If you have an ATV, UTV, or snowmobile to help you get work done around the house, travel around a large property, or just for fun, you need to protect yourself. ATV/UTV/snowmobile insurance can cover you for accidents plus theft or other damage.
Do You Have to Have ATV/UTV/Snowmobile Insurance?
Wisconsin doesn’t have a law requiring you to buy insurance for your ATV, UTV, or snowmobile. If you plan to travel to another state, check local laws before you go, since you’ll need to follow them. If you ride on private land, the landowner can require you to have insurance as a condition of you using their property.
Before choosing to go without insurance, you should think about the risks. If you spend thousands of dollars buying an ATV or UTV, you probably don’t want to lose your money if you crash it or it gets stolen. If you cause an accident with another ATV or hit a pedestrian, you could be sued for medical bills and property damage.
What Coverages Come in an ATV/UTV/Snowmobile Insurance Policy?
ATV/UTV/Snowmobile Insurance works similarly to car insurance. It has the same types of coverages, and you can choose which ones to select based on how you feel about your risks.
- Bodily injury liability if you hurt someone else.
- Property damage liability if you cause an accident with another vehicle, hit a building, or otherwise damage someone else’s property.
- Collision coverage to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage for theft and non-accident damage.
- Medical payments to cover your own medical bills after an accident. Even if you have health insurance, this can help with your deductible or things that your health insurance doesn’t cover.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage so you have a way of getting reimbursed if another driver caused an accident and doesn’t have enough insurance or other means to pay your financial losses.
Where Does ATV/UTV/Snowmobile Insurance Cover You?
Your ATV/UTV/Snowmobile Insurance generally covers you wherever you’re riding legally. If you’re trespassing or unlawfully riding on a public road, you may not be covered. This can include if you don’t have the permit that Wisconsin requires to ride in public parks or other public lands.
Further, some policies may limit you to certain types of terrain or uses, so be sure you understand the details of your policy. One common exclusion is racing — even for legal racing, you usually need to purchase special coverage.
Do You Have Any Coverage From Your Home Insurance?
Your home insurance may provide some coverage for theft, property damage to your ATV, and liability. Generally, this would apply if you’re using your ATV for yard work or recreational use within your property. If you use your ATV outside of your property, you should assume you have no coverage unless you’ve reviewed your home insurance policy.
Should You Take a Safety Course?
If you were born on or after January 1, 1988, you must have an ATV and UTV safety course certification to obtain a permit to operate in Wisconsin’s parks and public lands. Since taking a safety course can help you avoid accidents, most insurance companies will give you a discount for taking it even when it’s not required by law.
How Are ATV, UTV, and Snowmobile Policies Different?
ATV, UTV, and snowmobile policies all have similar coverage and may be sold under the same policy name. Like car insurance, pricing may vary based on what type of vehicle you have and even between brands within the same type. That’s because how you’re able to use your vehicle, how fast it goes, and its safety features all impact your insurance risk.
How Do Insurance Companies Set ATV, UTV, and Snowmobile Insurance Prices?
There are several factors that go into insurance pricing.
- The type of vehicle you have.
- Your claims history.
- Your driving record. This includes both any ATV, UTV, and snowmobile accidents you’ve had as well as accidents and tickets you’ve had in your car.
- How and where you use your vehicle.
- The deductible you choose.
- Any safety features you have.
Even though you can find average prices online, two people will rarely pay the same amount even for the same vehicle. To get an exact price, you have to request a quote.
What Other Discounts Are Available?
Like other types of insurance, there are several standard discounts you may be eligible for. These can include the following.
- Being a safe driver.
- Bundling with other types of insurance.
- Paying your policy premium in full.
- Having multiple vehicles on the same policy.
- Maintaining continuous coverage with the same insurance company.
Available discounts and eligibility requirements vary by the insurance company, so always check with each provider.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent can help you figure out what coverage you need and where to find the best rate. innovante insurance works with many insurance companies and can help you compare your options. Call now to schedule an appointment, request more information, or start your quote.