What is ATV insurance? 

All-terrain vehicles offer access to Massachusetts’s outdoors in ways that few other recreational activities do. These off-roaders also present risks that other activities don’t, however. To help mitigate these risks, riders can get ATV insurance.

ATV insurance offers specialized coverage for all-terrain vehicles. Policies may protect when trail riding, going alongside a road’s shoulder, trailering, or storing an ATV.

Who in Massachusetts should consider four-wheeler insurance? 

Although Massachusetts law doesn’t mandate four-wheeler insurance, it’s highly recommended for most ATV riders. Not insuring can lead to substantial financial losses if something happens on the trail.

For riders who have financed their ATV, certain damage coverages are likely required. Lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverages when financing. These coverages normally aren’t required if an ATV is owned outright, but they’re often still recommended.

What insurance protections should ATV owners look for?

ATVs generally should be covered with multiple protections. A few notable ones that these policies frequently offer are:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Usually covers injuries sustained by individuals riding the insured ATV during its operation.
• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Usually covers injuries incurred by individuals not on the insured ATV, such as other ATVs’ riders, and bystanders.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Usually covers non-collision damage to the ATV, like those caused by falling debris, animals, theft, fire or similar perils.
• Collision Coverage: Usually covers damage to the ATV resulting from accidents with other vehicles, often including collisions with ATVs, cars or trucks.
• Accessories Coverage: Usually covers safety gear and accessories, often including items like helmets, trailers, aftermarket upgrades and bags.
• Property Damage Liability Coverage: Usually covers collision damage sustained by others’ property, often including ATVs, cars, fences and buildings.
• Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Usually covers scenarios where another rider or driver is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance.

 

Are four-wheelers covered by auto insurance policies?

Standard auto insurance is designed for registered vehicles that are driven on public roads, not off-road vehicles like four-wheelers. Four-wheeler insurance is normally needed for recreational vehicles like these.

Are four-wheelers covered by homeowners policies?

Some homeowners insurance may offer limited coverage for four-wheelers, especially smaller models with lower horsepower. Larger models may not be covered, and coverage can be quite limited even when it is provided.

An insurance agent who knows what coverages four-wheelers need can check whether a homeowners policy provides suitable coverage. If it doesn’t, the agent can help find a four-wheeler policy.

Can four-wheeler insurance be canceled when storing an ATV? 

Completely suspending a four-wheeler policy normally isn’t recommended, even when storing an ATV for a full season. Canceling all coverages can leave the ATV unprotected if it’s damaged while stored, and even stored ATVs can be damaged by falling debris, thieves, vandals and fires.

Rather than entirely suspending or canceling a policy, a better approach is often to adjust coverages. A knowledgeable insurance agent can help adjust coverages so that riders aren’t paying for unnecessary protections while storing their ATV, but important ones that protect against non-collision damage or loss remain in place.

 Another option might be to adjust coverages while the four-wheeler is in storage, suspending certain protections and reinstating them once the riding season resumes.

How much does it cost to insure a four-wheeler in Massachusetts? 

The premiums for ATV policies are influenced by many factors. These frequently include ATV’s size, value, storage location and primary usage. A rider’s experience, age and past claims history can also affect premiums, as can many other details.

An independent insurance agent, who’s able to compare policies from among several insurance companies, can check how much different insurers will charge for insuring a specific ATV. In most cases, affordable coverage is available if riders shop around.

How can riders get ATV insurance for their four-wheelers? 

If you need assistance insuring a four-wheeler, reach out to the independent insurance agents of Flavin & Flavin Insurance. Our agents can help you compare ATV insurance policies from multiple insurers in Massachusetts, and we’ll make sure you find the best policy for your four-wheeler.