Off-road adventure carries serious risks that standard insurance simply doesn't address. Your homeowner's policy won't cover trail accidents, theft, or liability when you're tearing up backwoods terrain. ATV insurance provides essential protection for liability, theft, and damage—coverage that could save you thousands on a single incident. Roamly gets the off-road lifestyle and offers tailored coverage that protects your rig and your wallet, whether you're weekend warriors or full-time trail blazers.
Off-road adventure carries serious risks that standard insurance simply doesn't address—trail riding puts you and your investment in harm's way every time you hit the dirt.
Let's be real: ATVs weren't built for safety. According to the Consumer Federation of America's OHV Safety Coalition, they identified 632 OHV fatalities in 2024, comprised mostly of ATV-related incidents, up from 498 in 2023. That's not meant to scare you off the trails; it's meant to wake you up to why proper coverage matters.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission confirms that the dangers of riding off-highway vehicles are real and include overturning, collisions, and occupant ejection. Their latest data show an annual average of more than 800 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries involving OHVs.
Common trail hazards include:
New riders face higher accident risks as they learn proper techniques and gain experience with their machines. Even experienced riders face risks—trail conditions change, equipment fails, and accidents happen to the best of us.
ATV insurance covers off-road adventures and trail-specific risks that your car insurance and homeowner's policy completely ignore.
Here's where most folks get caught off-guard: your regular auto insurance doesn't cover ATVs, and most homeowner's insurance policies exclude damage to or theft of ATVs and other similar vehicles. That shiny new side-by-side sitting in your garage? If it gets stolen, you're out of luck without proper ATV coverage.
ATV insurance works differently because these machines face different risks:
Trail-Specific Coverage Includes:
Many insurers recognize that off-road enthusiasts invest heavily in safety equipment and modifications. At Roamly, we understand this reality—our motorcycle insurance coverage offers substantial custom parts protection because we know quality aftermarket equipment isn't cheap, whether it's on two wheels or four.
Unlike car insurance, ATV policies account for seasonal use, storage periods, and the reality that you might trailer your machine hundreds of kilometres to reach the good trails.
Essential ATV coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and theft protection—but the right mix depends on how and where you ride.
Every trail rider needs different protection based on their riding style. Weekend warriors have different needs than farmers using ATVs for work, and families riding together need broader coverage than solo adventurers.
Liability Protection (Required in Most Areas) Bodily injury liability pays up to policy limits per person and per accident. Property damage liability covers trail damage, fence repairs, or equipment you might accidentally destroy.
Collision Coverage (Recommended for Valuable ATVs) Collision coverage pays for damage when your ATV hits or is hit by another vehicle or object. This includes rollovers, tree strikes, and those inevitable rock encounters that crack your frame or bend your axles.
Comprehensive Coverage (Smart for All Riders): Comprehensive coverage handles theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related damage. Essential if you camp overnight on trails or store your ATV where it might be targeted by thieves.
Additional Protections Worth Considering:
Many insurers offer enhanced coverage for custom parts and equipment, recognizing that serious trail riders often invest significantly in vehicle modifications.
Homeowner's insurance specifically excludes motorized vehicles and off-property incidents—leaving massive gaps in protection for ATV enthusiasts.
Most people assume their homeowner's policy has them covered, but that's dangerous thinking. Homeowner's insurance typically doesn't cover off-road vehicles, especially once driven off your property.
Key Exclusions in Homeowner's Policies:
Even if your ATV is stolen from your own garage, most homeowner's policies won't pay a cent. The insurance industry treats ATVs as vehicles, not personal property, which means they need vehicle-specific coverage.
The Real-World Impact: You're camping 200 kilometres from home when someone steals your ATV and trailer. Your homeowner's policy says, "not our problem." Your auto insurance says, "We don't cover ATVs." Without proper ATV insurance, you're looking at a total loss of thousands of dollars of equipment.
This isn't theoretical—it happens to trail riders every camping season.
ATV insurance requirements vary by province and location, but most public trails, parks, and financed vehicles require minimum coverage.
The legal landscape for ATV insurance keeps evolving as more jurisdictions recognize the risks. While many areas don't require insurance for ATVs, liability coverage may be mandated at certain private trails and parks.
Common Requirements Include:
Provincial Variations: Each province handles ATV insurance differently. Some require registration and insurance for any ATV use, while others only require coverage for road use or public land access.
The Smart Approach: Don't wait for requirements to change. Basic liability coverage is typically very affordable—much cheaper than most people spend on trail gear in a season.
ATV insurance costs vary significantly depending on coverage level—far less than a single major repair or liability claim.
Let's talk numbers without the sales pitch. Basic liability-only coverage is typically the most affordable option, while full coverage with comprehensive and collision costs more but provides broader protection.
Cost Factors That Affect Your Premium:
Money-Saving Strategies:
The Reality Check: While comprehensive coverage packages may cost more annually, most trail riders find their sweet spot in the moderate range for solid protection.
Compare that to the cost of replacing a stolen ATV, paying for someone's medical bills after an accident, or covering property damage when you accidentally drive through someone's fence. For families embracing the full outdoor lifestyle—whether that's full-time RV living or weekend camping adventures—protecting every piece of your adventure gear becomes essential financial planning.
New ATV owners need simple, affordable coverage that grows with their experience—plus education about risks they didn't know existed.
Getting your first ATV is exciting, but don't let enthusiasm override common sense. New riders face higher accident risks during their first months of riding, making proper insurance absolutely critical from day one.
First-Timer's Insurance Checklist:
Common New Owner Mistakes:
Smart Starting Strategy: Begin with basic coverage and increase protection as you gain experience and invest more in equipment. Many insurers offer step-up programs that let you adjust coverage without penalties. If you're already protecting an RV for family camping trips, bundling your ATV coverage with comprehensive RV insurance can often save money while ensuring all your adventure gear travels under one insurance umbrella.
Education Matters: Take a certified ATV safety course before hitting serious trails. Many insurers offer discounts for course completion, and the knowledge could save your life.
Don't let insurance worries keep you off the trails you love. At Roamly, we understand that your ATV represents freedom, adventure, and investment in the outdoor lifestyle. Our specialized off-road coverage protects everything from weekend trail rides to cross-country adventures.
Ready to ride with confidence? Get a quick quote for ATV insurance that understands your terrain. Talk to Donovan, our ATV expert—give him a call today. Adventure confidently—protect your off-road ride with tailored coverage designed by riders, for riders.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.