Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Insurance

If your definition of "off-road vehicle," (ORV) is limited to your street-legal motorcycle, 4x4, Jeep, Blazer, or even a rugged SUV, finding appropriate insurance coverage is easy. In fact, you probably already have coverage, since you're driving the same vehicle on the highway. If, however, your ORV of choice is one that is specifically intended for recreational use or trail riding, like an ATV, dune buggy, snowmobile, or even (in some states) a golf cart, you need specific ORV insurance.

The good news is that many mainstream insurers now offer ORV coverage, especially if they already have a product line for boats. If the insurance company covering your car does not offer such a product, don't fret, there are also specialty insurers who will happily cover your ATV, often for little - or no - deductible.

Why is having specific insurance for your ORV a good idea? Well, if you're riding on public trails that are maintained by your local or state government, insurance may be required by law. If it isn't, it's still an excellent idea because such coverage doesn't just give you liability coverage if you crash into another rider. It offers coverage for:

• non-collision accidents, so if you flip your dune buggy, it will be covered
• medical care, if you're in an accident - collision or otherwise
• coverage for your equipment, including your helmet, goggles and protective gear

In addition, some ORV insurance works with your regular car insurance to include coverage for your towed sled or trailer, and coverage for any after-market parts (in case that street-legal 4x4 has been modified).

Of course, there are conditions to such insurance. For example, you'll be covered while you're off-road, but if a single wheel touches a public road, you won't be insured (this is especially important with golf carts and dune buggies). Also, in most states you have to be at least eighteen to carry such coverage. As well your coverage may not extend to additional riders on the same ORV, unless the vehicle is specifically designated as capable of carrying more than one person.

Nevertheless, the bottom line is this: responsible riders buy ORV insurance. It's not that expensive, and it can save you a small fortune in repairs, replacements, and medical bills.