Best Auto Insurance for Off-Road Vehicles in 2024
Off-road vehicles and ATVs need insurance. Check with your auto insurance provider to make sure your policy covers off-road trips, or buy a separate policy.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- An auto insurance policy might not automatically include off-road coverage
- ATV and other specialty vehicles may need separate insurance policies
- Anyone driving an exclusively off-road vehicle must become aware of special state rules, laws, and regulations
Off-road vehicle drivers frequently enjoy treks on routes beyond the major local highways and streets. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and mountain climbing excursions may require driving down a dirt road. Doing so can be fun as long as the driver is very careful.
Even the best steps for safety sometimes come up short. What happens though if the vehicle ends up with a collision with a rock or tree? While there is plenty of research out there, including tips for buying insurance, a person may not take into consideration if that research applies to buggies, dirt bikes, ATVs, or other off-road vehicles.
Most are going to look to their insurance company to pay for the damage, but the insurance company may point out the vehicle was never covered for off-road adventures.
Drivers have a tendency to purchase car insurance policies without really examining all the important points associated with the actual coverage.
There is a reason why insurance providers mail out that multi-page copy of the full policy. All the details about what liabilities are covered are in there along with exclusions.
Off-road adventurers need to make sure their policies have the adequate coverage in place when they head down trails that present major risks to a vehicle and even passengers. Otherwise, all the burdens of cost could end up on the shoulders of the vehicle’s owner.
Compare car insurance quotes today to find the coverage you need for the best price.
Buying Car Insurance with Off-Road Coverage
Anything that can happen on the main road has a corresponding counterpart on a dirt road or less-traveled route. Deer road crossings don’t just happen on highways. If an animal jumps in front of a vehicle and causes a collision, the right insurance has to be in place.
Anyone who wishes to take a “traditional” vehicle into rural or off-road regions does need to be sure the proper insurance is in place. If not, then a rider should be added to the policy.
Certain policies may automatically cover off-road excursions. Other policies will not unless a rider is added.
Comparison shopping is vital when trying to maximize off-road coverage for a vehicle. One particular insurance company might not cover off-road journeys under any circumstances. Another company might not have any problems with this type of coverage.
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Adding Off-Road Accessories
Vehicles traveling in off-road environments likely need a number of additional accessories added to a vehicle in order to improve safety and performance.
Added items may be damaged in an accident. These items include:
- extra lights
- winches
- added body protection
Do not assume the accessories are automatically covered by a policy. Double-check to make sure.
Off-road accessories can be expensive to purchase and, possibly, more expensive to replace. Boosting insurance to cover the costs of damage to such accessories would be a wise investment.
Off-Road Vehicle Insurance for ATVs and More
A number of unique vehicles are designed mainly for the purpose of off-road adventuring. This type of coverage takes the form of off-road vehicle insurance designed as a separate policy intended to cover an ATV or UTV vehicle.
These policies can be purchased alone or they may be added onto a current existing auto policy. Purchasing such a policy is necessary in order to provide a reliable amount of insurance coverage.
Take all aspects of possible insurance coverage seriously. Droppings might seem like an easy way to save money until the vehicle ends up stolen.
Be sure to read all the clauses in these policies as well. Sometimes, the policy may only cover actual off-road environments.
A common error so many people make is they rush through the process of purchasing an insurance policy – car, homeowner’s, off-road vehicle, and more – in order to get some coverage in place.
Rushing comes with the risk of not acquiring the right coverage or enough coverage at all.
Injury Risks with Off-Road Vehicles
Harrowing video footage appears now and then showing accidents people have suffered driving an ATV.
Hitting a proverbial bump in a road could lead to an ATV flipping over. The person driving the ATV could be injured in the accident. The following are some questions that could lead to a “bump in the road.”
- What if the person driving the ATV was not the owner?
- What if it was the son or daughter of the owner?
- What if the driver was a friend who was “lent” the ATV to drive around off-road?
