Do You Need to Insure Your Snowmobile?

During winter, you plan to take your snowmobile out for recreational use on the local trails. It might also have more practical purposes, including transportation around a rural area when a couple feet of snow cover the ground.

In all cases, you may be wondering if you need to insure your snowmobile. Connecticut residents are not required to purchase coverage; liability insurance is only mandatory in five states. On the other hand, you do have to register your snowmobile with the DMV. 

While snowmobile insurance is optional, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take out coverage. Consider all the risks associated with ownership, from accidents to vandalism and theft. In these instances, you’ll be on the hook for any property damage, bodily injuries and may need to purchase a new snowmobile. As you think about coverage, here’s what you should know.

Snowmobile Insurance Policies

Since the standard snowmobile policy provides liability coverage, premiums tend to be relatively inexpensive. Yet it’s important to understand where liability applies, including property damage in the event of an accident, as well as bodily injury to others. Repairs to your snowmobile and your own injuries are excluded.

Liability also does not extend to theft, damage from natural disasters, vandalism or fire. As such, you’re advised to anticipate these instances through comprehensive and collision coverage. Along with these factors:

• Should you forgo snowmobile insurance, a homeowner’s policy does not extend coverage in the event it’s damaged, vandalized or stolen from your garage. Auto insurance also excludes your snowmobile if you choose to transport it to local trails.
• You’re advised to keep your policy active year-round to anticipate theft and damage from weather-related incidents. Attempting to re-instate a canceled policy can result in rate hikes, limited coverage or being dropped by your carrier.

Types of Snowmobile Insurance Coverage

Options for snowmobile coverage include:

• Liability: This baseline coverage extends to property damage and medical bills for individuals you injure. While higher limits are usually available, liability often covers $25,000 per person, per accident or $50,000 for all people injured, excluding yourself. A second, often lower limit is set for property damage. Should the claim be assessed at a higher value, you’ll be expected to pay the remaining amount out-of-pocket. A liability-only policy can be ideal if you ride your snowmobile infrequently or in an area that sees few people.
• Comprehensive: This coverage extends to vehicular damage outside of collisions, such as natural disasters, weather-related events, vandalism, fire, theft, animal-related damage or having your snowmobile fall through ice.
• Collision: Just as with your auto insurance policy, collision covers damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
• Full coverage: This option helps extend coverage to pay for the cost of all repairs or fully replacing your snowmobile, based on damage.

Are you thinking about taking out snowmobile insurance this year? Discuss policies and coverage options with your agent at HUB/Ion Insurance. To get started, contact us today.