Did you buy your ATV with the intention of enjoying it year-round, or do you only take it out seasonally – perhaps during hunting season? Regardless of how you use your all-terrain vehicle, your risk of damages or loss to your ATV or UTV can change throughout the year. Continue reading to find out our top tips for staying safe on your ATV and maintaining it as the seasons change.
Tips for Protecting Yourself
Take a Hands-On Safety Course
According to the ATV Safety Institute, ATV safety courses are offered in states across the U.S. for riders of all ages. Not only can it help you learn to drive more safely and defensively, but it can also qualify you for discounts on your ATV insurance premiums. Better yet, you may qualify for a free course if you recently purchased your ATV.
Wear Protective Gear
It may seem like a hassle to put on your helmet, goggles, long sleeves, pants and boots during the heat of summer, but it could spare you from serious injury and even death. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are approximately 700 to 800 ATV-related deaths in the U.S. every year, of which most riders are not wearing helmets.
Tips for Protecting Your ATV
Store Your ATV Safely
ATVs should never be left out in the open when they aren’t in use. Instead, keep it covered and store it safely away in your garage or a locked storage building. Not only does this protect your ATV from the elements, but it can also help deter thieves and vandals.
Purchase ATV Liability and Collision Insurance
ATV insurance is essential for protecting yourself and others in the event of an accident. If your ATV rolls down a hill or collides with a tree, collision insurance will help pay to repair or replace it. Liability is equally important, as it pays for the property damages and bodily injury you might cause to others when operating your ATV. Without it, you could be forced to liquidate your personal savings or even sell your own ATV to cover your liability obligations to another person.
Keep Your Policy During the Off-Season
It can be tempting to cancel your ATV insurance policy in the off-season when you are not riding it. This can be a costly mistake, however, considering you are still exposed to risk when your vehicle is not in use. What if a fire destroys your ATV or a tree falls and crushes it? Could you afford to replace it with one of today’s expensive newer models? ATV insurance is designed for year-round coverage. You may find it is far more costly to stop and restart your policy than it is to maintain your insurance during the offseason.
Find Year-Round ATV Insurance
If you own an ATV, you cannot afford to go without insurance coverage. ATV ownership can be an unpredictable experience and one that can cost you a lot of money without the right coverage. Contact our office to speak with an agent about your ATV insurance needs and find a policy that is right for you. Call today to request your free, no-obligation quote. We look forward to serving you soon.
