pair of snowmobiles parked in snow

Have your adventure without risking it all.

The thrill of ATVs, snowmobiles, and even golf carts is that they break convention. They allow us to travel to new places, in new ways. The risks associated with riding off-road vehicles, for some, are part of the fun. However, accidents happen, theft happens, and your homeowners policy likely won’t cover any of it, especially if you’re riding outside your own property. With Off-road Vehicle insurance you can get the peace of mind you need to let loose and have fun.

What Vehicles Are Covered

As the name suggests, sport and leisure vehicles serve a variety of purposes, from more adventurous rides through the woods and dirt tracks to basic transportation. Vehicles eligible for off-road coverage include:

  • Snowmobiles
  • All Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs
  • Utility Task Vehicles, or UTVs (4- to 6-wheelers)
  • Golf Carts
  • Dirt Bikes
  • Dune Buggies
  • Mopeds

If you use a trailer to transport any of these vehicles, that should also be insured and will need to be registered with the RMV.

Two quad bike riders in helmets travels in forest
Two people with helmets riding in a buggy all terrain vehicle

Types of Coverage

There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to insurance coverage for off-road vehicles:

  • Collision covers your vehicle when damaged in a collision with objects like fences and utility poles or with other vehicles, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Property damage liability protects you in the event your off-road vehicle use has caused damage to someone else’s property.
  • Bodily injury liability will kick in should you be liable for someone else’s injuries during the operation of your sport vehicle. It could help cover the injured party’s medical bills.
  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you in case an uninsured off-road operator causes injury to you.
  • Safety Apparel Coverage offers some financial protection in the event your safety gear, such as helmets, goggles, and pads, get damaged in an accident.
  • Comprehensive covers your off-road vehicle for incidents other than collision, such as theft, fire, or hail damage, or if you hit an animal.

Learn More About Protections

Off-road vehicle insurance is not required in Massachusetts, but it is in many other places, so be sure to check local laws before bringing your sport vehicle with you on vacation. If you would like to learn more about the coverage options available to you, contact Banas & Fickert Insurance Agency at 413-527-2700. We can help your ride with more confidence.

Massachusetts Off-Road Vehicle FAQs

While Massachusetts state law does not currently mandate insurance for the mere ownership or registration of an off-road vehicle (unlike a car), it is highly recommended. However, there are exceptions where it is required:

  • Financing: If you have a loan on your ATV, UTV, or snowmobile, your lender will almost always require Comprehensive and Collision coverage.

  • Public Trails & Clubs: Many riding clubs and private land owners in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley require proof of liability insurance to use their trails.

  • Peace of Mind: Even if not required by law, one accident involving bodily injury to a hiker or another rider can lead to a lawsuit costing thousands.

Generally, no. This is a common and dangerous misconception. Most standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude coverage for motorized vehicles, especially once they leave your property.

  • The Gap: If you crash your ATV on a trail, or if it is stolen from a campsite, your home policy likely offers zero protection.

  • The Fix: A dedicated Off-Road Vehicle policy closes this gap, covering you for liability, theft, and damage wherever you ride—whether that’s your own backyard or deep in the woods.

Just like auto insurance, these cover different risks:

  • Collision: Pays to repair your vehicle if you hit another vehicle, a tree, a rock, or a fence. This is vital for navigating tight trails.

  • Comprehensive (Other-Than-Collision): Covers non-driving incidents. This includes theft (a major risk for ATVs and snowmobiles), fire, vandalism, and weather damage. If your snowmobile is stolen from your driveway in the off-season, this is the coverage that protects you.

Not automatically. While your off-road policy covers the vehicle itself (the ATV, sled, or buggy), the trailer used to transport it usually needs its own coverage or a specific endorsement on your auto policy.

  • Tip: When you call us for a quote, let us know if you use a trailer so we can ensure your entire setup is protected during transport.

Off-road vehicle insurance is often surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the cost of replacing a stolen $15,000 UTV or paying for a medical lawsuit. Premiums vary based on the vehicle’s engine size, your riding history, and coverage limits.

  • Discounts: We can often find discounts for completing safety courses, being a member of a riding association, or bundling with your existing auto/home policies.

Yes. If you drive a golf cart off your personal property (like around a campsite, a golf course community, or a neighborhood), you are exposed to liability risks. A specialized off-road policy can provide Bodily Injury and Property Damage liability to protect your assets if you accidentally injure someone or damage a parked car.