ATV insurance defined
Now that you know a little bit more about what an ATV is and the most popular types in Canada, let’s dive into a discussion on ATV insurance. ATV insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect the riders of these powerful, adventurous vehicles. Whether you use yours for commercial or personal purposes, having the right ATV insurance coverage is key. Depending on the coverage you choose, you can be protected against collisions, bodily harm, theft, property damage, and more.
Mandatory ATV insurance in Canada
As with car insurance, ATV insurance is also mandatory if you drive this type of vehicle in Canada. Since an ATV is a motorized vehicle, the mandatory insurance requirements are the same. Using Ontario as an example, the following types of coverage must be purchased, whether you are buying a Toronto car insurance plan or a Toronto ATV insurance plan:
Third party liability coverage
Liability insurance will be part of any ATV insurance policy you purchase. With this type of coverage, you will be protected if you get into a collision that you cause. Liability insurance can help pay for everything from legal fees, including defence and settlement fees, to medical expenses and repair bills if someone is injured or your ATV is damaged in the collision.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage will come in handy if you get involved in an accident while driving your ATV that results in bodily harm. The bodily harm could have been suffered by you, the policyholder, or by someone else from the accident, like a pedestrian, passenger, or the other driver. No matter who requires medical attention, accident benefits coverage will help pay for any expenses incurred that are not covered by health insurance. Such expenses may include the cost of prescription drugs, physical therapy, or rehabilitation.
Direct compensation - property damage coverage
Direct compensation - property damage coverage is the third type of mandatory ATV insurance coverage in Ontario. Unlike accident benefits coverage which covers bodily injury, direct compensation - property damage coverage covers property damage to your ATV. Under this section of your ATV insurance policy, you can receive a payout directly from your insurance company to cover the cost of repairing your ATV.
Uninsured automobile coverage
Uninsured automobile coverage will protect you and your ATV if you get into a collision with another driver who does not have auto insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the cost of the damages. It can also protect ATV drivers who get into accidents with unidentified or anonymous drivers, in the case of a hit and run.
Optional ATV insurance coverage
The four types of coverage listed above are not the only ones available to ATV drivers. And in fact, purchasing additional coverage for your ATV might be important since most basic ATV insurance policies do not include off-roading coverage. A few types of optional insurance coverage that may be worthwhile for your ATV are as follows:
Collision coverage
Collision coverage can help policyholders pay to repair their damaged ATVs if they get into an accident with another vehicle, animal, or object while driving. Unlike direct compensation - property damage coverage, collision coverage can be claimed whether you are found to be at fault for the accident or not. Please note that if the damage to your all-terrain vehicle was caused by another driver, the cost of repairs may be covered under that driver’s third party liability insurance, preventing you from having to pay for the damages.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage is another type of optional coverage that may be worthwhile for ATV drivers. This type of coverage can protect your ATV while it is parked. For example, if a tree branch fell on it and a fire broke out and damaged it, you could receive a payout from your insurer to cover the cost of the damages. With comprehensive ATV insurance, you are only protected against damage caused by the perils named in your policy. The most common perils are fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, water damage, windstorms, etc.
Accident forgiveness coverage
One more type of optional ATV insurance coverage popular among ATV drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your ATV insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility varies by province.
Factors impacting the cost of ATV insurance
Wondering how much it costs to insure your ATV in Canada? The answer varies widely given that insurance companies consider a multitude of factors when determining premiums. The rider, the type of ATV you own, and other factors, like the deductibles you choose, all have the ability to impact how much you pay for ATV insurance. For this reason, ATV insurance can range from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more per year. For further insight into how insurance companies calculate ATV insurance rates, check out this list of factors that are likely to be assessed when applying for coverage:
- Your driving record
- The cost of your ATV
- Your age
- Your gender
- The type, model, features, horsepower, and top speed of the ATV
- Past claims
- Average mileage
- Driving experience
- Insurance history
- The deductible amounts you choose
- The coverage types and limits you choose
- Regulatory bodies
- How you use your ATV (personal vs. commercial, daily vs. weekends only vs. occasional use)
For an accurate picture of how much ATV insurance will cost you, reach out to BrokerLink. We are pleased to offer free ATV insurance quotes to all Canadian drivers. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and one of our licenced ATV insurance specialists will provide you with an accurate and competitive estimate.