In all instances here, a quality insurance policy would absolutely be beneficial to the owner. Not having the right insurance – or no insurance – could prove disastrous.
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State Rules and Off-Road Vehicles
The law varies from state to state. In one state, it may be fine to drive the vehicle without insurance on any private property. Once the vehicle goes out on the road, there may be a necessity to procure the coverage for the ATV under standard auto insurance.
This insurance would be in addition to any insurance the person may have to cover losses and liabilities on private land.
Driving an off-road vehicle on a public road without insurance might lead to the owner getting more than a citation. He or she may be charged with a misdemeanor for doing so. Not knowing the law is not a valid defense.
Do the proper legal research in regards to the state the vehicle is intended to be driven.
Insurance and Responsibilities
Hopefully, there will never be a need to file a claim on a multipurpose or off-road exclusive vehicle. Accidents, collisions, and injuries, sadly, do happen without warning.
For this and other reasons, drivers positively should have the most extensive and reliable coverage in place. Otherwise, the financial risks and legal ramifications could prove earth-moving.
Compare car insurance quotes today to find the coverage you need for the best rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an off-road vehicle?
Off-road vehicles typically include recreational vehicles designed for off-road use, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, dune buggies, snowmobiles, and golf carts. These vehicles are primarily used for recreational purposes and are not intended for regular road use.
Do I need insurance for my off-road vehicle?
The requirement for insurance coverage on off-road vehicles varies depending on your location and how you use the vehicle. Some states or jurisdictions may not require insurance for off-road vehicles if they are operated exclusively on private property. However, it’s important to check with your local authorities to understand the specific regulations in your area.
Can I use my off-road vehicle on public roads?
In most cases, off-road vehicles are not permitted to be driven on public roads due to safety concerns and the vehicle’s design. However, there may be certain exceptions or special provisions in certain areas that allow limited road use. It’s crucial to review your local laws and regulations regarding off-road vehicles’ usage on public roads.
What types of insurance coverage are available for off-road vehicles?
Insurance coverage options for off-road vehicles may include liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These coverage types can provide financial protection in case of accidents, theft, damage, or injuries involving your off-road vehicle.
How does liability coverage work for off-road vehicles?
Liability coverage for off-road vehicles typically helps protect you if you cause property damage or bodily injury to someone else while operating your vehicle. It may cover the costs of repairs or medical expenses for the other party involved in the accident, up to your policy’s limits.
Is physical damage coverage necessary for off-road vehicles?
Physical damage coverage, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, is optional for off-road vehicles in most cases. However, if you want financial protection for damage to your off-road vehicle caused by collisions, theft, vandalism, or other covered perils, it’s recommended to consider adding this coverage to your policy.
Can I insure my off-road vehicle under my auto insurance policy?
Some auto insurance providers may offer coverage for off-road vehicles as an endorsement or separate policy. It’s best to contact your insurance company to inquire about the available options. Alternatively, you may need to seek specialized insurance providers who specifically cater to off-road vehicles.
How is the insurance premium determined for off-road vehicles?
The insurance premium for off-road vehicles is determined by several factors, including the type of vehicle, its value, the coverage options selected, your location, your driving history, and the frequency and purpose of use. Insurance companies may also consider factors such as your age and the number of riders to assess the risk associated with insuring your off-road vehicle.
Are there any discounts available for off-road vehicle insurance?
Some insurance companies may offer discounts for off-road vehicle insurance, similar to the discounts available for auto insurance. These discounts may include multi-vehicle discounts, safe driving discounts, bundling discounts, or discounts for completing approved safety courses. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to explore any potential discounts you may qualify for.
What should I do if my off-road vehicle is stolen?
If your off-road vehicle is stolen, you should immediately report the theft to the police and inform your insurance company. Provide them with all the necessary details and documentation, such as the police report. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and assist you in recovering the value of your stolen vehicle based on your policy’s terms and conditions.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.