ATV Insurance for Maine Riders

What qualifies as an ATV?

Have you ever wondered what qualifies as an ATV? The abbreviation ATV stands for “All-terrain vehicle.” According to the ATV Safety Institute, an ATV is defined as “…a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low pressure or non-pneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.” Under that definition, certain vehicles like four-wheelers, side-by-sides, utility vehicles, and some golf carts can fulfill the requirements of being an ATV. Other definitions of ATV may be broader, and could include things such as dirt bikes, three-wheelers and more. To find out more about whether your ride qualifies as an ATV and how we can help you find affordable insurance for your ATV, contact your Maine Cross Insurance today.

What does ATV Insurance Cover?

If you are looking into getting insurance for you and your ATV, then one of the most important things to research is what is covered under your potential ATV policy. The following list is some of the common coverages associated with ATV insurance.

• Bodily Injury Liability

In the event there is an accident associated with the negligent use of your ATV that leads to an injury or death of another, this coverage can help pay some of the medical expenses and pain and suffering for the injured person, up to coverage limits.

• Property Damage

If damage is inflicted to another individual’s ATV, vehicle, home, or other personal belongings due an accident involving the negligent use of your ATV, this coverage can help pay for that property damage, up to coverage limits.

• Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist

When an uninsured or underinsured ATV rider negligently causes an accident with you, this coverage can help compensate you for your medical expenses and pain and suffering, up to coverage limits.

• Collision Coverage

If you are involved in an accident, collision coverage can help with costs to repair your ATV. Collision coverage is typically optional, although it is recommended that ATV owners weigh the value of their ATV and determine if this coverage is a justifiable investment.

• Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage, like collision, can help cover expenses when damage occurs to your ATV. The difference between these two coverages is collision helps when damage occurs from an accident with another vehicle or ATV, while comprehensive helps cover expenses when a loss is experienced due to theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, fire, and damage caused by certain weather-related events.

There are also some additional coverages that you can ask your local insurance agent about. Some of these coverages include:

• Accessories Coverage

If you have upgraded your ATV or have riding gear that you think should be covered, ask about how you can get an added layer of protection for your accessories.

• Carried Contents

Similar to accessory coverage, carried contents helps protect equipment, gear, and various other personal property that you may have aboard your ATV that could become damaged, lost, or stolen.

• Total Loss for ATVs

Is your ATV the latest model? If so, having total loss coverage on your new ATV can potentially help fully replace your ATV if it is totaled in a covered accident.

What doesn’t ATV Insurance Cover?

As an owner and rider, knowing all the details regarding your ATV policy is important. To understand your policy and exactly what is and isn’t covered, you should carefully read your entire policy. Your agent may also be able to help answer certain questions that you may have. The following are just a few non-exhaustive examples of what may not be covered:

• ATV Insurance won’t cover loss or damage while you are using your ATV for racing, instead of the intended purposed of recreational use.
• Insurance for your ATV will also typically not provide coverage for loss or damage if you ride on highways or undesignated roads.
• Although some Maine residents may be accustomed to crossing roads at convenient locations, insurance may not apply if you cross at an undesignated point of the road.

Where is ATV Insurance Required?

Whether or not ATV insurance is required can depend on a variety of factors, such as the laws of the state(s) where you live and where you intend to use your ATV. If you have a loan on your ATV, the lienholder may require you to carry insurance as a condition of your loan. Even when not required, all ATV riders can benefit from purchasing ATV insurance.

How much is ATV Insurance?

ATV insurance costs and rates depend on a variety of factors. In addition to the type and amount of coverage(s) you select, the following non-exhaustive list will share some of the possible factors that can play into an ATV insurance quote.

• The year, make and model of your ATV.

A newer, more expensive, and typically faster ATV will tend to affect your policy more than an older machine. Safety ratings and modifications may also affect your potential costs.

• The state that you live in.

With each state having different laws and regulations that riders must follow, this can affect your quote. Additionally, some states experience differing seasons and provide ATV owners with a longer riding season, which may impact rates.

• Where will you ride your ATV?

Will you be riding out behind your home on your own property, on a provided course, or in a different state from where you live? Each presents its own levels of liability and risks.

• Your age, driving record, and in some cases profession.

Just as with regular car insurance, your individual background and driving history can alter how affordable or expensive the quote may be. The rates for a teenage male compared to a female in her forties may be very different. Past accidents while operating any machinery, not just while operating ATVs, can also alter your rates.

• Are you riding alone or with a friend?

Having passengers accompany you on rides, or alternatively riding solo, may either increase or decrease the liability at hand, which may impact rates.

Ways to Save on ATV Insurance in Maine

Excited to hit the trails on your side-by-side or four-wheeler? Before you do, here are some great ways to potentially save on your policy.

• Ask about the possibility of a multi-policy discount, pairing your ATV insurance with either auto insurance, life insurance, or home insurance.
• Ask your local Cross Insurance agent if there is a discount for taking ATV safety courses.
• You may be able to save if your ATV has an anti-theft device professionally installed.
• If you are a member of a national riding association, you may qualify for a discount.

 

___________________________________________________________________

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.