Originally posted on: http://woodmar.ca/find-insurance-for-your-snowmobile-and-feel-secure-this-winter-2/

Find insurance for your snowmobile and feel secure this winter

Before racing off into the horizon on your snowmobile or ATV, it’s always a good idea to make sure you know all the legal and safety facts. In Ontario, both the owner and the driver of vehicles like snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are bound by the rules and regulations of the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, which includes stipulations such as registration, licencing and rules of the road. All snowmobiles must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation, which includes an annual fee for a validation sticker (unless operating solely on your own property or specific regions of Northern Ontario.) Snowmobiles are not allowed on any major highway or expressway, including 400 series highways. Drivers of snowmobiles must be at least 16 years old and have either a valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence in order to be allowed on public roadways. And as with any vehicle, please don’t drink and drive. More than 70 per cent of snowmobile related deaths are alcohol related. If convicted of driving a snowmobile impaired, driving privileges for all vehicles will be removed, including automobiles, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

Most people understand how insuring a car works, but insuring a snowmobile, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, or all-terrain vehicle is not nearly as straightforward. Insurance for these types of vehicles is not offered by all insurance companies, so a little research is often necessary to find out which companies will cover owners of these types of vehicles. And like cars, the insurance rates differ based on the model of the vehicle, so be sure to keep that in mind when purchasing these types of vehicles.

In Ontario, there are a few policies that are required as the minimum coverage for snowmobiles, motorcycles, off-road vehicles or ATVs.

Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage is required to provide supplementary medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner, income replacement and death benefits. This is in the case of injury or fatality in an accident, regardless of fault.

At least $200, 000 of Third-Party Liability Coverage is required to protect the vehicle owner in the case of another person killed or injured in an accident, or to cover property damage. This also covers lawsuit claims up to the limit of the coverage, as well as any costs associated with settling the claims.

Direct Compensation – Property Damage Coverage is to cover damages incurred to your vehicle and its contents, if another driver, who is also insured by an Ontario-licensed insurance company, is at fault for the accident.

In the event of an accident where an uninsured or unidentified driver is at fault and you are injured or killed, Uninsured Automobile Coverage covers any damage to your vehicle up to 25,000, as well as providing financial compensation for you and your family. So be sure to do your research, be safe, and have fun this winter.