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What Is ATV Insurance?

Benjamin Arie
Benjamin Arie

ATV insurance is a type of insurance policy that is designed to cover an all-terrain vehicle. These types of vehicles are often called "quads" or "four wheelers." ATVs typically have three, four, or six wheels, and are operated by a rider using controls on handlebars. Insurance of ATVs helps to protect an owner from financial loss after an accident, vandalism, or theft.

There are several different types of ATV insurance. Uninsured motorist insurance is designed to protect the driver of an ATV in the event of an accident. Medical expenses caused by a collision between an ATV and another vehicle are usually covered by the party who is legally at fault. Not all other drivers maintain proper insurance for these potential expenses, however. Uninsured motorist coverage allows an ATV owner to pay for medical treatment even if the responsible party does not have sufficient insurance.

Collision ATV insurance covers damage to the owner's vehicle.
Collision ATV insurance covers damage to the owner's vehicle.

Bodily injury and property damage ATV insurance is used to pay for damage or medical expenses incurred toward others when an ATV owner is at fault. An ATV driver who runs through a trail yield sign and injures another rider, for example, is usually legally responsible for the medical costs. Bodily injury coverage would provide funds to the victim in this instance, and help protect the personal finances of the ATV owner.

Collision ATV insurance covers damage to the owner's vehicle. This damage may be caused by running into a tree or obstacle, or a collision with another all-terrain vehicle. Major ATV damage is usually covered, while incidental scratches and cosmetic dents caused from wear and tear by normal riding are not.

Comprehensive ATV insurance is similar to collision coverage, but protects the owner from different types of damage. A wide range of causes are usually covered by comprehensive coverage, including vandalism, flooding, and fire. Comprehensive all-terrain vehicle insurance also often covers theft. This allows the owner to recoup the vehicle's value if it is stolen and cannot be recovered.

All types of ATV insurance typically have deductibles and limits. A deductible is the set amount of money that an ATV owner must cover before the insurance company begins to pay. An insurance limit sets the maximum amount that will be paid on an insurance claim. Insurance policies with larger deductibles and lower maximum limits are typically less expensive, but they will result in higher costs when an insurance claim is initiated.

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    • Collision ATV insurance covers damage to the owner's vehicle.
      By: stoffies
      Collision ATV insurance covers damage to the owner's vehicle.