ATV Insurance: Security on the Road
ATV Insurance in Alberta
ATVs can be used for both recreation and for commercial purposes. Whether you’re purchasing an ATV for farm work or for adventure, a secure ATV insurance policy will give you peace of mind on and off the road. While ATVs are relatively inexpensive compared to other recreational vehicles and farm equipment, it’s still necessary to have a comprehensive insurance policy that can protect you if you have an accident or to cover damages to your ATV.
Why Do I Need ATV Insurance?
It can be tempting to omit insurance and set out for an adventure on your ATV. But what if you’re involved in an accident and your ATV causes damages or injury? This is where a reliable insurance policy keeps you and others safe.
In Alberta, Sharp’s brokers work diligently to protect you and your ride. Despite being well-equipped to handle rough terrain, all-terrain vehicles do not have certain safety features, like seatbelts, windshields, doors, roll bars and more — which could increase your risk while you’re behind the wheel.
Sharp Insurance’s ATV insurance brokers help you find the protection you need, whether that’s a standalone policy or an addition to your auto or home insurance policy.
What Does ATV Insurance Cover?
ATV insurance is not required by law in Alberta but can be designed based off your personal needs, i.e., what coverage options you need based on your vehicle and your budget. Working with an ATV insurance broker in Alberta is the best way to get the protection you need at an affordable price. Our brokers walk you through an insurance coverage plan, so you know what insurance options you carry in the event of an insured loss.
Alberta ATV Insurance Coverages:
Physical Damages
ATV insurance can insure your ATV up to a specific amount if it’s damaged or destroyed in an insured loss. Like an automobile policy, an ATV insurance policy may include protection for physical damages because of a collision, theft, vandalism, fire and more. Your typical recreational and utility ATV will range in price between $5,000–$15,000 or more. For ATVs on the higher end, the repair or replacement costs can be quite high.
Liability Insurance
ATVs aren’t generally used on public roads but can still cause injury to passengers, other riders or pedestrians and can leave you with hefty lawsuits or medical expenses. The cost of a liability claim for bodily injury or a fatality can be tremendously expensive. We recommend purchasing at least $2 million in liability coverage to defend yourself from unexpected claims.
Additional Coverage Options for ATVs in Alberta
Although additional insurance coverage options for your ATV may not be as extensive as your primary vehicle or home insurance policy, many insurers offer optional coverages, including the following coverages:
Family Protection
This optional coverage is designed to extend existing third-party liability coverage for certain vehicle accidents, particularly in cases where the other driver involved in the event doesn’t have enough of their own coverage to pay for any injury insurance claims.
Unlicensed Operator Protection
This add-on permits an off-road vehicle, such as an ATV, to be used solely on private property by unlicensed (of-age) operators.
ATV Riding Tips
Part of being a responsible rider is being a safe rider. Below we go over some top safety driving tips. Having a clean driving history and few to no claims can help to reduce your premiums and your expenses. ATVs may be seen as unnecessary pieces of equipment that people misuse, but to ATV owners, they can be a necessary means to an end (e.g., operating a daily farm), or a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Regardless of how you use your ATV, you must learn basic safety tips to reduce your chances of injury to you and others.
- Never drink and ride. Riding under the influence (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, drugs) spikes your chances of getting into an accident. The highest risk factor for ATV fatality is driving under the influence.
- Wear a helmet and other protective clothing, like padding for your elbows and knees, gloves for your hands, skid-resistant pants, etc.
- If you’re on a public trail, obey all trail rules.
- Be alert of your surroundings wherever you go, especially if you plan to ride in areas you’re not familiar with. You never know when you might encounter wildlife or an unexpected pedestrian on your path.
- Make sure you have your proper licencing, registration and other necessary permits with you.
- If possible, avoid driving at night or early in the morning. ATVs aren’t normally equipped for riding in the dark.
- Always check the weather before heading out on your next ride. Heavy rainfall, snowfall and fog can make an ordinarily smooth trail far more dangerous.
- Pack an emergency kit, just in case.
We want you to have fun but be mindful! It’s possible to do both with the right mindset.
How to Get an ATV Insurance Quote in Alberta
As an award-winning insurance brokerage headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Sharp Insurance is always looking for the best way to be one step ahead of the rest. By utilizing digital innovation and multi-channel services, Sharp is among the most trusted insurance brokerages in Canada.
We’re happy to help you get ATV insurance in Alberta. Consult one of our expert brokers over the phone or request a free quote by using our form below.
Get your free ATV insurance quote in Alberta today.
ATV Insurance FAQs
ATV insurance in Alberta is seldom purchased as much as it should be — and it’s even less understood. We’re here to clear up any nuances and answer all your frequently asked questions.
Your policy choice depends on the total value of your ATV, its usage and other factors. If you carry your ATV through your home or auto policy, any claims you make for your ATV will end up impacting the rates of those policies as well. So, it’s advised that unless you’re willing to risk increasing your insurance rate, you insure your ATV separately. Ask a Sharp ATV insurance broker for their advice, if you’re still unsure.
The cost to carry an ATV insurance policy in Alberta can range between $50–$250 per month. There’s a wide price range because there are different types of ATVs that are used for different purposes. You might expect variation based upon:
- The type of ATV you ride
- Its condition and its age
- The value of your ATV
- How you use your ATV (commercially, recreationally)
- Who drives your ATV
- Driving record of primary driver (if used on public trails/roads)
- Insurance history
- Location and frequency of ATV use
Other factors include your existing coverage amounts and your insurance provider. Sharp Insurance’s ATV insurance brokers can help you get the right coverage to suit your needs and budget.
In Alberta, ATV insurance is not mandatory but recommended in many situations. If you plan on using your ATV on public roadways, for example, you will need to carry proof of insurance. You may need liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury, but each province requires a different amount of coverage. Ask a Sharp broker for advice on what’s required to ensure your ATV.