Summer is the time for taking your off-roading vehicle for a spin. Make sure your off-road vehicle is properly insured beforehand! Off-road vehicles usually are not covered under your homeowner’s or auto insurance policy. Even if you are off-roading on your property, you may still need an off-road policy depending on the laws in your state.
Some vehicles that are considered off-road are snowmobiles, golf carts, ATVs, or dirt bikes. Many of the coverages that you may find in your auto insurance policy are similar to off-road vehicle insurance. These are the types of coverage you may need for your off-road vehicle:
Collision Coverage may help with repair costs if you damage your vehicle from hitting a tree, fence, or another vehicle. This is standard for most vehicle policies.
Bodily Injury Liability policies may help cover the cost of a person’s medical bill if you’re found liable for their injuries after hitting them with your off-road vehicle.
Property damage liability can help cover the cost of repairs if you damage someone else’s property with your off-road vehicle. This includes their vehicle or other personal property like fences.
Comprehensive coverage is a policy that may help cover the cost of repairs or replacement for your off-roading vehicle if it has been damaged from something other than a collision (like hail damage or a fallen tree) or if it is stolen.
Like many insurance policies, you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance will help cover the cost of repair. There are often coverage limits, which means that the insurance may only pay up to a max amount.
Depending on your location you may be required to have proof of liability insurance. Even if it isn’t required in your state, you should still carry it because you never know what may happen. If you were to injure someone or cause damage to someone’s property while on your off-road vehicle, you may have to pay out of pocket for the medical bills or repairs.
Off-Road Vehicles on Roads
In most states, it’s illegal to operate an off-road vehicle on a public road. Most insurance won’t even help cover the cost of repairs to your off-road vehicle if damage happens while operating on a public road. If you are transporting your off-road vehicle in a trailer then it may be covered.
You should always research your state and local laws and be well aware of what your insurance covers. Most state parks don’t allow off-road vehicles unless otherwise stated. If you happen to get in an accident and aren’t following the laws, then you will likely have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Many insurance agencies offer substantial discounts if you already carry an auto/home insurance policy with them. Consider packaging your insurance plans together to get the most out of your money. Reach out to one of your local insurance agents today to get an off-road vehicle insurance quote!