Do You Need Separate Insurance for Off-road Vehicles?

Motor vehicles are integral to our daily lives, but certain types may also be used for adventures, exploration and thrills. Additionally, off-road vehicles may even be necessary for those living in remote or rural areas, as terrain could be impassable in ordinary cars. Regardless of your reason for owning and operating these vehicles, you must account for significant risks and exposures, as accidents and other vehicular damage may inevitably occur. Understanding insurance needs is critical.

What Types of Insurance Can Cover Off-road Vehicles?

Insurance policies for off-road vehicles may come in many forms and often specify the type of automobile they cover. Specifically, you may find insurance coverage intended for the following types of vehicles:

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

• Golf carts

• Snowmobiles

• Dune buggies

• Dirt bikes

Is Separate Insurance Required?

Legal requirements regarding off-road vehicles can vary significantly depending on your location, the type of vehicle you own and where you use it. In some cases, the law may require you to carry coverage if you plan to operate your vehicle on public roads while on your way to an off-road trek. Additionally, you should be mindful of any coverage requirements imposed by lenders. If you’ve purchased your vehicle with the help of a loan, you’ll likely need to retain coverage until it’s paid off.

Personal auto insurance policies cannot typically cover off-road vehicles as such activities are generally excluded from coverage. Additionally, while standard homeowners insurance might financially protect your off-road vehicle while it’s parked at your home, this isn’t always the case; furthermore, it generally won’t cover damage sustained once you leave your property.

What Can My Policy Cover?

Off-road vehicle insurance coverage can involve many familiar components that you might find in a standard auto insurance policy. Specifically, you may want to ensure your insurance includes the following protections:

• Bodily injury liability coverage

• Property damage liability coverage

• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Medical payments coverage

• Guest passenger liability coverage

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

• Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage

We’re Here to Help

Contact World of Insurance LLC in Medford, Oregon, today to learn more about insuring your off-road vehicle or for a free quote.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.