Nationwide’s ATV Insurance Guide

Warmer weather is approaching and, just like what is happening in the ATV Connection’s offices, riders everywhere are experiencing that unmistakable hankering to get out there and ride!

We are often asked if insuring one’s ATV is a necessity and while the answer to that question depends entirely upon your area’s laws and where you ride (it is a must on most public riding areas), we have asked Nationwide to provide a little insight on the insurance process to take some of the guesswork out of it all.

Liability coverage
This ATV insurance coverage helps cover bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. It can pay for other people’s medical costs, as well as their lost wages and your legal expenses. Most states require liability coverage.

Collision coverage
Collision helps covers damage to your ATV if you hit another vehicle, another vehicle hits you, or your ATV rolls over. If your vehicle is leased or financed, you may have ATV insurance requirements for collision coverage. This coverage also includes up to $2,000 for safety apparel. It may be required if your all-terrain vehicle is leased or financed.

Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance helps pay for damage to your ATV not caused by a collision. This can include damage or loss from theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, flood and certain other natural disasters. Comprehensive also covers custom parts and equipment.

Uninsured or underinsured ATV coverage
This all-terrain vehicle insurance coverage helps pay for repairs to your ATV if it is damaged in an accident by an underinsured, uninsured or unidentified driver. It also helps pay the medical costs for you and your passengers if an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver results in injury.

Medical payments coverage
Medical payments helps pay for medical bills for the treatment of injuries resulting from a covered accident, regardless of who is at fault.

OEM endorsement
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) endorsement ensures that aftermarket and salvage replacement parts won’t be used to repair your vehicle.

• Cover your ATV with a dedicated policy. Many riders mistakenly believe a homeowners policy will cover the theft of an off-road vehicle from their property. Sometimes, this is not the case. An ATV-specific policy ensures you are protected in most instances of theft or other damages.

• Review your policy regularly. Off-road equipment tends to depreciate more quickly than other motorcycles. Speak with your agent to make sure you are not overinsured or underinsured.

• Know your terrain. Many off-road policies do not cover towing and labor or roadside assistance. Understand what your policy does and does not cover and be sure you can recover your bike if it happens to become stuck during a ride.

• Protect your trailer. If you transport your machine on a trailer, make sure you have adequate insurance on the trailer. Some companies, including Nationwide, allow you to insure both a ATV and trailer on one policy.

• Find the discounts. Many companies offer discounts to enthusiasts who complete safety courses or belong to a riders association. You may also qualify for a discount if you insure your home or vehicle with the same company as your ATV.