ATV insurance is liability and damage coverage for your all-terrain vehicle, also known as a 4-wheeler. These vehicles are meant for off-road riding and have the potential for accidents and injuries. ATV insurance closely resembles car insurance. You’ll find base coverage with similar categories, plus ATV-specific add-ons.
Unlike cars, though, not all provinces and territories require ATV insurance. In some cases, the insurance requirement may be waived if the ATV is exclusively driven on the owner’s property. Check with your local Ministry of Transportation to verify what your ATV insurance obligations may be.
If you do need ATV insurance, or perhaps want to opt for the added security, you can find coverage with many car insurance companies. While not all car insurance companies offer ATV insurance, you may also find coverage with independent providers who specialize in this type of policy.
When is ATV insurance a good idea?
You may need to evaluate how you’ll be using your ATV. For example, if you’re simply riding your ATV at low speeds in a backyard, you could opt for little to no ATV coverage.
However, you will benefit most from ATV insurance in these situations:
Competing in sports events.
Riding at high speeds.
Riding on public property.
Living in a province where ATV insurance is required.
When wondering whether to skip ATV insurance, consider that this vehicle type is known for accidents. In the event of an accident or rollover, the driver usually has minimal protection. Insurance could help cover damages and injuries.
What kind of coverage should I get for my ATV?
ATV insurance will help cover damages you would otherwise have to pay for. Depending on the province or territory you live in, you may be required to get ATV insurance. The following are some types of coverage to consider:
Liability. This insurance covers other people’s injuries and property damage if you’re found at fault in an accident, such as if you run into a neighbour’s fence. Provinces that require ATV insurance will usually require this coverage with a specific minimum limit.
Medical liability. Covers medical help if drivers, riders or bystanders get hurt in an accident. Consider medical coverage if you ride at high speeds or if you have health insurance coverage with a high deductible.
Collisions. Covers damage to your vehicle in a collision, even when you’re riding alone.
Comprehensive. Top ATVs might need coverage for theft, vandalism or random scenarios like falling tree branches.
Uninsured and underinsured motorists. Unlike car owners, you can’t expect ATV owners to have their own insurance. Consider this coverage if you ride with other people.
Equipment. If you attend many events, you might find this coverage helpful for other equipment related to your ATV.
Trailer coverage. You may want this add-on if you transport your ATV in a trailer. If your car gets into an accident while transporting the ATV, damage to your trailer and ATV would kick in.
Must read: How does ATV insurance work with car insurance?
If your ATV is involved in a car accident during transport, the car insurance is the primary source of coverage. The same goes for trailer coverage: you’re covered for damage to your ATV if your ATV is transported in a trailer and you’ve opted for trailer coverage under your car insurance policy. Whatever damages aren’t covered under the car insurance policy are assessed according to your ATV coverage.
How can I get cheap ATV insurance?
The cost of ATV insurance can vary widely, from a few hundred to a few thousand per year. Actual rates vary based on the driver and vehicle. You can lower an otherwise expensive policy by considering these insurance cost factors.
Make and model. Just like a car, an ATV’s make and model affect the cost of repairs.
Engine size. Small engines are generally cheaper to insure than larger ones.
Level of coverage. A more comprehensive insurance policy has a higher upfront cost, but it could save you money during an accident. You can also lower your premium by raising the deductible.
Driving history. Having a clean driving record lets insurance companies know you’re a safe driver.
Riders’ age. Many companies have a minimum age requirement. Others will charge more for younger riders.
Safety features. You could get an insurance break if your ATV has a GPS for theft recovery or a factory-installed anti-lock braking system.
Safety courses. You may get a premium cut if the driver or riders take safety training courses.
Let's say you compete in ATV sports races. During the race, you lose control of the vehicle and collide with another competitor. The accident damages the body and axles of both vehicles. In addition, you and the other competitor will need to get cleared by a doctor before racing again.
In this scenario, your liability insurance would kick in to cover your competitor's medical bills and ATV damage. Then, your collision insurance would pay for repairs on your own vehicle.
Finally, your personal health insurance would help with medical bills. However, if a medical problem needed specialized attention not covered under your health insurance, your ATV medical payments coverage would then kick in.
* This is a fictional, but realistic, example.
Do different kinds of ATVs need different insurance?
Although ATVs can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, most will be covered under general ATV insurance. However, you may want to discuss special coverage with an agent based on how you use the vehicle.
In addition, the type of ATV you use may influence your insurance premium.
Utility vehicles. ATVs that are made for work are usually less expensive to insure than smaller, sportier versions.
Off-road vehicles. Vehicles like 4-wheelers and dirt bikes often go faster and use a straddle seat position with little protection and likely cost more to insure.
On-road vehicles. Vehicles like dune buggies, golf carts and go-karts may go at slower speeds than off-road vehicles. While you may do some off-road riding, they aren’t built for all types of terrain. In addition, most include cages and seatbelts that protect riders during an accident.
Snowmobiles. Many insurance companies offer insurance specific to snowmobiles. This may improve your rates since you’re not accountable for risks associated with other off-road vehicles.
What’s not covered by ATV insurance?
ATV insurance may not cover you in the following situations:
No driver’s licence. Insurance companies often want the driver to have a valid driver’s licence.
Don’t meet age requirements. Your company may have a minimum age for drivers and passengers. It may not cover injuries to or damages by an underage rider.
Policy limits. Some damages may not be included under the coverage you chose.
Damage by an unnamed driver. You may not have coverage for drivers who aren’t named on your policy. But this varies by insurance company.
Damage while using an unnamed ATV. If you have more than one ATV, each one needs its own policy.
Bottom line
Regardless of whether it’s required in your province, ATV insurance could save you money in the event of an accident. Compare auto insurance options to find the best policy for your ATV.
Frequently asked questions about ATV insurance
The cost of ATV insurance varies widely. This is mostly because provincial requirements are different. Some provinces don’t require insurance or require only minimal insurance, while others specify higher mandatory coverage.
Other factors can also affect the rate, such as who’s driving, how much you ride or the model of the ATV.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies won’t cover ATVs. However, homeowner’s liability coverage might cover an ATV-related personal injury if the person injured was riding on your property.
The general rule of thumb is that you need insurance if you drive on public roads. ATV laws vary based on your province or territory. Check with your local Ministry of Transportation to find out what your insurance obligations are in your area.
Sarah George is a personal finance writer at Finder who’s spent the last four years wielding her digital pen on all things banking and insurance. Her know-how has been featured in such publications as CBS, CNET and Reviews.com, and she was a panelist in Finder’s 2020 money-saving webinar. Sarah earned an English education degree and is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance.
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