the only state that doesn’t require you to have either.

However, if you cause an accident, the state will demand proof of insurance or an ability to pay for treatment of up to $50,000 in injuries and repair of up to $25,000 in property damage. If you can’t, you risk suspension of your license and registration.

If your RV is financed , most lenders will require you to have full coverage RV insurance. They want to be able to recoup the money lent to you in case of a loss.

In some cases, a lender will take out a policy for you  and send you the bill in the event that you don’t purchase insurance coverage yourself. Lender purchased plans do come with much higher premiums and no liability coverage, so be sure to purchase it yourself!

Coverage requirements vary by state, so do your research before you purchase a policy. At a minimum, you need bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, that way you’re covered if you get in an accident and cause harm to a person or their property.

Typically, RV insurance is optional if…

• Your RV is towable (or if it’s a Class C and not driven) and
• You own your RV outright
• Or you live in a state that doesn’t require RV insurance (keep in mind that all states require RV owners to have a minimum amount of liability insurance)

Because liability coverage is extended from your auto policy when you tow an RV, your camper will be covered if it’s damaged while on the road!

But, this brings us into travel trailer insurance (and if you even really need it)…

The short answer? Not necessarily, no. Travel trailer insurance isn’t needed .

But is it important to have? Yes. 

Typically, your auto insurance policy will extend to towable trailers while they’re being pulled by the insured vehicle.

However, in order for your travel trailer to be covered by your car insurance policy, you need to have the towable RV registered in your name (meaning it needs to be legally owned by you, the driver).

Rented and borrowed travel trailers aren’t eligible for insurance coverage with your existing auto policy.

When you’re no longer pulling the travel trailer, your auto insurance policy will not cover anything.  Meaning, if you’re at a campground and someone causes damage to your travel trailer or if any falling objects smash into it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to fix said damage.

While travel trailer insurance isn’t needed, we do recommend you get a basic plan that at least includes one of the following:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Bodily injury insurance
• Personal effects coverage
• Liability coverage

The more coverage you have, the better! You never know when an accident will happen.

Read more about travel trailer insurance here .

Here are some common questions we’re often asked about RV insurance:

A recreational vehicle (abbreviated “RV”) is a motorized vehicle or trailer that includes living quarters designed for accommodation.

This includes motorhomes, coaches, campervans, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and truck campers.

RV insurance works similar to an auto policy, in that it will cover your recreational vehicle and the driver in the event of damage.

For a more detailed explanation, read how RV insurance works .

It depends on the type of RV insurance you get. For example, basic RV insurance will cover bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist, comprehensive and collision coverage, and medical payments.

Full-time RV insurance covers all of that as well as personal liability insurance and loss assessment. You can also add on replacement cost and scheduled personal effects, roadside assistance, and vacation liability.

For a more detailed explanation, read what  RV insurance covers .

So, how much does RV insurance cost? On average, you can expect to pay between $40-$80 per month on a 12-month policy.

However, it could be higher or lower depending on your annual premium cost. You can also get a 6-month policy, which would change your monthly payments.

Want to know more? Read our guide on how much RV insurance costs .

If you still have questions on your camper insurance , check out these other helpful articles on our blog:

• The 5 Best RV Insurance Companies Compared
• How to Get RV Storage Insurance When It’s Being Stored
• The Ultimate Guide to RV Warranties

RV Extended Warranties — Are they worth it? Everything you need to know

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Do I Need Insurance for My Travel Trailer?

As summer grows near, many Americans are starting to plan vacations. If you have a road trip on your list, you may choose to incorporate a trailer into your plans. But does this mean you need additional insurance?

Is Trailer Insurance Required?

Trailer insurance requirements vary from state to state, but in Texas, non-motorized vehicles, including trailers, are exempt from liability insurance. That said, trailer insurance, which can cover damages such as liability, theft, and vandalism, is still recommended, especially if your trailer is of significant value. This recommendation is underscored by the fact that trailers are often parked on campsites where flooding, strong winds, or other natural damage may take place, including damage by wild animals. Additionally, if you drive your trailer over rough terrain, it may further compound the risk of damages.

