Throughout the Unites States, thousands of people own and operate off-road vehicles. These vehicles take many forms, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, go-karts, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers. Many people use off-road vehicles for recreation, exploring the nation’s natural areas. Others use them for transportation and cargo-hauling on properties like farms.
No matter what type of off-road vehicle you have and how you use it, these vehicles represent a significant investment. Protecting that investment is just as important as protecting yourself. With quality off-road vehicle insurance, you can gain valuable peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is protected no matter where the road takes you.
What is Off-Road Vehicle Insurance?
Sometimes referred to as ATV insurance, off-road vehicle insurance is an insurance policy designed much like automobile insurance. It serves as a means of financial protection to cover the costs associated with a crash or other accident – costs like vehicle repair or replacement, medical expenses, and even legal expenses.
There are two primary coverage areas and two optional coverages in the typical off-road vehicle policy. The primary coverages are:
Liability
This portion of insurance policy provides financial protection to cover the costs related to bodily injury and property damage if you should cause an accident aboard your off-road vehicle. This part of the policy also helps to cover legal expenses if you should be sued by someone else as a result of a crash or accident.
Collision
This part of the policy covers expenses associated with vehicle repairs or replacement should the vehicle become damaged or destroyed in an accident.
As with any insurance policy, optional coverages are available. These can provide enhanced financial protection for unexpected incidents and risks. Optional coverages include:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This optional part of an off-road vehicle policy helps to cover expenses if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to pay expenses.
Comprehensive Coverage
For incidents other than accidents and their related expenses, comprehensive coverage offers great protection. This optional part of a policy covers costs associated with damage or loss of a vehicle due to natural disasters (severe weather), theft, fire, or vandalism.
Insurance coverage typically protects the rider and passengers of a given vehicle. Check with your specific policy for coverage limits and exceptions.
Do I Need Off-Road Insurance?
Not all states require off-road insurance, unlike traditional car insurance. Most states, however, require some form of insurance coverage if a vehicle is operated outside of private property; in other words, if the vehicle will be used on public land like state or county parks, insurance may be needed. If you are purchasing your off-road vehicle from a dealer and use a financing option, your bank may require insurance coverage as well.
Your trusted insurance agency can help you select the right policy and options to meet your needs exactly. Insurance professionals have all the details when it comes to insurance choices, including specific state and local requirements. Off-road vehicle insurance is a cost-effective way of protecting your investment whether you use your machine on the weekends for fun, or depend on it to help get work done on your property.
