ATV Insurance

I am the kind of guy that just can't leave "well enough" alone, I have to upgrade and modify my toys. My last utility ATV was a perfect example, I had modified almost every aspect of this machine, suspension, engine, electrical, racks, and tires. I enjoyed trying to squeeze every bit of performance out of it and was very proud of it.

Out of all the accessories I had on this machine, it lack the most important accessory of all for something I valued so much. That was ATV Insurance. While on an ATV Camping adventure I had a mishap (technical term for screw-up) and watched my modified ATV tumble end over end down Aspen mountain. I got the pleasure of spending the night in Aspens wonderful hospital. The bike was a total financial loss.

Now ATV insurance is the first accessory on my quad, even before it touches dirt. ATV insurance is very cheap when you consider the consequences. I was lucky, no one else was hurt and no other property damaged by my mishap.

Accidents happen and just like everything else I preach, being prepared helps make the best of a bad situation. Some state laws now require ATV insurance when riding on state-owned or public property. Some believe their homeowners insurance policy covers their ATV, while this may be true when riding on your property, it may not be true when riding elsewhere.

ATV insurance protects you, your ATV and others on the trail. Most policies offer the following coverages:

• Bodily Injury Liability - For injuries to other people you become legally liable for in an accident.
• Collision - For damages to other property you become legally liable for in an accident.
• Comprehensive - For damages to your ATV in an accident. Also protects your ATV in the event of theft, fire, or vandalism.
• Uninsured/Underinsured - Protects you in the event you are in an accident caused by someone with no insurance or coverage limits that are lower than yours.
• Medical - For injuries to yourself and/or your passengers regardless of fault.

Your ATV insurance rates are effected by several factors; Amount of coverage, Driving record, ATV size and type, and the number of ATVs being insured. The premium is the amount you pay to be covered by an insurance policy and this can be a monthly, bi-annual or annual payment. The deductible is the minimum amount you must pay in the event of an accident before the insurance company will pay anything toward charges. Deductible amounts vary depending on the policy you choose, typically a higher deductible results in a lower premium.

Be sure to compare different insurance companies and policies. Make sure you understand the coverages, premiums, and the deductibles before you sign any insurance policy. Ask your dealer for recommendations and visit online ATV forums (See our Resources section) and talk to other riders to see what others have experienced. Bottom line is that you can not afford not to have ATV insurance, it is the first and the best accessory you need to add to your ATV. Let us help you properly equip your ATV for your next ATV Camping Adventure.