Trailer Insurance Costs

Much like in the case of auto and home insurance , trailer insurance costs depend on the value of the trailer and the contents that are being transported within it. Although small trailers that are only towed for additional storage may be insured at a very low rate, larger trailers with living space may fall into ranges similar to auto insurance.

How to Insure a Trailer

Even though a trailer is towed by your personal vehicle, it is generally not covered under basic auto insurance . However, most major insurance companies offer packages that can cover a trailer. The best way to begin is by discussing the trailer insurance with an insurance agent in order to evaluate risk and decide how much coverage is most appropriate.

RV Insurance

Because RVs are motorized vehicles, they are required by Texas law to be insured. To keep family members, possessions, and the trailer safe, a solid insurance plan should be selected for accident, damage, and theft coverage. Depending on the contents of the RV and the conditions in which you plan to drive it, additional insurance may also be beneficial.

Traveling and vacation are all about peace of mind, which may be hard to maintain if your trailer isn’t properly insured. For more information about our recreational insurance offerings , get a quote today by calling RG Insurance Agency at 956-702-2705.

Moscow, Idaho Tiny House Friendly!

A journey for full time legal living.

Moscow, Idaho is becoming a welcoming city for tiny houses with innovative creative solutions that can serve as a model in other jurisdictions.  I just ran across the most exciting article written by Macy Miller, the founder of MiniMotives and the Idaho proponent for Appendix Q Tiny Houses ,  the first state that adopted Appendix Q Tiny Houses.

Macy Miller is a mother, teacher, and architectural designer. She designed and built her family’s tiny house in 2011 which has been featured in TIME and Dwell magazines. After living tiny for four years and having two kids, her family downsized from their tiny house to a rebuilt vintage travel trailer to explore the U.S. National Parks. She remains a strong advocate of alternative living and small space dwelling.

She is now living legally, full time without looking over her shoulder, and now able to put roots down with her family. What a sigh of relief! Sharing her entire story below.

Moscow, Idaho Removed The 6 Month Restriction For RVs On 1/21/2020

RVs, Park Models, And Tiny Homes Allowed In Mobile Home Parks

The Moscow City Council removed the 6-month restriction of RVs in mobile home parks last night, through a unanimous vote. Park Models and tiny homes on wheels will also be allowed in mobile home parks in Moscow as well for full-time hookups year around. It was heartwarming to see supportive comments from each city council member.

Led by Mayor Bill Lambert, the city council also suspended the rules requiring three, complete separate readings, to be read by title, and published by summary. Mayor Bill Lambert” Ordinance number 2020 Days O1 an ordinance with the city of Moscow, Idaho a MunicipalCorporation of the state of Idaho, providing for the amendment at Moscow city code title 6, chapters, 2, 3 and 4 regarding amendments to the mobile homes parks and recreational vehicle parks chapters providing that the provisions of this ordinance are deemed severable and providing for this ordinance to be in full force and effect from the day of its passage approve and publication according to law. ”

Moscow, Idaho Abiel Mobile Home Community Allows Tiny Homes

Owned By Gary Lester, The Proponent Of The Ordinance That Removed The 6-Month Restriction

Did I Mention, We Legally Live Full Time In Our Tiny House Now?

In Macy’s Own Words:

Yep! That’s right! No staying up at night wondering if we’ll get the boot in the coming weeks and it feels so good. It feels like I can finally put down some roots and invest some time and labor into making my house more beautiful. I think I will finally plant that modified green roof I designed over 8 years ago!

Even when we moved up to Moscow it was with the expectation that we would only be here for a max of half the year. That is what the zoning on the property allowed and we could work with that. When Covid hit we decided to shift around plans and head up to do some work on the property. While up we received a notice that reinforced the time limit. I took this notice as an opportunity to work out a more permanent plan since the county reached out to me to open the discussion.

Frankly, I was not thinking anything would happen but figured it was worth the try. As it turns out, we were able to work out a solution that allowed full-time tiny living! I am going to include the text from my communication with the county after receiving the notice in an effort to help those struggling with any of this. If this isn’t important to you, skip down a little to see what we’ve been working on since gaining legal status!

