How to insure your ATV if you’re driving off your property

Not clear what you should know about insuring your all-terrain vehicle? Here’s a handy FAQ on requirements for this unique (and fun) mode of transportation.

Answer: It may vary between firms across the provinces, but all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are generally considered to be four-wheeled vehicles that can be driven—as their name suggests—on all sorts of terrains, from dirt to snow to ice.

• Snowmobiles generally wouldn’t be considered an ATV since they work only on snow and ice and aren’t made to run on land.

Answer: Whether or not you need a separate licence to drive your ATV depends largely on where you live.

• In Ontario, for example, you need to just have a G2 or M2 licence to operate one. Your best bet is to look at your local provincial ministry of transportation to check both licensing requirements (on both public and private land — there’s a difference) and required age of the driver as well.
• Quite often it’s also recommended that drivers take an ATV driving safety course, which you can find through the Canada Safety Council or your local ATV federation.

Answer: You can insure your new vehicle a few different ways.

• A standalone policy is one way, but you could also package it into your existing auto insurance policy or bundle it into your home and auto insurance.
• Be sure to ask about discounts if you do bundle it in with your auto insurance and/or home insurance policy.
• Again, different insurance companies have different stipulations.

Answer: You don't necessarily need insurance when driving your ATV on your own private property.

• However, if you hit the trails with your vehicle or cross a public road or lot, then you do need to register your vehicle and have insurance coverage for it.

Answer: Again, it’s similar to your existing auto insurance.

• Additional coverage may include all/specified perils, collision and more.

Answer: While that’s always a possibility with insurance firms, some reasons your insurance coverage request might be rejected include:

• You’ve had more than one accident for which you were responsible in the past five years.
• You’ve had more than two or three minor convictions.
• You’ve got a history of non-payment.