Off-roading brings new adventures around every turn, whether you are sledding on the back of a snowmobile or mudding down trails on your ATV or UTV. While owning an off-road vehicle can be rewarding, it also presents a risk. There are plenty of hazards that threaten not only the investment you’ve made in your vehicle but also your financial security and passenger safety. At Feldbruegge Insurance, we can help you insure your ATV or snowmobile, as well as yourself, against off-roading dangers.
Risks of the Ride
Each time you crank up your ATV, UTV, or snowmobile engine, you are taking on new risks. If you hit a pedestrian while riding, run into another off-road vehicle, or hit a car or fence, you could be held responsible for injuries and damages. There is also the chance that you could damage your off-road vehicle in an accident or injure yourself and passengers. Simply owning an ATV or snowmobile could put you at risk, even when you aren’t riding. If a fire destroys the garage you store it in or your vehicle is stolen, you risk losing its value and the money you worked hard for to pay for it.
Don’t Count on Homeowners Insurance
If you store your off-road vehicles at home, you may assume your homeowners insurance will cover you against damages and liability. In actuality, your coverage may not be so straightforward. Protections outlined in homeowners insurance are often limited and may leave you exposed to risks. For example, your off-road vehicle may not be covered once you leave your personal property. Likewise, there may be a limit to how much your homeowners policy will compensate you for a damaged ATV or snowmobile. At Feldbruegge Insurance, we always recommend purchasing ATV, UTV, and snowmobile coverage independent of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. ATV and snowmobile insurance can be tailored to fit your needs and minimize your exposure to risk.
Factors that Affect Your Coverage Needs
Your independent agent will work with you to find a policy that meets your needs at competitive rates. Many factors affect the price you may pay for coverage, from your riding frequency, location, activity, and the make, model, and age of your vehicle. Insurers will also want to know if you ride with other passengers.
Be sure to talk with your agent about ways you may be able to save on coverage. Some insurers may offer discounts for meeting certain criteria, whether you are insuring multiple vehicles, enroll in a rider safety course, or store your vehicle away for part of the year.
Types of Off-Road Insurance Coverage
Several types of off-road insurance coverages may be included in your ATV or snowmobile insurance policy. Some coverage types are designed to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle, whereas others are meant to cover you against liabilities for third-party injuries and property damages. Often, coverage is required to explore certain public and private trail systems, but even if you do not ride in those locations, insurance is still a good idea. We typically recommend a policy that protects you against a wide range of risks.
Common off-road insurance coverages include:
Physical Damages (Collision and Non-Collision)
If your snowmobile, UTV, or ATV sustains physical damages, it could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair it. If the damages are severe, the vehicle may be totaled beyond repair, resulting in a major financial loss. Could you afford to repair or replace your ATV or snowmobile out of pocket? Physical damages coverage helps protect your ride against accidents, as well as damages caused by non-collision events like hail, fire, and falling objects.
OEM Parts
When your vehicle goes to the shop for body repairs after a covered loss, an OEM parts endorsement assures you are covered for the cost of original equipment manufacturer parts if they are available. Without it, your vehicle may instead be repaired using after-market parts.
Equipment
Many off-road vehicles are outfitted with special equipment to make them more functional or attractive. If you have made any significant upgrades to your ATV, UTV, or snowmobile, talk to your agent about how you can cover special equipment.
Liability Damages
Even the most experienced riders can make mistakes. If you lose control of your snowmobile or ATV, for example, the results could be catastrophic. There could be property damages and injuries that lead to a lawsuit. With the right insurance, you can protect yourself against litigation fees and your financial liability for damages.
Trailer Coverage
Do not forget about your trailer. Your agent can help you learn which coverages can protect your trailer against damage and theft when it is stored or in use.
Medical Payments
Injuries are common on off-road vehicles. Some insurers offer limited coverage for necessary medical care when you or a passenger is injured in an ATV or snowmobile-related accident.
Towing and Special Assistance
If your off-road vehicle breaks down or gets stuck, some insurers may offer coverage for towing, depending on where you break down and how close you are to a road. Talk to your agent for more information and to find out if this coverage can be included in your policy.
Request an ATV/UTV or Snowmobile Insurance Quote
If you own an ATV, UTV, or snowmobile, make sure you are covered against potential loss. Contact our office today to find out more about these important coverage types and to request a quote. We look forward to serving you soon.