ATV Insurance: The Basics of Coverage

ATV Insurance: The Basics of Coverage
If you are planning on taking your all terrain vehicle out for a ride, make sure you have enough insurance coverage. Like motorcycle insurance, ATV insurance is necessary because it is a somewhat dangerous activity. And the riskier an activity is, the greater the chances of an accident.
What Does ATV Insurance Cover?
All terrain vehicle insurance covers the costs associated with accidents and theft. It pays for necessary repairs, lawsuits or injuries resulting from an accident.
Types of ATV Coverage
Basic coverages include:
Collision – Pays for repairs after an accident.
Comprehensive – Pays for damage to the ATV if the damage occurs because of something besides an accident (if a tree falls on it, vandalism, etc.).
Liability – Covers bodily injury.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist – If you are hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical and other expenses.
How High are the Premiums?
Your premium is determined by a number of factors, including your driving history, age, gender, credit history, how fast your ATV can go (maximum speed) and where you will be driving it. For example, if you use your vehicle in a forest area with hills and other obstructions to your visibility, it is more dangerous than if you use it on wide open dunes and other open spaces where you have better visibility.
What if You are in an Accident?
Be sure to take photos or get some documentation at the time of your accident. This will help your insurance claims adjuster. The adjuster will figure your compensation based on the amount of coverage you have, what type of damage you have incurred, and your deductible.
NOTE: Not all states require ATV insurance, so you’ll have to look at the laws that are applicable for the state in which you live. Massachusetts has tough laws governing ATV safety, so you’ll want to consult with insurance professionals to make sure you have adequate coverage. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Massachusetts is the “toughest in the nation,” when it comes to ATVs. Because of the number of fatalities, accidents causing head injuries, and other tragedies, the state has cracked down on laws associated with ATVs.
For example, no child under the age of 10 can ride an all terrain vehicle. Any child younger than 17 cannot ride a vehicle that was designed for adults. And finally, there are no exceptions to these laws even if there is adult supervision. That goes for special training courses as well.
Massachusetts has drafted these laws in an effort to improve safety, so you can be sure that your insurance company will be looking at what safety measures you’ve taken when purchasing a new all terrain vehicle for yourself.
Zawada Insurance Agency helps you find the most affordable insurance for home, auto, boat, and many others. We work to give you comprehensive coverage at a competitive price.
Zawada Insurance Agency, Inc. is a family-owned and operated independent insurance agency, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, serving central Massachusetts and beyond.