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Tips to save money on ATV insurance
So you want to save money on your ATV insurance policy? You’re in the right place. BrokerLink’s team of licensed insurance advisors has compiled a list of their best tips for minimizing ATV insurance costs in Canada. From installing an anti-theft device on your ATV to bundling insurance, check out this list of money-saving tips:
Don’t skimp on security
Safety matters when it comes to ATV insurance. To make your ATV as safe as possible and reduce the odds of theft, install an anti-theft device on your ATV. We also recommend storing your vehicle in a covered, locked, and secure location.
Think carefully about which ATV model you choose
The model of ATV you choose matters when it comes to your premium. Those with higher speed capabilities usually cost more to insure. Similarly, ATVs that are higher in value overall typically result in more expensive premiums. So if you care about keeping ATV insurance costs down, choose a budget-friendly model with lower horsepower.
Compare your coverage options
Shopping around and weighing your options is a vital step if you want to find affordable ATV insurance. To do this, contact multiple insurance providers, obtain quotes from each, and compare them. A BrokerLink insurance advisor can do this for you.
Contact an ATV insurance broker
Reaching out to an ATV insurance broker, like those at BrokerLink, for help, is also a great way to save money on coverage. An ATV insurance specialist at BrokerLink can guide you through the whole process from start to finish. They can provide you with an initial quote, contact insurance companies and obtain quotes for you, uncover discounts you didn’t know you were eligible for, and finally, present you with some great policy options. From there, all you have to do is choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Choose high policy deductibles
As mentioned above, the deductible amounts you select for your policy will also impact how much you pay for ATV insurance. Thus, if you want to keep rates low, choose the highest deductible amounts you can reasonably afford to pay. The higher your deductibles, the lower your premium will be, as you are agreeing to take on more financial responsibility in the event of a claim.
Sign up for ATV driving lessons
Enrolling in an ATV safety course or signing up for ATV driving lessons can lead to a discount on your insurance policy, so long as you graduate and can show proof of your attendance. This is because these types of professional courses have a reputation for churning out safer, more responsible drivers who are more likely to obey the rules of the road and less likely to get into accidents.
Drive your ATV less frequently
The less you drive your ATV, the more money you can save on ATV insurance. So if you only drive your ATV occasionally, such as once a month, during the summer months only, or on weekends only, be sure to tell your insurance provider. Depending on how little you drive, you might even qualify for an occasional driver discount, which can be a sharp reduction from the average cost of ATV insurance.
Combine insurance policies
Combining insurance policies is another great tip if you are looking to reduce ATV insurance costs in Canada. Combining or bundling insurance policies is the act of purchasing more than one policy at the same time. It doesn’t have to be more than one ATV insurance policy. It could be one ATV policy and one personal car insurance policy, or one ATV policy and one home insurance policy. In essence, if you happen to be looking for two types of insurance, speak with a BrokerLink insurance broker about the advantages of bundling.
ATV safe driving tips
Before you hit the road in your new ATV, we urge you to read through the safe driving tips below. Reviewing these tips can make you a safer driver, which in turn, can lead to cheaper rates. After all, the cleaner your driving record, the lower your premium will be:
- Purchase the right insurance coverage for your ATV.
- Wear protective gear at all times, which should include a helmet, goggles, and protective footwear.
- Read and abide by your ATV manufacturer’s recommendations on maximum loads and passengers.
- Check the weather before heading out on your ATV (if weather conditions are bad, stay inside).
- Take extra care when driving your ATV on a public road.
- Never drive your ATV while impaired.
- Make sure that you have a valid driver's licence, registration, and any other required permits on your person at all times.
- Keep an eye out for road hazards, including wildlife, which may be more common on off roads.
- Exercise caution when driving at night and at high speeds.
- Pack a first-aid or emergency kit and keep it in your ATV at all times.
What is an ATV?
First thing’s first, what is an ATV? An ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, is a motorized, off-road vehicle that moves on three or four tires. For this reason, ATVs are also referred to as quads or quad bikes. Quads have four tires with lower pressure, and it’s the low pressure that creates traction when riding on rough or wet terrain.
