What Does ATV Insurance Cover? Standard & Optional Types

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) offer opportunities for recreation and utility, yet they also present inherent risks. Like other vehicles, ATVs require specific insurance to provide financial protection for owners. This specialized insurance addresses the potential costs associated with accidents, damage, or liability claims arising from ATV operation.

Standard Coverage Types

Standard ATV insurance policies typically include several fundamental coverage types designed to protect against common risks. Liability coverage is a core component, often legally mandated for riding on public lands or if the vehicle is financed. This coverage safeguards the insured if they are at fault for an accident causing injury or property damage to others.

Bodily Injury Liability (BI) specifically covers medical expenses for individuals injured in an accident where the ATV operator is determined to be at fault. This can include costs such as ambulance services, hospital stays, and ongoing medical care for the injured party. It also often helps cover legal fees if a lawsuit is filed against the ATV owner following an accident. Property Damage Liability (PD) addresses damage caused to someone else’s property, such as vehicles, fences, or other structures. This coverage assists with repair or replacement costs for the damaged property of a third party.

Collision coverage provides protection for the insured’s own ATV. It pays for damages to the ATV resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, or if the ATV overturns, regardless of who is at fault. Policyholders typically choose a deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount paid before the insurance coverage begins. Comprehensive coverage, in contrast, covers non-collision damage to the insured’s ATV. This includes incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters such as floods or hail, or damage caused by striking an animal. Comprehensive coverage often protects the vehicle even when it is in storage during off-season months.

Optional Coverage Additions

Beyond the standard protections, ATV owners can select various optional coverages to enhance their financial security. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed to protect the insured if they are involved in an accident with an operator who either lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay for the damages. This helps cover medical expenses and property damage that the at-fault party’s insurance cannot.

Medical Payments coverage, sometimes known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), helps cover medical expenses for the ATV operator and their passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. This can include costs for surgeries, X-rays, and ambulance transportation. While health insurance may cover some ATV-related injuries, specific exclusions for hazardous activities might apply, making dedicated medical payments coverage beneficial.

Accessories and Custom Parts coverage protects aftermarket additions and modifications made to the ATV. Standard policies typically only cover factory-installed equipment, so this optional coverage ensures that investments in custom seats, upgraded suspensions, lighting kits, or other enhancements are protected against damage or theft. Many insurers offer an automatic amount, such as $3,000, with options to purchase higher limits for more extensive modifications. Roadside Assistance and Towing coverage provides assistance for breakdowns or if the ATV becomes inoperable and needs transport. This option can cover towing to a repair facility, aiding in situations where the vehicle is stranded off-road.

Common Exclusions

While ATV insurance offers broad protection, policies typically contain specific exclusions. Damage intentionally caused by the insured operator is generally excluded from coverage. This means that deliberate acts of destruction to the ATV or other property will not be covered by the policy.

Commercial use of an ATV is usually excluded unless a specific endorsement is added to the policy. Damage incurred during organized racing or stunt driving activities is also typically excluded. These high-risk activities require specialized racing insurance policies, which are separate from standard ATV coverage.

Routine wear and tear, along with mechanical breakdowns not caused by an insurable event, are not covered. Damage resulting from operating the ATV while unlicensed or in an illegal manner, such as on public roads where ATVs are prohibited, is also excluded. Finally, damage to or caused by modifications not declared to the insurer may not be covered. It is important to disclose all aftermarket parts and custom equipment to ensure proper coverage.