Do I need different car insurance for off-road vehicles?

Many people enjoy riding dirt bikes, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles. However, if you enjoy hitting the trails, don’t make a crucial error when insuring these vehicles. They are under the mistaken impression that their auto policy or homeowners insurance will cover damages caused to or by their operation of these vehicles.

This is not the case, and if you do not have a separate insurance policy for your off-road vehicle, you could find yourself paying for the cost of replacing your bike or four-wheeler yourself or even be liable for damages caused by the operation of the vehicle.

But don’t despair, you can still find a cheap car insurance company that will cover your off-road vehicles.

What insurance coverage do you need for off-road vehicles?

Most homeowners and auto insurance policies do not have options that cover any type of recreational or off-road vehicle, either for physical damage or liability. In order to be properly insured for off-roading, you will need separate insurance for your off-road vehicle which includes several types of coverage. But how do you get insurance to cover your ATV or other off-road vehicles?

Fortunately, most companies allow you to add these additional coverages as riders to your regular automobile insurance, or take out a separate policy and qualify for a low price under the “multi-line” discount. You may even save money on your regular car insurance!

Check with your car insurance agent to see what insurance discounts may be available or get an insurance quote from another insurance agency to get the best insurance rate possible.

To be fully insured with your off-road vehicle, you should have, at a minimum:

Bodily Injury Liability

This type of insurance protects you if you are at fault in an accident with your off-road vehicle and cause injury to another person. This type of coverage usually pays the other person’s medical expenses.

Property Damage Liability

If you hit another vehicle, a fence, a house, or any other type of property, property damage liability will cover the costs of replacing these items

Collision Coverage

If you cause an accident with your off-road vehicle, this type of coverage will pay for the physical damage to your vehicle. If someone else causes the accident, their liability insurance will have to pay for your damages.

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

If your off-road vehicle is damaged by anything other than an accident, comprehensive insurance will cover the cost to replace or repair the vehicle. Examples of situations covered by comprehensive insurance would be damage from a fire, flood, tornado, or theft of your off-road vehicle.

You can even get optional coverage, such as towing, for your off-road vehicle with many companies. Some companies will offer uninsured motorist coverage in case someone who does not have insurance hits and damages your off-road vehicle.

Off-road vehicles which are eligible for these types of policies usually include four-wheelers, three-wheelers, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, golf carts, dune buggies, and any other motorized vehicle not intended for on-road use. Most non-motorized vehicles are not considered off-road vehicles for insurance purposes.

Will my off-road car insurance also cover use on typical roads?

Be careful when operating your off-road vehicle; many insurance companies specify that you are only covered for off-road use, and will not pay damages if you ride your vehicle on a public highway.

In most states, it is illegal to operate such a vehicle on a public road, so be sure to understand your state and local laws and the limitations of your insurance policy regarding your off-road vehicle.

Many companies offer significant discounts if you insure your off-road vehicle with the same insurer as your automobile insurance. For example, Allstate offers a discount of up to 40 percent on the price of off-road vehicle insurance if your car and house are already insured with Allstate.

Farmers insurance offers 10% off multi-line policies, and Geico offers special discounts for anti-theft devices installed on off-road vehicles, as well as multi-policy discounts.

In order to find the best prices for your off-road vehicle insurance, it is important to compare prices not only from your current insurance agency but from others as well. It may be that you can find a suitable policy cheaper with another company, although it is likely that your current company will offer you a good price.

Of course, the price you get on your off-road vehicle insurance, like that of your car and other policies, will depend on your claim history, driving record, age, and other deciding factors.

Case Studies: Importance of Separate Insurance Coverage for Off-Road Vehicles

Case Study 1: John’s ATV Insurance

John is an avid off-road enthusiast who recently purchased a new ATV. He assumed that his auto insurance policy would cover any damages or liability related to his ATV. However, after an accident on the trail, he realized that his auto insurance policy did not provide coverage for off-road vehicles.

As a result, he was personally responsible for the costs of repairing his ATV and any damages caused to others. John learned the importance of obtaining separate insurance coverage for his off-road vehicle.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Dirt Bike Coverage

Sarah owns a dirt bike and enjoys riding it on various off-road terrains. When she initially contacted her insurance agent to inquire about coverage, she was surprised to learn that her existing homeowners insurance did not extend to her dirt bike.

She took the necessary steps to obtain a separate insurance policy for her off-road vehicle, ensuring that she had coverage for both physical damage and liability.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Snowmobile Insurance

Mark loves exploring snowy landscapes on his snowmobile during the winter months. However, he was unaware that his standard auto insurance policy did not provide coverage for his snowmobile.

After conducting research and comparing quotes from different insurance companies, Mark found a suitable policy that offered comprehensive coverage for his snowmobile at an affordable price. He now rides with peace of mind, knowing that he is adequately insured.