ATV Insurance Questions?
ATV-411 Has The Answers
ATV insurance is a great way to have additional peace of mind, every time you ride. Just as your ATV gear helps protect you in the event of a mishap, so does an insurance policy for your ATV.
Many auto insurance providers will also offer a policy for your ATV, but in some instances you will need to look under their "motorcycle" quote button to find it. To make sure you get the most protection for your money, here are some key points to keep in mind and to check out when shopping for ATV insurance.
ATVs are three, four or six-wheeled vehicles designed and built to be used off-road. If your area allows ATVs to used on public paved or unpaved roads, make sure to mention this when asking for a quote. Some ordinances require modifications to your ATV to make it "street legal". These can include requiring the installation of a windshield, turn signals, special licensing from the DMV, and even DOT approved tires for paved roads. Be sure to check with the local authorities to make sure you are in compliance, so as not to void your ATV insurance policy.
Rates are specific to the type of the ATV (sport, utility, and 4x4) and to the driving history of the owner/rider. Typically utility ATVs have the lowest insurance cost, since they are used primarily for work type purposes. Sport ATVs are the next step up in cost, since they are designed for trail and track use, and normally 4x4 models cost the most, since they can go everywhere. If you have tickets or offenses showing on your driver's record, you can expect to pay more, just as you would for your car policy. Attending a driving school can help lower your policy cost, if you have a history of tickets.
The multi-ATV insurance discount for insuring two or more ATVs on the same insurance policy is usually available. Insuring two ATVs on the same policy is almost always cheaper than having a policy for each one. If the driver for the second ATV has a "bad driving record", it might be better to maintain two separate ATV insurance policies. No sense in you paying more for yours because of the other guy's record.
Safety apparel and helmet coverage can be included in the ATV insurance quote. This varies by company, so make sure to check into it. If your are involved in a crash, your ATV helmet will need to be replaced. And depending on the circumstance, you may need to get your pants, jersey, gloves and or boots replaced as well. At a minimum, you can get the helmet replaced with most carriers.
Key points about ATV insurance policies
A liability-only insurance policy is sometimes available. The rates for this type of policy will save money compared to a full-coverage ATV insurance policy, but it's just bare-bones coverage.Any damage or loss from theft, fire, or vandalism IS NOT covered.
Most folks think that their ATV is covered by their homeowners' policy. In most cases, and this varies from state to state, and from one carrier to another, your ATV is only covered when it is parked or stored in the garage, or other building covered by the homeowners' policy. If you park your quad in the backyard, 90% of the time it is not covered by your homeowners' policy in the event of fire, theft, or vandalism.
The collision portion of the ATV insurance policy provides coverage for collision damage to a covered ATV. This refers to a collision with another vehicle such as an ATV, car, truck, trailer, or RV. So if you crash into your buddy's truck at camp, your covered.
But if you crash into an out building, and have collision insurance, the bent frame, axle, and shattered plastic of your ATV would be covered, but you are responsible for the damage to the building.
Comprehensive ATV insurance provides coverage for losses including theft, fire and vandalism. Damage from a crash or collision is not covered, but if someone steals, torches, or otherwise vandalizes your ATV, that would be covered by the comprehensive portion of the policy. Theft is probably the biggest loss risk, since your ATV can easily be turned into a pile of parts and disappear forever. Or it can be rolled away and loaded into someone's truck. There are no serial numbers to track, except for the frame and the motor.
Property damage ATV insurance provides coverage for damage to property, by the insured, that belongs to another party. Remember that crash into the out building above? With this option the damages to the building would be covered by the ATV insurance policy, not by your bank account. Damages to fences, public signs, and such are covered as well. Property, other than vehicles, damaged by you, that belongs to other people (That also includes city, county, state, or federal property), is repaired, or replaced.
Medical payments provide coverage for emergency expenses not covered by any other insurance in case of a covered accident. If a crash results in the necessity for an airlift, ambulance, EMT fees, emergency room, or just a visit to the doctor, this is how you make sure you are covered.
Bodily injury provides coverage for claims or lawsuits arising out of injury that are the responsibility of the named insured. This will reduce the risk of your personal property being taken to settle a judgement. Be sure to check the dollar limits per incident and on an aggregate basis.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage provides protection in case the named insured suffers property damage or bodily injury as the result of an accident with a motorist who doesn't have any, or enough ATV insurance. Let's say you are involved in a crash, and the other guy is at fault. He did a couple thousand dollars in damage to your ATV, and has no insurance. Since you have uninsured coverage, your insurance provider fixes your ATV, and then they go after the other guy in court to get their expenses reimbursed. Your quad is fixed, and you don't have to spend your time or money to chase after him, the insurance company handles it themselves.
A Liability/Comprehensive/Collision policy provides the best policy available to protect an ATV and its owner(s). It will cost the most, but it is covers the most. And since insurance is all about peace of mind, don't skimp. When you combine the discounts offered for having full coverage, it isn't that much more expensive than basic liability. And you know your covered, whether you do something wrong, or if the next guy riding the trail does.
More types of ATV insurance
Specialty ATV insurance coverages are also available for ATV owners. Here are a couple more options you might to inquire about when requesting a quote. Not all carriers offer these, so it is wise to ask about them.
Towing and labor coverage provides assistance if a covered ATV breaks down and needs to be towed to a garage.
Custom parts and equipment coverage for your ATV accessories. If you have aftermarket parts like nerf bars, rims, shocks, exhaust system, or...? This will make sure that those parts are covered as well. Otherwise they may replace your Douglas wheels with stock steel units.
Replacement cost insurance coverage pays the actual cost to replace an ATV, not just the Blue Book value. This coverage has to be requested, and is not included with a standard ATV insurance quote.
Roadside assistance recreational vehicle insurance coverage can come in handy when a battery dies, keys are lost or a tire needs to be changed, while the vehicle is in use.
And I think that about covers everything about ATV insurance. Please remember that the laws and policies affecting insurance coverages do vary from one state to another.
Ride Safe. Ride Legal. Ride Again... Curtis