Riding an off-road vehicle is a popular hobby in many parts of the country. Off-road vehicle insurance is important because riding through the terrain comes with multiple risks. Here are some things you must know while insuring your off-road vehicle.
In many parts of the country, you are legally required to purchase minimum liability coverage to operate your off-road vehicle. There is a chance that your off-road vehicle could injure someone or cause extensive property damage. If you don’t have insurance in such situations, you will face serious legal and financial consequences. You may also be subject to fines for failing to adhere to legal guidelines regarding insurance. Talk to your insurer so that they can help you find the right policy. Insurance is essential even if you only plan to operate your vehicle on private land. Recent legislation was put in place to assist riders who have their vehicles stolen.
Qualifying for discounts can help lower your insurance rate. Speak with your insurer if you are a member of an ATV club, as you may qualify for a discount. Some insurance companies provide discounts to riders who have taken a safety course. You may also qualify for a discount if you have multiple policies with your carrier. Qualifying for discounts can help you save money on your off-road insurance policy.
Many off-road drivers believe that their vehicle is covered through their home insurance policy. This is a serious mistake. While your home insurance may cover damages to a detached structure such as your garage, your contents inside the garage won’t be covered. You need a separate policy to fully protect your off-road vehicle. Most home insurance policies do not cover vehicles except for rare exceptions. If you don't obtain a separate off-road vehicle policy, you will not be protected if your off-road vehicle is damaged or stolen. Contact your insurer before panning to ride your off-road vehicle.
If you are driving an automobile, many insurers recommend you to add accident benefits coverage. This coverage ensures that you are covered regardless of whether you are responsible for causing the accident. Accident benefits coverage pays for your medical treatment and vehicle repair costs you incurred due to the accident. You may be surprised to learn that you can add accident benefits coverage to your off-road insurance policy. This gives you peace of mind by ensuring that you are covered if you are injured while operating your off-road vehicle. Remember that you cannot add accident benefits coverage through other forms of insurance.
Also, consider adding collision and comprehensive insurance to your off-road insurance policy. Collision coverage protects your off-road vehicle if it’s damaged by another vehicle. The policy will cover the necessary repair costs minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage protects your off-road vehicle if it is stolen or vandalized. You are also covered if your vehicle is damaged due to severe weather or an accidental fire. Purchasing comprehensive coverage is recommended because off-road vehicles are prone to theft.
Contact your insurer so that they can help you figure out the true value of your off-road vehicle. Most off-road insurance policies include replacement cost coverage, which allows you to find a new vehicle if your current one is totaled. Your insurer will likely ask how you plan to use your off-road vehicle. Perhaps you may plan to use it occasionally or for business-related endeavors. The type of coverage you need may vary based on the intended usage of the vehicle.
Off-road vehicles are unique assets that require special insurance. If you have any questions about off-road vehicle insurance, contact our team at Fuller Insurance Agency for assistance. Our insurance experts will help you purchase the right insurance policy to protect your off-road vehicle.