The only thing that is stronger than the warm weather and the call of the open spaces is the popularity of the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). ATVs are becoming both an outdoor work horse and a fun way to spend time in the countryside. But are you making a mistake if you are not carrying ATV-specific insurance?
In a word – yes, you are. In short, you’re taking a risk of both personal and financial losses. While your medical coverage will take care of any accidents that you or your dependents are involved in, that will do nothing about your property losses. And what about riders of your ATV that aren’t family members and don’t have insurance of their own? Your health insurance won’t cover them.
Some states require ATV insurance, while others – like Arizona – don’t. But that may not matter. Whatever the case is in your state, remember that personal liability is another matter entirely. Unfortunately, there are thousands of ATV crashes and accidents a year, some of which will even end in fatalities. Clearly, it’s in your best interest to carry some form of ATV insurance.
The first thing that you should do is avoid any assumptions. Don’t assume that your homeowners’ policy will automatically cover any ATV accident – and don’t assume it about your auto policy either. This is the time to use the expertise of your insurance agent. A well-timed call before any problems occur is the best way to start this process.
When you talk to your insurance agent, ask for a specific ATV policy that will cover accidents anywhere – not just on your property. Think of this like a motorcycle purchase, not a home purchase. You would never get on a motorcycle without a full knowledge of its insurance coverage – treat the ATV the same way.
In addition, you likely spent a pretty penny on your ATV and that should be protected. Theft coverage is another thing to consider. ATVs can be easy targets for thieves, not to mention vandals and mischief makers. However, with that theft rider, be sure that it extends to cover fire damage and vandalism.
Another relatively inexpensive addition to the fire and theft is uninsured and under-insured coverage. The great outdoors is a place of wonder, but also of the unexpected. This insurance will protect you if another rider causes damage to your ATV and they lack the appropriate coverage.
Once you have your coverage in place, there are several things you can do to keep the costs down – they’re pretty much the things you’re doing already. These include having and maintaining a clean driving record. You should also stay free of claims as much as possible. You can also choose a less powerful ATV, which will bring the cost of your insurance down. Talk to your agent about any specifics that can save you money, such as enrolling in an ATV driver’s training courses.
Finally, insurers usually offer discounts if you insure more than one vehicle on a policy. This also happens when you have more than one policy with the same company. Insuring your ATV through the same company that covers your car, motorcycle, boat or RV could mean significant savings for you.
