ATVs, dirt bikes, golf carts, and snowmobiles make for pretty exciting outdoor fun. But without proper protection your off-roading adventures may lead to off the chart expenses.
Coverage Considerations
Policies for these types of vehicles can differ significantly from insurance carrier to carrier and state to state. Therefore it is important to talk with your insurance advisor about your specific toys and how you plan to use them.
Do you intending on only driving these vehicles on your property? Most likely not. You purchased the golf cart with the intent of driving around the neighborhood, or the ATV to go off-roading on local trails, not just on your property. Because of this, it is critical to have both on and off premises liability coverage. This coverage is not automatically included on your policy – do not overlook it!
Let’s consider a couple examples of where not having off premises liability can lead to hefty out of pocket expenses:
As with a car, if you let someone borrow your ATV or other recreational toy, they drive it off of your property and get injured, they could sue you for damages. You would not have proper liability coverage and would be forced to pay out of pocket.
What else should you consider when thinking about your coverage?
- Is your outdoor toy registered? Some states require registration of vehicles such as golf carts.
- As a general rule, any type of racing involving an ATV, dirt bike, or similar is considered an exclusion on your policy. If you do intend on racing, then be sure to talk with your advisor to find a carrier and policy that will cover such activities.
Be Safe
In order to avoid hazards, it is important to understand your recreational vehicle and techniques for safe riding. The following are a few resources to consider:
- Offroad Ed provides safety education for ATVs and is approved by many states.
- The American Motorcyclist Association offers tips on getting started with dirt bike riding.
- For snowmobile safe riding tips, visit the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association website.
Where To Ride?
Looking for a place to enjoy your toy? Take a look at the resources provided by your state or the state you wish to ride in. The information can often be found on the state’s Department of Natural Resources website. For example, click here for details on off-roading in Indiana and here for Michigan. But remember, before enjoying these recreational areas, be sure you have off premises liability coverage.
Don’t open yourself up to significant exposures. Before hitting the dirt or snow with your outdoor toys, take time to discuss with your insurance advisor and make sure you are protected.