When customers are injured when traveling in an all-terrain vehicle, many assume that the driver's car insurance policy will cover their damages. In fact, almost all auto policies exclude coverage for off-road and off-road vehicles. Usually no, individual car insurance policies don't offer coverage if you're involved in an accident with your ATV or UTV. However, you may be able to get a discount on your vehicle coverage if you combine your policies with the same ATV insurance company.
Unlike an auto insurance policy, off-road vehicle liability coverage doesn't compensate you for lost wages if you were absent from work to recover from your injuries. Nor does it usually cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or reduced quality of life. The next most obvious question is does auto insurance cover off-road vehicle accidents? Wouldn't that be great? Most of us already have coverage. Unfortunately, car insurance doesn't cover off-road vehicles.
While cars and off-road vehicles are vehicles you own, they can't be covered under the same policy because the risks of driving the vehicles are different, so the prices must be different. The only time auto insurance covers off-road vehicle accidents is when the policyholder crashes their car into an ATV or UTV and considers themselves guilty. For example, if a friend was riding a UTV on your property, was injured, and sued you for damages, your landlord liability insurance would normally cover the incident. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage increased the cost of an off-road vehicle or UTV insurance policy by hundreds of dollars.
Most companies offer lower quotes for off-road vehicle insurance if you have more than one ATV or motorcycle, have multiple insurance policies (such as homeowners or renters insurance), or if you have an anti-theft device installed on your ATV. Comprehensive coverage is likely to increase the cost significantly because off-road vehicles, such as motorcycles, are highly sought after by thieves and are generally easier to steal than a car or boat. If a negligent driver of an all-terrain vehicle or a driver of a passenger vehicle hit you and caused you injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against you. Typically, the policy will include liability for bodily injury and liability for property damage, and you can add collision coverage, comprehensive coverage for uninsured drivers, and medical coverage.
You shouldn't have to suffer because of another party's negligence or because your insurer refuses to comply with your policy. Most insurance companies cover off-road vehicles in their motorcycle insurance policies, but the rates are generally lower for all vehicles. That is, if the terrain is faulty and you don't own the land, your homeowners insurance won't cover the accident. In Ohio and Kentucky, off-road vehicle insurance is not required, but due to the limited scope of home insurance coverage, you may want to consult an insurance agent.
If your vehicle is a UTV, a utility vehicle, or side-by-side, it's probably considered an all-terrain vehicle for insurance purposes. Home insurance generally doesn't cover your ATV or UTV if it's damaged in an accident, since your property coverage doesn't extend to vehicles. For example, standard off-road vehicle insurance policies only cover recreational or transportation use (such as traveling across your property to a barn or to work). At least one court found that this exception prohibited unrelated individuals from being covered by the homeowner's insurance policy for an accident that occurred in the insured premises.
Owners and passengers should be aware of the circumstances excluded from off-road vehicle insurance coverage, whether due to higher levels of risk or illegal behavior. So, if you're traveling between states, it's best to check that state's laws to determine if a license or insurance is required. .
