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.

What Makes ATV Trail Riding So Risky?

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:

• Sudden terrain changes and hidden obstacles
• Weather conditions that make trails slippery or dangerous
• Other riders who may not follow trail etiquette
• Mechanical failures miles from help
• Wildlife encounters

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.

How Does ATV Insurance Differ from Regular Vehicle Coverage?

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:

• Liability protection for accidents on trails, private property, or public lands
• Theft coverage for when your rig disappears from campsites or trailheads
• Collision coverage for tree strikes, rollovers, and trail accidents
• Comprehensive protection against fire, vandalism, and weather damage

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.

What Coverage Do Trail Riders Actually Need?

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.

Core Coverage Types:

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:

• Medical payments coverage for rider and passenger injuries
• Uninsured motorist protection for accidents with uninsured drivers
• Accessory coverage for expensive modifications and gear
• Towing and roadside assistance for trail breakdowns

Many insurers offer enhanced coverage for custom parts and equipment, recognizing that serious trail riders often invest significantly in vehicle modifications.

Why Don't Homeowners Policies Cover Trail Adventures?

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:

• Any motorized vehicle damage or theft
• Liability for injuries caused by ATVs
• Off-property incidents (where most trail riding happens)
• Equipment and gear stored in or on vehicles

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.

When Is ATV Insurance Required by Law?

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:

• Public land access: Most provincial parks require proof of insurance
• Trail permits: Many trail systems won't issue permits without coverage
• Financing requirements: If you're financing your vehicle, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage
• Organized events: Races, rallies, and group rides often mandate insurance

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.

How Much Does Quality ATV Insurance Actually Cost?

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:

• ATV value and model year: Newer, more expensive machines cost more to insure
• Riding location: Urban vs. rural, high-theft vs. low-theft areas
• Coverage limits: Higher limits mean higher premiums
• Deductible choices: Higher deductibles lower your annual cost
• Safety course completion: Can reduce premiums significantly

Money-Saving Strategies:

• Bundle with other Roamly policies for multi-policy discounts
• Install anti-theft devices for security discounts
• Complete recognized safety courses for training discounts
• Choose higher deductibles if you can handle more out-of-pocket risk

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.

What Should First-Time ATV Owners Know About Insurance?

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:

• Start with liability and theft protection as your foundation
• Add collision coverage if your ATV is worth more than $3,000
• Include medical payments coverage for injury protection
• Consider roadside assistance for trail breakdowns

Common New Owner Mistakes:

• Assuming homeowner's insurance provides coverage
• Buying minimal coverage to save money upfront
• Not updating coverage as they add expensive modifications
• Forgetting to notify insurers about out-of-province trips

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.

Get Trail-Ready Protection Today

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.

Get Your ATV Insurance Quote Now and Ride Worry-Free