All About ATV/UTV Insurance: Is It Needed?
All-terrain vehicles or utility terrain vehicles, commonly referred to as ATVs or UTVs, are great for accessing remote areas or areas with rough terrain since they are designed for off-road use. Some insurance providers will put an ATV or UTV on an auto policy, others may have them on a motorcycle policy; but no matter how the policy is structured, one thing is for sure – having insurance for your off-road vehicle is important.
What does ATV/UTV insurance cover?
1. Liability
Standard liability coverages for ATVs/UTVs include bodily injury and property damage. Example: You and a friend are riding on your four-wheeler when you take a curve too fast. You lose control and crash into the side of a neighbor’s tool shed. Your liability coverage may pay, up to the policy limits, to repair or replace the neighbor’s tool shed.
2. Collision
Collision insurance refers to damages associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle after a covered loss. Example: You don’t see your ATV/UTV parked behind you and quickly reverse your pick-up truck into it causing some damage. Your ATV/UTV may be repaired, up to your policy limits, under collision coverage.
3. Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage includes damages from weather conditions such as fire or hail, vandalism or theft, and damage caused by an animal. Example: A deer runs out in front of you and unfortunately you hit it. The damage to your ATV/UTV may be repaired or replaced, up to your policy limits, with comprehensive coverage.
Exclusions from Qualifying for an ATV/UTV policy
All-terrain vehicle insurance only provides coverage for users who utilize their vehicles for recreational purposes. Therefore, racing accidents are not covered by ATV/UTV insurance. Additionally, accidents that occur on roads or state highways are generally excluded from ATV/UTV coverage since ATV/UTVs are not permitted to drive on the road. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but mostly, accidents on state highways are excluded from ATV/UTV insurance coverage.
What if I do not have ATV/UTV insurance and I am in an accident?
If you’re at fault for an accident and have no insurance coverage, you will be responsible for the damages. Many homeowners policies will cover property damage, but most homeowners’ policies have exclusions when it comes to motorized vehicles. ATV/UTV accidents can be pretty severe, and the vehicles are expensive to replace. Don’t find yourself wishing you’d bought an ATV/UTV insurance policy before it’s too late.
So, why should I get ATV/UTV insurance, and what does it cost?
You should get ATV/UTV insurance because the risk of not having ATV/UTV coverage outweighs the reward of the marginal amount of money spent in insurance premiums. The price varies and your premium will depend on what deductible you select, but your agent can get you a free quote. The cost of bodily injury or the replacement cost of an ATV/UTV far outweighs the cost of the policy pricing. We have a team of experienced agents that are willing to help. Call your local Alfa® agent today!
* All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the coverages, conditions, and exclusions.