In Canada, off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles, also require insurance coverage. Here are some things you should know about off-road vehicle insurance in Canada:

1. Coverage options: Off-road vehicle insurance in Canada typically covers liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage pays for damages you cause to other people and their property. Collision coverage pays for damages to your off-road vehicle in the event of an accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your off-road vehicle from things like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
2. Provincial requirements: Each Canadian province has different insurance requirements for off-road vehicles, so it’s important to check with your province’s insurance regulator to see what is required.
3. Additional coverage: Some insurance companies offer additional coverage options for off-road vehicles, such as coverage for accessories or custom parts.
4. Cost: The cost of off-road vehicle insurance varies depending on the type of vehicle, coverage options, and your driving record. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal.
5. Deductibles: Like with car insurance, off-road vehicle insurance policies in Canada often have deductibles. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.

Off-road vehicle insurance cost in Canada

The cost of off-road vehicle insurance in Canada can vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the location, the driver’s age and driving record, and the amount of coverage required. Here are some examples of average annual premiums for off-road vehicle insurance in Canada:

• ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle): $200 to $800
• UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle): $400 to $1,200
• Dirt Bike: $150 to $500

It’s important to note that these are only approximate ranges and that your actual premium may differ based on your specific circumstances. It’s always best to get a personalized quote from an insurance provider to determine the exact cost of your off-road vehicle insurance.

What Are Off-Road Vehicles?

Off-road vehicles are vehicles designed to be driven on unpaved or rough terrain. They are typically used for recreational purposes, but they can also be used for work or transportation in remote or rural areas.

Examples of off-road vehicles include:

1. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) – also known as quad bikes or four-wheelers, these vehicles have four low-pressure tires and are designed for off-road use.
2. Dirt bikes – lightweight motorcycles designed for off-road use.
3. Side-by-sides – also known as utility-task vehicles (UTVs), these vehicles have a cab with a steering wheel, similar to a car, and are designed for off-road use.
4. Snowmobiles – also known as sleds, these vehicles have skis in the front and a track in the rear for propulsion and are designed for use on snow and ice.

Off-road vehicles can be used for a variety of activities, such as hunting, fishing, camping, trail riding, and racing. It’s important to note that off-road vehicles are not typically designed for use on public roads and may not be legal for street use, depending on local laws and regulations.

Are Off-Road Vehicles Permitted to Cross a Highway?

In Canada, off-road vehicles are generally not permitted to cross a highway, unless it is at a designated crossing point. The rules and regulations regarding off-road vehicle use on highways vary by province and territory, but in general, off-road vehicles are not allowed to operate on public roads, including highways, unless they are registered and insured for on-road use, and the driver has a valid driver’s license.

However, some provinces may allow off-road vehicles to cross highways at designated crossings, such as overpasses or underpasses. These crossings are typically marked with signs and may be restricted to certain times of day or weather conditions. It’s important to check with your provincial or territorial off-road vehicle authority to find out what the rules and regulations are for off-road vehicle use on highways in your area, and to follow all applicable laws and safety guidelines.

Who is Permitted to Drive an ATV/Off-Road Vehicle?

In Canada, the rules and regulations regarding who is permitted to drive an ATV/off-road vehicle vary by province and territory. However, in general, the following rules apply:

1. Age restrictions: Most provinces require that ATV/off-road vehicle drivers be at least 16 years old to operate the vehicle independently. Some provinces may have different age restrictions for different types of vehicles.
2. License requirements: In most provinces, ATV/off-road vehicle drivers do not need a driver’s license to operate the vehicle. However, some provinces may require a specific off-road vehicle license or permit, and others may require that drivers have a valid driver’s license.
3. Safety courses: Many provinces require that ATV/off-road vehicle drivers take a safety course before operating the vehicle. These courses typically cover topics such as vehicle operation, safety guidelines, and environmental awareness.
4. Supervision requirements: In some provinces, younger drivers may be required to have adult supervision while operating an ATV/off-road vehicle.

Note that these rules and regulations may vary by province and territory, so it’s important to check with your local off-road vehicle authority to find out what the specific requirements are in your area.

Things to Know Before Insuring

Before insuring your off-road vehicle, there are a few things you should know to ensure that you get the right coverage and the best possible rates. Here are some things to consider:

1. Type of vehicle: Different types of off-road vehicles have different insurance requirements and coverage options. For example, ATV insurance may include coverage for damage to accessories such as snow plows, while dirt bike insurance may not have this option.
2. Usage: Your insurance rates may vary based on how you use your off-road vehicle. For example, if you use it for racing or competitions, your rates may be higher than if you only use it for recreational purposes.
3. Location: Insurance rates can vary by region, depending on factors such as theft rates, accident rates, and weather conditions.
4. Coverage options: Make sure you understand the different types of coverage available, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, as well as any additional coverage options such as accessory coverage or custom parts coverage.
5. Deductibles: Make sure you understand your policy’s deductibles, which are the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
6. Discounts: Ask your insurance company about any available discounts, such as multi-policy discounts or safe driving discounts.
7. Shop around: It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple insurance companies to make sure you’re getting the best possible rates and coverage for your off-road vehicle.

Does Car Insurance Cover Off-Roading?

