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Important things to know about ATV insurance

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An ATV or all-terrain vehicle is a motorized off-highway automobile. It is also popularly known as a four-wheeler or even a quad. Just as riding a vehicle needs human safety protocols, ATV insurance is an important safety protocol for your ride. Whether you are riding this on your property or off-roading, having this insurance saves you from a lot of trouble from the law. In fact, there are several trails or parks where ATVs aren’t allowed if insurance is not shown.

What comes under ATV insurance?

Collision: This pays for the repair damage caused to your ATV due to a collision by another vehicle or when your ATV overturns, unfortunately. Just like most insurance plans, there is a deductible cost to these kinds of coverages. To get a better understanding of what that amount should be, it is advised to speak to a professional who can give the details of the same.

You may want to consider letting go of this coverage option if your ATV is not valued highly because the claim will only cover the value of the ATV. Instead, you can simply save on this deductible when buying the insurance.

Comprehensive coverage: Unlike collision coverage, a comprehensive claim covers mishaps like theft, vandalism, earthquake, fire, and flooding that can damage the ATV. There is a deductible for this kind of coverage, just like collision coverage, and the amount is decided upon by your insurer. Same as collision coverage, if you need to file a claim, the insurer will give you back the cash that is the value of your ATV. If you think your vehicle is not of high value, you may want to consider forgoing this claim. This, anyway, comes into an optional coverage plan. Speak to your insurer to  know your best options.

Bodily injury liability: This kind of coverage includes payment for damages that lead to an injury to another party in an accident involving your vehicle. Apart from that, any legal fee that is a result of  litigation filed due to the accident is also covered under these circumstances. There is a per person limit to this liability, and to get a better understanding of this amount, it is advised to speak to a professional.

Property damage liability: While the above coverage included damage caused to a person, this coverage includes damage caused to property. It can be the home, yard, or other personal property belonging to the individual. There is a claim limit to this liability as well, and that is usually as much as or even lower than the per-person liability limit under bodily injury coverage.

Medical payments: This coverage is for medical expenses like ambulance, hospital stays, surgeries, or x-rays that are incurred by anyone riding your ATV. This is an optional coverage provided by different companies.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist: In case you or whoever is riding your ATV is injured in an accident by a driver who does not have insurance, then this kind of coverage will be useful. Even though ATV insurance is essential to ATV owners, many try to avoid it, which can lead to complications. This coverage can help you get out of a mistake made by someone else. This is again an optional coverage provided by companies.

What does ATV insurance not cover?
ATVs are usually used for recreational or commuting purposes within the owner’s property. However, if the ATV is used in any kind of organized racing, no insurance provider will cover any damages in that scenario. If you’re using the ATV for racing purposes, then there are some insurers who provide specific policies to cover those claims and damages.

Things to note for ATV riders

  • It is important to know that most ATVs are designed only for a single rider.
  • There is a weight limit to these vehicles, so make sure that you do not carry extra cargo or load on the vehicle.
  • It is always advisable to only let the owners ride the vehicle because, in case of any accidents, the ATV owner is held accountable, regardless of who was riding the ATV.
  • Do not ride the ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as it can lead to accidents.
  • Always make sure that the ATV is secured in your garage and cannot be stolen or used without your permission.
  • ATV riders are not permitted to ride their vehicle on highways or roads. In fact, the insurance cannot be claimed in case the vehicle is found to have been there at the time of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and it is important to know your state’s law regarding ATVs permission on highways, roads, parks, and reserves.

There are several insurers in the market which have various policies for different ATV owners. It is best to get in touch with the local representative of a popular insurer and go through your best options for valuable coverage on your vehicle.