Driving off-road vehicles can be a great form of recreation. These special vehicles can also be useful for certain types of jobs like checking cattle on a farm. Operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), whether for business or pleasure, may require an ATV insurance policy, depending on your state’s requirements. In many places, it’s not required by law. Here’s a deeper look at what you should know about coverage for an all-terrain vehicle.

What Is an ATV?

The specific legal definition of an ATV depends on the state, although most states have a similar definition. It usually means a motorized vehicle with at least two wheels designed for off-road operation, such as quad bikes. These vehicles are often designed for a solo driver, but some can hold a few passengers. ATVs commonly have two to four wheels, but some have up to six wheels.

Variations of ATVs include utility vehicles (UTVs) and side-by-sides, but again, find out how your state defines an all-terrain vehicle. Although these vehicles are adventurous, they can also be dangerous to drivers, riders, and others. In some cases, these vehicles are expensive to replace, yet the insurance rates are usually lower than most other vehicles.

What Does an ATV Insurance Cover?

An ATV policy covers the same main areas as a motorcycle insurance policy, such as Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. Optional coverage is available for medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists. If you build or buy a custom ATV or use custom parts, you can likely add the vehicle to your policy. Just make sure to keep the documentation updated on custom parts.

• Bodily Injury Coverage- It pays for injuries to accident victims impacted by your vehicle up to the limits specified by the policy. The victim may decide to sue if medical expenses exceed your policy limits, so many policyholders choose higher limits to be safe. This coverage also pays for attorney fees if you are sued for injuring or killing another person while driving your ATV.
• Property Damage Coverage- It pays for any destruction that your ATV causes to other people’s property, such as their home, vehicles, or land.
• Bodily Injury Coverage- Many off-road vehicle owners choose limits up to or lower than what they decide for bodily injury coverage. This coverage also pays for legal fees if the victim takes you to court.
• Collision Coverage- It pays for damage to your ATV due to colliding with another vehicle or overturning. This coverage is often required when a consumer finances or leases an ATV. Some owners with lower-valued vehicles pass on this coverage to reduce their monthly premiums.
• Comprehensive Coverage- It pays for other types of damage beyond vehicles, such as theft, vandalism or a natural disaster. In other words, if the vehicle is destroyed or disappears, the policy pays for a replacement.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover ATVs?

Before you rush out to get ATV coverage, ask yourself if you’re only going to use the vehicle on your own property. If so, it might already be insured by your standard homeowners policy, but check with your insurer to make sure. Otherwise, getting ATV insurance coverage is similar to getting coverage for a regular road vehicle, except it usually costs less. However, if you want to drive the vehicle on state or public property, you’ll need special ATV coverage added to your policy.

Does Health Insurance Cover ATV Accidents? 

Your existing health insurance plan can cover ATV accidents in some cases. This scenario may occur if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or their liability doesn’t cover your medical costs. You’ll first need to find out if your health plan excludes off-road vehicle incidents. Don’t assume your health plan covers it since many policies exclude “hazardous activities.” If you want to have regular ATV experiences, talk with a knowledgeable insurance agent who can provide more clarity and details.

What Does It Cost to Insure an ATV? 

Compared with regular auto insurance, ATV insurance is fairly inexpensive, such as about a dollar per day in many places. Find out from an experienced insurance professional when you ask for a free quote if you can get a discount for bundling multiple policies together.

ATV Insurance Exclusions 

Whether you own or ride an ATV, you need to be aware of scenarios that aren’t covered by the ATV policy. The more a situation presents a risk, the less likely you can find low-cost or any coverage for it. ATV policies only cover certain usages, such as for recreation or commuting. It doesn’t cover use on highways or city streets, as ATVs are usually not allowed on them, other than state parks and a few other government-approved areas.

Hauling an ATV from one location to another by trailer might not be covered in your policy. Another important point to remember about an ATV is that it usually is not covered by a standard car insurance policy.

If you plan to drive or ride an off-road vehicle, check into getting an ATV insurance policy to go with it, especially if you’re pouring thousands of dollars into the investment. Find out what your state requirements are, and then talk with a seasoned insurance pro to learn your specific coverage options. Contact our experts at James Page Insurance to get answers to all your questions about the right ATV insurance coverage.