Insuring Your ATV
Taking the Fear Out of Covering Your Pride & Joy
We live in a pretty rough and tumble world, and while there are no guarantees in life, the concept of insuring things that are important to us (or pricey to replace) can take a bit of the worry out of the unknown. We’re all familiar with the process of insuring our automobiles, boats, homes, bodies and even lives, but when it comes to ATVs, the lines often get blurred. The good news is, for the most part, insuring your all-terrain-vehicle is no more complicated than placing a phone call.
Do a Little Research
The process begins by locating an insure carrier who handles ATVs. A few years ago this step was a bit of a challenge but these days most major carriers recognize the popularity of our sport.
It’s also not a bad idea to brush up on the local laws. States actually have varying laws when it comes to ATV insurance requirements. If in doubt there are usually three places to obtain specifics before placing your call to the insurance carrier: Check with the dealer where you purchased the ATV, check with the local ATV clubs, and designated riding areas should also have a list of minimum insurance requirments.
Have your Info Handy
Not unlike insuring a car, street bike and so on, you will likely be asked to provide a plethora of information about the model(s) you are insuring. In the case of the ATV, the paperwork may or may not be easily accessible. Models purchased new from a dealer will likely have all of the information required including a title with VIN number. Older models or ATVs purchased used could be a bit more troublesome.
Should all else fail in the paperwork department, the VIN number will likely be stamped on the machine’s frame, as well as the year of manufacture. Other details to have handy include the engine size (in cc), an estimate on the type of riding you plan to do, and how often (examples would be occasional light use on public riding area or frequent usage on private property and so on).
Will the ATV be operated primarily by you or would other members of the family drive it as well? Does your particular model allow for passenger(s)? The agent may also ask if the ATV is paid off or whether you financed it and still owe a balance.
Weigh Your Options
Just like with insuring anything, the agent will likely place several coverage plans before you. Minimum options often cover the vehicle for its maximum book value but choices like theft and fire damage should exist as well. Comprehensive coverage, just like in the car-world, can cover the cost of repairs.
As always, premiums will vary based on the coverage you select. Ask about deductibles and other clauses before agreeing to any particular plan.
Compare and Bundle
In our own experience, we have found that sometimes an insurance carrier can, for whatever reason, beat out all other carriers in terms of coverage and cost. For this reason it’s often wise to call around and get quotes before committing to anything. Of course it may also work to your advantage to inquire about rate discounts for bundling ATV coverage with the carrier who handles you car, homeowner’s etc.