With winter approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to talk to you about insurance for snowmobiles and ATVs! We talk about it every year, but even today, too few people are truly aware of the consequences of a snowmobile or ATV accident when you are underinsured. To learn more, we spoke with Elsa Couture, an independent insurance broker at AMR. Here’s everything you need to know about snowmobile and ATV insurance!
What do we need to have on hand when we call our broker to insure our snowmobile or ATV?
Elsa: You need to have your registration certificate handy because you need the serial number of the vehicle you want to insure, just like with a car. You also need the year, make, and model, but what’s different with snowmobiles and ATVs is that you also need to know the engine power, i.e., the number of “cc,” but this information is often easy to find with the identification number.
We also ask whether the vehicle has an anti-theft system or other additional equipment and accessories that need to be insured. Also important: if you are a member of the
Civil liability protects you:
- If your vehicle is damaged in a collision in Quebec, in the event that you are NOT responsible for the accident.
- If you damage other people’s property (fences, houses, municipal or commercial walls, etc.)
- If you injure someone or cause their death.
We recommend taking out civil liability insurance for at least $2,000,000. As a member of the FQCQ or FCMQ, you already have half of that covered, so all you need to do is take out another $1,000,000 in coverage and you’re all set. As with car insurance, civil liability insurance (minimum $500,000) is mandatory in Quebec, whether you are riding on private property or on public trails.
Can an auto insurance claim affect snowmobile or ATV insurance?
Elsa: Yes, absolutely! Car (or motorcycle) claims are taken into account when insuring another vehicle, regardless of its type. We ask for your claims history, but also your car insurance history, who your current insurer is, previous insurers, etc.
A 16-year-old owns an ATV or snowmobile that only he drives: does he have to insure it himself, or can his parents insure the ATV or snowmobile in their name?
Elsa: A new law was recently passed (Law 71 for off-road vehicles), and it is now mandatory for 16-year-olds to take ATV training in order to obtain the certificate of competence issued by the FQCD to access the trails.
It is also important to note that in order to cross or travel on a public road on a snowmobile or ATV, you must have a valid driver’s license. Therefore, in order for a young person under the age of 18 to operate a snowmobile on their own, they must have completed and passed the training course and obtained their driver’s license.
However, a parent can insure their child as an occasional driver on their own insurance policy. The young person will then be covered by insurance in the event of an accident and will be compensated.
What is your best advice for all ATV or snowmobile riders before the start of the winter season?
Elsa: It is essential to comply with regulations and insure your recreational vehicle properly! For example, if a 16-year-old without a driver’s license borrowed his uncle’s snowmobile and a serious accident occurred, neither the young person nor the owner would receive financial compensation. And if that same teenager accidentally collided with another snowmobile, leaving the other driver paraplegic, he could be sued for hundreds of thousands of dollars and would have no liability insurance to protect him… It would be a disaster for everyone involved!
Call your insurance broker, who can give you all the details and guide you toward the insurance coverage that best suits your needs!