Is Snowmobile Insurance Like Car Insurance?
Do you need snowmobile insurance? Is it mandatory like car insurance? That depends on whether you are riding on your own property or operating your snowmobile off your property.
It’s important to know snowmobile insurance is like car insurance when it comes to having liability insurance, should you injure someone in a snowmobile accident. Note that specific insurance requirements for snowmobiles can vary, depending on where you live in Canada.
Is snowmobile insurance like car insurance?
Snowmobile insurance is like car insurance because it protects snowmobile owners and operators from financial liabilities that can result from accidents, damages, or theft of their snowmobiles.
It has different types of coverages, such as mandatory liability insurance if you are off your private property, and accident benefits as well as optional collision or comprehensive coverages.
Liability coverage can shield you financially up to the limit of your snowmobile insurance coverage if you are found at fault.
Snowmobile insurance is typically mandatory for snowmobilers using public trails or lands in many areas of Canada. Where do you live? You’ll need to inform yourself about what snowmobile insurance is required.
Did you know? A property owner may be liable if a snowmobile rider is injured on their property.
How does snowmobile insurance protect me?
- It protects your vehicle. Unless you can afford to replace or repair your snowmobile out-of-pocket, snowmobile insurance helps protect it from collisions, fire, and theft.
- It protects you financially in the case of a liability claim if you injure someone or cause damage to another person’s property or vehicle while driving your snowmobile.
- You’ll have accident benefits. If you’re injured in an accident, accident benefits coverage helps replace lost income or pay for medical and other expenses not covered by government health insurance. Find out if this coverage is mandatory or optional where you live.
- Uninsured motorist coverage provides benefits to you or your family if you’re injured or killed by an uninsured or unidentified driver. It can also help pay for damages to your snowmobile if they’re caused by an unidentified or uninsured motorist.
If I’m driving my snowmobile off my private property, what insurance do I need?
Liability Insurance: In many Canadian provinces and territories, liability insurance is mandatory for snowmobiles. This coverage helps protect you if you injure someone or damage their property while operating your snowmobile.
Optional coverages are usually collision and comprehensive insurance for snowmobiles: While not always required by law, collision and comprehensive coverage can be beneficial to snowmobile owners. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your snowmobile if it's damaged in an accident. Comprehensive coverage can help with non-collision damage, such as theft or vandalism.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage: Some provinces and territories may require this type of coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured snowmobile operators.
Medical payments or accident benefits: Depending on your province or territory, you may have access to accident benefits coverage, which can help with medical expenses and income replacement if you're injured in a snowmobile accident.
Can I get accident forgiveness coverage for my snowmobile?
Yes, you can get accident forgiveness coverage for your snowmobile. Accident forgiveness coverage is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement to protect your driving record. This type of coverage also helps prevent your car insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim involving your snowmobile. It’s important to know that accident forgiveness coverage varies by province.
How will the cost of my snowmobile insurance be determined?
Your insurance premium for your snowmobile will usually be based on the following:
- Type and value of your snowmobile
- How do use it? Are you using your snowmobile for racing?
- Your age and experience driving a snowmobile
- Location: rates may differ between urban and rural settings or based on the specific province or territory.
- The deductible you choose: a higher deductible usually means lower monthly or annual premiums
- Where do you store it in off season
- Your driving record may affect your snowmobile insurance
Is snowmobile insurance seasonal insurance?
Snowmobile insurance is considered seasonal insurance, but your policy is in effect year-round, protecting your snowmobile when it's in storage. This means that your policy protects your snowmobile from theft, fire, and vandalism when it's not being used.