Our communication

Good morning Michelle! I got your message. I hope this is the right email. We figured out the phone service I switched to is very spotty in Boise so my apologies for not being able to answer when you called. We are heading back up to Moscow and I would love to set up an appointment to talk through some questions/ideas I have re our parcel. We take every precaution but we’d like to have 7 days to quarantine just to make sure no Covid symptoms show up before meeting. Do you have time late next week or so that we can set up an appointment to chat?

In the meantime, I have forwarded along all of the communication I have had between various folks in your department over the years (below). Just to summarize though: We are completely aware that we are not to be living in the tiny house for more than 6 months in any 12 month period, that is completely workable for us, (we travel and have a house in Boise where we stay when not here). We are marking our days in a calendar to assure we stay within that bound while also trying to get some groundwork done up here for our future plans, roads, and such… We actually didn’t plan on being up here just yet this summer but Covid made us put a stop to the plans we did have so we came up here to work instead. As the second wave approaches we’re taking the notice from Eric as a potential door to open and see if there is a way we can find to be permitted to live in the tiny house year-round, or at least through this winter because of the pandemic? We see it as a much better option than going back and forth with a virus raging on, particularly after seeing how Boise is (not) addressing spreading concerns.

So, we have a tiny house that we moved up late last fall. I’ll note that the tiny house will not be our forever home on this property, eventually (3-4 years) we plan to build a mid-sized ground bound house. It is legally classified as an RV but it is built to IRC standards (my partner is a licensed architect, I have a master’s degree and a lot of experience working in the field). We’re not asking for any exceptions, but maybe there is a path forward that can work for the county? We know tiny houses are an odd topic. We’ve lived tiny in some form or fashion for the last 8 years and literally helped write and pass the IRC code appendix through the International Code Council as well as pushing it through for early adoption at the state level in Idaho. I would personally love to retain the ‘tiny house’ status instead of converting it to a ground bound structure but I am open to whatever makes most sense (assuming anything does). We were wondering if a Conditional Use Permit for the winter is an option?

I appreciate your time, please let me know if you have a space for a meeting after the 8th! Thank you!

In a matter of minutes this is what I heard back:

Hi Macy, Thanks for the email. Last week the Planner and I discussed your situation and think we have a solution for you. Coincidentally, it is one of the solutions that you offered.

We think the best way to address your situation is to have you apply for a conditional use permit for a one spot RV park.

While I understand your questioning the idea of an RV park, don’t let the name mislead you. There is no minimum to the number of RV spots in an RV park in the County and we are finding this is an effective way to allow longer-term use of one or more RVs on a property.

The issuance of a C.U.P. allows us to track and monitor RV sites, just like home sites, and helps us to immediately address any issues that we would typically address as part of the building permit or manufactured home placement process (C.U.P. process in lieu of a building permit). We also believe allowing as few as one in a “park” addresses some of the affordable and available housing concerns in our Comprehensive Plan.  It actually is a simple way to allow the Zoning Commission and staff to address many of the issues that come along with people living in an RV longer term, such as septic, garbage disposal, access to the property, driveway standards, addressing, etc..

The application is relatively easy and if approved could allow you to continue living on the property whenever you want until you can do something more permanent.

Establishing a manufactured home park (which would require a rezone, a boundary survey, and a very long list of requirements) is far more arduous. We would not recommend going this route unless you wanted to place manufactured homes on your property and establish a multi-lot manufactured home park.

You will need to work with Mauri Knott to make application for the conditional use permit. I have copied her on this email.  She will contact you to get you the links and/or documents that you will need to apply.

Also, we modified our ordinance over two years ago to allow spots in mobile home parks in the County to be converted to RV spots. We have only had one manufactured park owner take advantage of this. We are considering increasing the number of spots that can be converted for our next ordinance modifications.

If you still wish to meet, let me know.  Our office is currently closed to the public, but I am happy to email, talk over the phone, meet via zoom or have properly socially distanced mask-wearing meeting with you either in the courthouse or outside the courthouse at the picnic table. I am available most days at varying times.

I filled out the C.U.P. application and submitted it with $300. They made mention of my having experience in architecture because I didn’t just submit napkin drawings, which they would have gladly accepted. I partook in a Zoom style Planning and Zoning meeting. One of the five participants was hesitant to allow us but the other four easily convinced him it wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t even have to say much but ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’.

