What is qualified as ATV and UTV?
First and foremost, it is important to understand what is defined as an all-terrain vehicle and utility vehicle, before getting ATV or UTV insurance. ATV is defined as: “any motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use which is 50 inches or less in width, with an unladen dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less, traveling on 3, 4, or more non-highway tires.” Check out Missouri Department of Revenue website to find out more details about ATVs and fees associated with registration of one.
In Missouri utility vehicle or UTV is defined as ““any motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use which is more than fifty inches but no more than sixty-seven inches in width, with an unladen dry weight of two thousand pounds or less, traveling on four or six wheels, to be used primarily for landscaping, lawn care, or maintenance purposes.” There is also another category of vehicles that is described as “recreational off-highway vehicles”. It’s defined as “any motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use which is more than fifty inches but no more than sixty-seven inches in width, with an unladen dry weight of two thousand pounds or less, traveling on four or more non-highway tires and which may have access to ATV trails.” You can find out more information about UTV and recreational off-highway vehicles on the Missouri Department of Revenue official website.
Is it Mandatory to Have All-Terrain Vehicle Insurance?
ATV and UTV insurance topic requires special attention. Do these types of vehicles require insurance? When it comes to legal requirements laws for ATV insurance vary from county to county. Some states do not require insurance on your ATV or UTV, but in some cases, a place where you ride it might require it. For example, a private property, state or public park will often mandate insurance on your fun vehicle. Also, it is important to understand that if the vehicle is financed, the lender will require proof of insurance. Do not forget to check if the insurance is required at the location where you plan to use your ATV or UTV. Be aware that in the case when you are uninsured and get into an accident, you might be liable for all the damages and injuries. It might not be required to have an ATV insurance, but it is a wise investment just to make sure you are protected.
How Does ATV Insurance Work?
ATV and UTV insurances are similar to auto insurance in many ways. There is a wide variety associated with ATVs or UTVs. Both types of vehicles possess a high level of risk for both riders and passengers, as well as people and property around them. ATV insurance is designated to cover the costs that may arise in case of an accident, such as collision or a mishap that led to injuries. Also, ATV insurance will help to cover the vehicle if theft took place. ATV insurance can definitely help to reduce out-of-pocket expenses when it comes to paying for injuries, repairs, and even lawsuits.
Be Aware of ATV Insurance Exclusions
It is crucial for the owner and operator of the vehicle to be aware of certain exclusions. Those policy regulations are there in order to minimize illegal behavior and higher risk events.
A standard ATV or UTV insurance policy only covers accidents incurred during recreational or commuting purposes, such as traveling on your property to a barn or work. A typical ATV or UTV policy will not cover any incidents that happened during organized racing. If you participate in ATV racing, you need to contact insurers that specialize in racing insurance.
What Coverages Offers ATV and UTV Insurance?
- Liability Coverage will help to cover damage to property or costs associated with injuries up to the predetermined amount on your policy in case of an accident. Also, liability can cover legal fees in case there is a lawsuit against you.
- Collision coverage for the ATV and UTV works the same way it works for auto insurance. This kind of coverage pays to fix your damaged ATV after an incident.
- Comprehensive collision is optional, and sometimes may not be necessary. This coverage provides protection in case ATV or UTV is stolen or was damaged due to vandalism, fire, or severe weather.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help cover costs associated with an accident caused by another rider who does not have enough insurance to cover your expenses, and this coverage is also optional.
- Medical Payments is an optional coverage as well and will cover any medical expenses associated with those riding your ATV or UTV. Typically, those things will include surgeries, X-Rays, hospital stay, and even transportation to a hospital.
How Expensive is ATV or UTV Insurance?
Determining ATV or UTV insurance premium is a complicated process, which requires taking into consideration many factors like the rider and type of the vehicle. Just like it works with auto insurance, everybody is going to have a different premium based on current rates, their riding history, credit history, type of vehicle, location and much more. It is also important to understand that there are different levels of coverage, meaning the more coverage you get, the more expensive your premium is going to be. But generally, ATV or UTV insurance is inexpensive compared to the auto insurance premium. You can always give a call to Mathenia Insurance Group and we will be able to help you figure out what kind of coverage you need, as well as present multiple options to you.
Are Passengers Covered as Well?
Some families have multiple ATVs in their garage, others share one or even let their friends use one occasionally. Often people ride with their family member or a friend as a passenger. So here arises a question whether passengers are covered while riding an ATV.
In most of the cases, your vehicle is covered with any rider, as long as the operator of the vehicle is at least 16 years old and has a valid driver’s license. Generally, your ATV insurance goes past you and will cover a friend who took your vehicle for a spin as long as they are licensed.
When it comes to covering passengers, you probably need to make sure medical payments are included in your policy as well. Feel free to give Mathenia Insurance a call if you have any questions about ATV or UTV insurance, or you can visit our FAQ page to submit your own question.