All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are popular ways to explore nature, providing a unique perspective that may not otherwise be available. However, because of the dangerous terrain, ATV accidents can be common.
Unfortunately, standard auto insurance does not typically cover ATV accidents. However, you have options if you’re in one. Read on to learn more about why auto insurance policies don’t cover ATV accidents, your insurance options, and what to do if you’re in an accident.
A Chicago ATV accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help answer your questions and help you seek a fair settlement for your injuries.
Why Auto Insurance Policies Usually Don’t Cover ATVs
Standard car insurance policies only cover cars and trucks. They’re defined by name in most auto policies. Standard policies do not cover off-road and recreational vehicles like ATVs and golf carts. They are often explicitly excluded.
You’ll need to purchase a specialized ATV insurance policy if you want ATV insurance coverage. This can be through your auto insurance provider or another company. Some homeowners insurance companies also offer this coverage. The amount you are eligible for depends on different factors.
Exceptions to the Rule
While ATVs are not generally covered under traditional auto insurance, there are limited situations where they may be. They can also be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy in select circumstances.
ATVs Used on Public Roads
Some states and local municipalities allow ATVs to travel on their streets as long as they operate within the rules of the road. As a result, some policies may offer limited coverage if the ATV legally operates on public roads.
In these cases, they operate as traditional cars and may be covered with limitations on a car policy.
Specific Policy Language
Each insurance company and policy differs, so you must check your policy to learn more. It will outline any specific provisions or endorsements related to driving an ATV.
Additionally, your homeowner’s insurance may apply depending on where the accident occurred. The ATV accident must have happened on your property for your homeowner’s insurance to apply. Specific provisions may exclude ATV accidents; your insurance provider can explain your options.
Some policies may only cover damages, forcing you to rely on your health insurance for medical bills. Specifically, ask insurance providers who offer ATV coverage if medical bills are covered.
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Insurance Coverage Options
Auto insurance is a business, so there’s no one-size-fits-all policy. Instead, there are specialized policies for different vehicles. Off-road vehicle (ORV) policies are specialized insurance policies designed for ATVs and other off-road vehicles.
What ORV Coverage Includes
What your ORV coverage includes depends on the type of policy you purchased.
- Liability coverage: Liability will provide limited coverage if you’re found to be at fault in an accident. It provides coverage for the victims, including bodily injury and property damage. This is similar to liability coverage if you’re in a car accident.
- Collision coverage: Collision coverage will help pay for damage to your ATV if you are in an ATV accident. This is crucial for many ATV accidents.
- Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage includes non-collision-based accidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, animal accidents, weather, and more.
- Medical expenses: Select policies will include coverage for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. You can also purchase supplement policies to provide additional medical payment coverage. Your health insurance policy will also cover your injuries.
- Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage: This policy covers if you are not at fault, but the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage for the accident.
Each insurance policy is different, so it’s important to discuss which policy is right for you with your provider. The right kind of auto insurance helps protect you and your personal property in the case of an accident. However, it’s crucial to make sure your auto insurance covers your ATV.
Factors Affecting ATV Insurance Premiums
Like traditional car insurance, ATV insurance premiums vary. Different factors can impact how much you pay for your coverage.
Type of ATV
The type, size, and engine capacity can affect your ATV insurance premiums.
- Type: The more expensive the brand and features available in your ATV, the more expensive it will be to replace if damaged.
- Size: Larger ATVs can be more expensive. They can also have lower thresholds for tipping capacity, making them more likely to roll over or cause property damage.
- Engine capacity: Bigger engines can often go faster and cost more to replace.
Newer ATVs may also cost more to insure than older models. Ultimately, how much the ATV could cost insurance to fix will impact your premiums.
Driving History and Experience
Insurance companies will also look at your driving record. You may have a lower premium if you have a clean driving record with no tickets or accidents. Additionally, your experience level can also impact your premium. More experienced drivers can have lower premiums. Your premium can decrease over time if you are proven to be a safe driver.
Location and Usage
Where you are located and how you plan to ride your ATV can affect insurance costs and whether homeowners insurance policies cover damages. More dangerous terrain and frequent personal or professional use can raise premiums.
The more you use it, the higher your chances of being an ATV accident case. Insurance companies take that into account when determining your premium.
Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Higher coverage limits or lower deductibles can result in higher premiums. The threshold for insurance policies to kick in is lower, so the potential for the insurance company to pay more is higher.
Additionally, if you carry high coverage limits, the insurance policy will be forced to pay more in the case of damage. These policies can benefit you in the long run if there are issues. It will cost you less money to fix. However, the premiums will cost you more in the short term. Consider the actual cash value and whether you need a company that can provide coverage for financial protection when choosing an insurance policy.
What to Do After an ATV Accident
ATV accidents can be traumatizing. You can take several steps to protect your health and well-being immediately following an ATV accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Assess if you, your passengers, and other impacted parties have been injured. If so, call 911 to get an ambulance to the scene. Depending on your location, medical personnel may find it difficult to reach you. You may be asked to relocate to a more accessible location if possible.
Report the Accident
You should report the accident to the appropriate authorities, especially if it occurred on public land or involved any injuries. You can call 911 and get a police report for the accident. This official record can help you pursue compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. This could be your auto insurance or a separate ATV policy. Share the details of what happened with them, but avoid admitting fault or taking blame for the accident.
Let them know the circumstances of the accident and who was involved. Provide any witness statements or police reports to support your claim.
Consult with a Lawyer
Consult with a lawyer after an ATV accident. A Chicago personal injury attorney from our team can help provide legal advice, especially if there are injuries, disputes over liability, or questions about insurance coverage.
We can help negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to seek compensation and will represent you throughout the court process if they refuse to settle for a fair amount. We can help you:
- Gather evidence to pursue legal action
- Determine how much you’re owed for severe injuries
- Access information, such as police reports
- Determine if you’re eligible for a liability claim
Secure Expert Legal Counsel!
ATV accidents can cause mental harm, personal injury, and damage to personal property. An ATV accident attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation for these damages. Our team of qualified lawyers is on standby to answer all your questions. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn your legal options.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out this form to get in touch.