Types of ATVs
There are multiple types of ATVs available for purchase. No matter which you choose, ATV insurance is a must. To further explain what ATVs are, we break down three of the most common types below:
Utility ATVs
Utility ATVs are designed with powerful engines and the ability to haul heavy amounts of weight. They are most commonly used for commercial purposes, especially within the agricultural and construction industries. However, they can also be used for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hunting.
Sport ATVs
Sports ATVs are far faster and more lightweight than utility ATVs, and as such, they are typically used for adventure purposes. Generally, sport ATVs are best suited to ATV veterans as their speed can make them a dangerous option for beginners or young adults.
Youth ATVs
Finally, youth ATVs are designed specifically for children and adolescents. These ATVs are among the safest, with a less powerful engine, reduced speed capabilities, and automatic transmissions. Some even feature extra safety features like the engine automatically turning off if it detects that someone has fallen off of the vehicle.
Contact BrokerLink for more information on ATV insurance
Do you still have questions about ATV insurance? Contact BrokerLink today. Any one of our insurance advisors can answer your questions, explain the various types of coverage available to you, and offer a professional opinion on the best policy for you and your ATV. We can also give you tips on how to keep ATV insurance costs low and how to ensure that you drive safely at all times.
Get started with BrokerLink by requesting your free ATV insurance quote today. Whether you choose to get in touch by email, over the phone, or in person, you can receive a complimentary quote. You can also take advantage of our online quote tool, through which you can obtain a free ATV insurance quote in five minutes or less. What are you waiting for? Get in touch today to begin your ATV insurance journey.
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FAQs ATV insurance
Is ATV insurance required in Canada?
ATV insurance is mandatory in Canada if you drive your ATV on public roads or public property. However, if you exclusively drive your ATV on private property, ATV insurance is not required. That said, even in cases where ATV insurance is not compulsory, it is still strongly recommended. Otherwise, if your all-terrain vehicle is damaged or an accident occurs and you are harmed while riding your ATV, you will have to pay for the costs out of pocket.
Does ATV insurance cover theft?
ATV insurance may cover theft if you choose to include comprehensive coverage in your policy. Comprehensive coverage is a type of optional coverage that protects your vehicle from specific perils. You will only be covered for the perils listed in your policy, one of the most popular of which is theft. With theft protection, if your ATV is stolen, your insurer would pay to replace it up to the policy limit.
How can I insure my ATV in Canada?
You can insure your ATV by reaching out to an insurance agent or broker near you. They can help you find the coverage you need at an affordable rate. Insurance professionals can also provide you with a free ATV insurance quote to give you an idea of how much an annual policy would cost.
If I have ATV insurance, does this mean that I am allowed to drive it on a public road?
Not necessarily. While ATV insurance is mandatory in most provinces if you want to drive your ATV on public property or public roads, not all public roads allow ATVs. For example, ATVs are not permitted on several highways in Ontario while some are only permitted on the shoulder of the road. That said, most ATVs are allowed to cross public roads at designated trail crossings.
Does my driving record matter when my ATV insurance premium is being calculated?
Yes, your driving record is one of the most important factors when it comes to your ATV insurance premium. This means that if your driving record is poor, containing multiple speeding tickets, accidents, or other infractions, your ATV insurance rate is likely to be higher than if your record was clean.
Is driving an ATV risky?
Driving an ATV can be risky, especially if you do not practice safe driving habits. Since you are less protected while driving an ATV and ATVs are often driven off-road, there are several things that can go wrong. For instance, your odds of running into wildlife increase, while those with high speed capabilities can easily lead to a loss of control or error in judgment.
Do I need a valid driver’s licence to drive an ATV in Canada?
The rules and regulations around ATV driving vary between provinces. However, most Canadian provinces require drivers to have a valid driver’s licence if they plan to do any on-road driving or driving on public property or public roads. Please note that only certain roads and highways allow ATVs, so you will have to do your research in advance of hitting the road.
What types of vehicles is ATV insurance meant for?
ATV insurance is designed to protect all kinds of all-terrain vehicles, including utility, sport, and youth ATVs, quads, UTVs, 4-wheelers, 6-wheelers, 8-wheelers, side by sides, and more. If you aren’t sure whether your ATV is suited to ATV insurance, contact an insurance professional near you.