In most cases, car insurance policies do not cover off-roading activities. Car insurance is typically designed to cover accidents that occur on public roads and highways, and not for off-road activities like ATV riding or rock crawling.

If you are driving a car or truck off-road and have an accident, the damage to your vehicle and any injuries sustained may not be covered under your car insurance policy. However, some insurance companies offer specialty policies for off-road vehicles, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, which may include coverage for off-road accidents.

Carefully read your car insurance policy and talk to your insurance provider to understand what is covered and what is not. If you plan on participating in off-roading activities, you may want to consider purchasing a separate insurance policy specifically designed for off-road vehicles to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage in case of an accident or injury.

Who Insures Off-Road Vehicles?

Off-road vehicles can be insured by a variety of insurance companies, including:

1. Specialty off-road vehicle insurance companies: These companies specialize in providing insurance coverage for off-road vehicles, including ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles.
2. Auto insurance companies: Some auto insurance companies offer coverage for off-road vehicles as part of their standard policies or as an add-on option.
3. Homeowner’s insurance companies: Some homeowner’s insurance policies may include coverage for off-road vehicles kept on your property, such as ATVs or dirt bikes.
4. Recreational vehicle insurance companies: These companies offer insurance coverage for a range of recreational vehicles, including off-road vehicles.

Auto insurance companies offer coverage for off-road vehicles

Here is a list of auto insurance companies that offer coverage for off-road vehicles by province in Canada:

Alberta:

1. Intact Insurance
2. Wawanesa Insurance
3. AMA Insurance
4. Allstate Insurance

British Columbia:

1. ICBC (British Columbia Insurance Corporation)
2. BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association)

Manitoba:

1. Manitoba Public Insurance

New Brunswick:

1. TD Insurance
2. Allstate Insurance
3. Johnson Insurance

Newfoundland and Labrador:

1. Johnson Insurance
2. TD Insurance
3. Allstate Insurance

Nova Scotia:

1. TD Insurance
2. Allstate Insurance
3. Johnson Insurance

Ontario:

1. Allstate Insurance
2. TD Insurance
3. Aviva Canada
4. Desjardins Insurance

Prince Edward Island:

1. TD Insurance
2. Johnson Insurance
3. Allstate Insurance

Quebec:

1. Intact Insurance
2. Allstate Insurance
3. TD Insurance
4. Desjardins Insurance

Off-road vehicle insurance in Canada FAQs

here are some frequently asked questions about off-road vehicle insurance in Canada:

Q: What is an off-road vehicle? A: An off-road vehicle (ORV) is any motorized vehicle that is designed for use on unpaved surfaces, including ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and more.

Q: Is off-road vehicle insurance mandatory in Canada? A: It depends on the province. In some provinces, such as British Columbia and Saskatchewan, off-road vehicle insurance is mandatory. In other provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec, it is not required but highly recommended.

Q: What does off-road vehicle insurance cover? A: Off-road vehicle insurance can cover a variety of things, including liability for injury or property damage to others, collision or comprehensive coverage for damage to your own vehicle, and theft or vandalism protection.

Q: How much coverage do I need for off-road vehicle insurance? A: The amount of coverage you need will depend on your individual circumstances, including the type of vehicle you have, where you ride it, and how often you use it. It’s best to speak with an insurance provider to determine the appropriate amount of coverage for your needs.

Q: Can I add off-road vehicle insurance to my existing auto insurance policy? A: It depends on your insurance provider. Some providers may offer off-road vehicle coverage as an add-on to your auto insurance policy, while others may require a separate policy specifically for your off-road vehicle.

Q: What factors affect the cost of off-road vehicle insurance in Canada? A: Several factors can influence the cost of off-road vehicle insurance, including the type of vehicle, the location, the driver’s age and driving record, and the amount of coverage required. Other factors, such as the value of the vehicle and any modifications made to it, may also impact the cost of insurance.

Q: Do I need a license to operate an off-road vehicle? A: The requirements for operating an off-road vehicle vary by province. In some provinces, such as British Columbia, a driver’s license or off-road vehicle license is required to operate an ORV on public lands. In other provinces, such as Ontario, a driver’s license is not required but the operator must be at least 12 years old and supervised by an adult.

Q: Can I ride my off-road vehicle on public roads? A: It is generally illegal to operate an off-road vehicle on public roads, as these vehicles are not designed or equipped for use on paved surfaces. However, some provinces may allow limited on-road use for certain types of off-road vehicles under specific conditions.

Q: What should I do if I’m involved in an accident with my off-road vehicle? A: If you’re involved in an accident with your off-road vehicle, you should take the same steps you would in any other motor vehicle accident, including assessing injuries, contacting emergency services if necessary, exchanging information with the other party, and reporting the incident to your insurance provider.

Q: How can I save money on off-road vehicle insurance? A: Some ways to save money on off-road vehicle insurance may include taking a safety course, choosing a higher deductible, bundling your off-road vehicle insurance with other policies, and shopping around for the best rates from different insurance providers.

Q: Can I purchase off-road vehicle insurance online? A: Yes, many insurance providers in Canada offer online quotes and purchasing for off-road vehicle insurance. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting adequate coverage and working with a reputable provider before making a purchase online.