Going Off-Roading? Don’t Forget Cheap ATV Insurance
Are you looking for cheap UTV (utility terrain vehicle) or ATV (all-terrain vehicle) insurance? Before you hop on for an off-road adventure or get on your UTV to feed the cattle, make sure you have the proper coverage to protect you and others, as well as your machine.
While off-roading is fun and exciting, it also brings an inherent danger of injury and property damage. Off-road adventures may end all too soon if your vehicle, or you, gets damaged or injured during off-road hijinks.
At Freeway, we can help you find the right plan, so you can protect yourself and your UTV/ATV and never miss the call to adventure again.
What Is UTV or ATV Insurance?
UTV/ATV coverage is designed to protect utility terrain and all-terrain vehicles. Different kinds of policies can help pay for both damages to the vehicle and damage you may cause while operating the vehicle, as well as injuries to yourself, your passengers and others.
In most respects, it is similar to car insurance. If you cause a car accident, you have the peace of mind of knowing that your policy will help pay for any damage to people and property you may cause. And if you have a collision or comprehensive coverage, your vehicle will have additional protection.
In order to determine what policy you should get, it’s important to know what is actually covered when you’re “off” the road.
Is This Required?
Whether or not you are required to be insured depends on what state you live in and where you are driving. For example, most states require no insurance for such vehicles as long as you operate them on your own land. But if you drive on others’ land, including state land, then you may be required by law to get and carry it with you when you ride. We recommend checking with local and state authorities about requirements before purchasing a policy.
How Much Does ATV Coverage Cost?
Policies may be as cheap as $41 per month or as expensive as $238 per month. The exact price you are likely to pay depends on factors such as where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Where you live plays a role in how much you pay, just as it factors into how much you pay. In each case, your carrier looks at how many claims are filed in the area to determine how safe it is. In short, if you live in an area that is prone to accidents and/or theft, you may pay more.
Since insurance pays to repair or replace your vehicle, what you drive is a major factor. The more expensive the ride, the greater your costs.
Finally, your driving record is a major factor when it comes to costs. Simply put, if you file a lot of claims or have a spotty driving record, your cost will be greater.
What Does a UTV Policy Cover?
There are three types of coverage you can get for your vehicle — liability, collision, and comprehensive. Each type provides its own benefits, and getting more than one helps you give your vehicle maximum protection.
Types of ATV Coverage
- Liability coverage protects if you should end up causing any bodily or property damage while driving. This helps pay for the medical bills and repair costs. Such damages might include damage to a structure you accidentally drove into or even damage to another vehicle in a collision.
- Collision coverage protects your vehicle against damage it may receive while you are driving. For example, if someone else hits you, their liability will help pay for it. But if their policy is insufficient, your collision policy can help you make the rest of the repairs. And if you should be the one who causes an accident, collision will be the only coverage that will help pay for the damage to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive coverage protects you when you’re not driving. This type of policy protects against things like theft, vandalism, and damage.
If you end up getting liability, collision, and comprehensive, then you have what is known as “full coverage,” meaning it is as protected as it can be.
What Vehicles Are Covered by UTV Insurance?
Many off-roaders are surprised to discover that ATV insurance protects a variety of sports and leisure vehicles, including:
- All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
- Motocross and Dirt Bikes
- Mopeds and Minibikes
- Custom Choppers
- Vintage Bikes
- Antique Motorcycles
- Motorcycles 25 Years and Older
- Cruisers
- Limited Production Cruisers
- Street Sport Bikes
- High Performance Motorcycles
- Race Bikes
- Touring Bikes
- Super Bikes
- Sport Touring Bikes
- General Purpose Motorcycles
- Dual Purpose or Enduro Motorcycles
- Scooters
- Trikes
- Dune buggies
- Go-Karts
- Golf carts
Are There Any Discounts?
It’s possible to reduce the cost of your premium through discounts. These include discounts for having a good driving record and discounts for drivers willing to put an anti-theft device on their vehicle. You may also qualify for discounts if you complete certain driving safety courses.
Other discounts are available, but one of the most consistent ways to save money on this type of coverage is by getting different policies through the same carrier. For example, if you need to insure an ATV, a car and a home, you can cover them with policies from the same carrier. This “bundling” helps you lower the cost of each of your policies and may help you qualify for further customer loyalty discounts through that same carrier.
Top All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Tips for Off-Road Fun
Before you and your family and friends hop on for an off-road adventure, experts say taking a special driving course can prevent accidents. You can find these courses online and they are especially helpful for younger drivers. Additionally, since riding off-road can be dangerous, always take precautions, such as:
- Dress appropriately – Helmets, googles, gloves, long pants and closed shoes are essential. Even if you don’t end up on the ground, you’ll be riding through territory that may include spiders, snakes and even
- Supervise youngsters – Operators under the age of 16 should be supervised at all times. Driving inexperience can lead to a mistake that could have major consequences.
- Never ride on paved, public roads – In most places, this is against the law. But even if it wasn’t, an ATV-car or truck accident is a losing proposition.
- Ride sober – As with operating any vehicle or equipment, never ride when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Get a Custom Car Insurance Quote Today!
Now you have the basics for being prepared for off-roading and why insurance is important. At Freeway, we have affordable options for you before you hit the trails. Get a free online quote, give us a call at (800) 777-5620 or stop by one of our locations.