Did you know that some states require snowmobile owners to carry insurance? If you live in either Dakotas, Pennsylvania, New York, or Vermont, you’ll need liability insurance before hitting the snow. And if you live in Illinois, you’re required to carry insurance under certain circumstances, such as while riding on public trails.
If you’re in Iowa, you’ll need to show proof of insurance if you’re riding on public streets, public roads, or private roads that are openly traveled by the general public. In other words, if you’re a snowmobiler in Iowa, you’ll need insurance if you leave your property.
If you don’t live in any of these states but put your snowmobile to good use every winter, you should consider insurance to help cover expenses if you ever get into an accident. Another instance where you may be required to carry insurance is if you have a loan on your sled.
Snowmobile insurance can be very affordable. It will also give you some extra peace of mind so you can focus on having fun and enjoying the great outdoors.
What is snowmobile insurance?
Insurance for snowmobiles will provide you with some financial coverage if you get into an accident. Insurance helps cover medical bills if you get hurt. It can reimburse you if you damage your snowmobile and need to repair or replace it after an accident. It also protects you legally if you hurt someone else or damage their property.
What does insurance for snowmobiles cover?
Depending on your policy, you can purchase many of the same types of coverage that you would for regular auto insurance, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Collision
Collision coverage will help you repair the damage to your snowmobile if you get into an accident.
Comprehensive
If your snowmobile is stolen, vandalized, or impaired by bad weather, comprehensive coverage will help repair or replace your sled.
Liability
Bodily injury liability offers you protection if you get into an accident and harm someone else. If you’re responsible for their injuries, you may have to pay their medical bills.
Property damage liability helps you pay to repair damage to someone else’s property. Let’s say you run into a fence or hit another snowmobile. If you’re at fault for the damage, liability can help cover the costs of repairing or replacing the property.
Other
Your insurance provider may also offer additional types of coverage, such as
- Uninsured and underinsured driver
- After-market parts and accessories
- Transport trailer
- Full recovery insurance (covers damages that exceed your regular policy limits)
- OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
- Safety apparel
- Trip interruption
- Roadside assistance
- Medical payments
Do I need insurance for my snowmobile?
If you don’t live in any of the states we listed above, you may not be required to take out a snowmobile insurance policy. However, around 14,000 injuries and 200 deaths occur every year in North America due to snowmobile accidents. So even if you aren’t required to carry insurance by law, it’s still a smart move when flying across snow and ice at top speeds on a 600-plus-pound sled.
Be sure to check with your state to see what you need to drive your snowmobile legally. You may need to carry a special permit, registration, or equipment.
If you ride frequently, consider at least purchasing liability insurance coverage in case you hit someone and need to pay their medical bills. You also never know if the person you accidentally hit will go a step further and sue you for their injuries or the damage you cause their property. You’ll sure be glad you’re protected if this happens.
If you have a brand new snowmobile, you may also want to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy. If you get into an accident or someone steals or vandalizes your sled, your insurance company will reimburse you for your loss.
Does homeowners insurance cover snowmobiles?
No, your homeowners insurance won’t cover your snowmobile. Neither will your renters or auto insurance. To cover your sled and protect yourself in any event, you need a separate policy.
Will snowmobile insurance cover passengers?
Some policies do, and others don’t. Ask your insurance carrier if your snowmobile insurance covers passengers. If it doesn’t, ask about additional coverage you can add to your policy to protect them.
How much does snowmobile insurance cost?
The cost of your snowmobile insurance, like all types of insurance, depends on several factors.
- Age, make, and model of your snowmobile
- Types of coverage you need
- Your policy limits and deductibles
- The state you live in
- Your age and driving history
- Intended use
- Where you ride
- Whether you plan on carrying passengers
If you stick with liability only, your policy could be as cheap as $10 or less per month. If you purchase additional coverage, like collision and comprehensive, you’ll pay more, but it can still be very affordable.
It’s also smart to keep your snowmobile insurance year-round versus only activating your policy during the winter. If you cancel your policy, you may end up paying more when you start it again. Or you could lose your coverage completely and be unable to renew it when winter comes around. Your coverage protects you against losses like fire, vandalism, and theft all year long—even when you’re off the trails.
Talk with your insurance agent for more information. They can help you decide the best course of action.
Have questions about insuring your sled? Contact us for answers or a quote!