As a part of the CUP, we are putting in a septic system. Unfortunately, it was so late in summer and we had so much to do to get ready for winter that we didn’t get a chance to put it in before the weather turned. We figured we can survive the winter without septic (we have a year to put it in), we can’t survive the winter without water! So we got to work building our winter shed to store 900 gallons of water. We will get to work on the septic as soon as the ground thaws out. We’ve already got the size and location approved with the health department. It will also be able to be used for our eventual ground-bound house up the hill.

Link To Macy’s Story

Thank You Macy!

Sometimes all it takes is asking. Thank you, Macy, for forging a path!

Tiny House Alliance USA Editor The Future Of Tiny Is Now! Janet Thome Founder And President [email protected] 509 345 2013 Founder Of Tiny Portable Cedar Cabins

Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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What we know about the container ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge

• The ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday was the Singapore-flagged Dali.
• The container ship had been chartered by Maersk, the Danish shipping company. 
• Two people were recovered from the water but six remain missing, authorities said.

A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River.

A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just moments before the impact at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Baltimore first responders called the situation a "developing mass casualty event" and a "dire emergency," per The Associated Press.

James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, said in a press conference that two people had been recovered from the water.

One was uninjured, but the other was transported to a local trauma center in a "very serious condition."

Wallace said up to 20 people were thought to have fallen into the river and some six people were still missing.

Richard Worley, Baltimore's police chief, said there was "no indication" the collision was purposeful or an act of terrorism.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, declared a state of emergency around 6 a.m. ET. He said his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary.

"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration," Moore added.

Understanding why the bridge collapsed could have implications for safety, in both the shipping and civil engineering sectors.

The container ship is the Singapore-flagged Dali, which is about 984 feet long, and 157 feet wide, per a listing on VesselFinder.

An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said that the ship "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port, ABC News reported.

The crew notified officials that they had lost control and warned of a possible collision, the report said, per the outlet.

The Dali's owner is listed as Grace Ocean, a Singapore-based firm, and its manager is listed as Synergy Marine, which is also headquartered in Singapore.

Shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported that Grace Ocean confirmed the Dali was involved in the collapse, but is still determining what caused the crash.

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Staff for Grace Ocean declined to comment on the collision when contacted by Business Insider.

"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," Synergy Marine said in a statement.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment from BI.

'Horrified'

Maersk chartered the Dali, with a schedule for the ship on its website.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," the Danish shipping company said in a statement.

Maersk added: "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Per ship tracking data, the Dali left Baltimore on its way to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at around 1 a.m., about half an hour before the crash.

The Port of Baltimore is thought to be the largest in the US for roll-on/roll-off ships carrying trucks and trailers.

Barbara Rossi, associate professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford, told BI the force of the impact on one of the bridge's supporting structures "must have been immense" to lead to the collapse.

Dr Salvatore Mercogliano, a shipping analyst and maritime historian at Campbell University, told BI: "It appears Dali left the channel while outbound. She would have been under the control of the ship's master with a Chesapeake Bay pilot onboard to advise the master.

"The deviation out of the channel is probably due to a mechanical issue as the ship had just departed the port, but you cannot rule out human error as that was the cause of the Ever Forward in 2022 just outside of Baltimore."

He was referring to the incident two years ago when the container ship became grounded for a month in Chesapeake Bay after loading up cargo at the Port of Baltimore.

The US Coast Guard found the incident was caused by pilot error, cellphone use, and "inadequate bridge resource management."

Claudia Norrgren, from the maritime research firm Veson Nautical, told BI: "The industry bodies who are here to protect against incidents like this, such as the vessel's flag state, classification society, and regulatory bodies, will step in and conduct a formal investigation into the incident. Until then, it'll be very hard for anyone to truly know what happened on board."

This may not have been the first time the Dali hit a structure.

In 2016, maritime blogs such as Shipwreck Log and ship-tracking site VesselFinder posted videos of what appears to be the stern of the same, blue-hulled container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp.

A representative for the Port of Antwerp told BI the Dali did collide with a quay there eight years ago but couldn't "give any information about the cause of the accident."

The Dali is listed as being built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

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