California ATV Insurance

Find the right atv insurance policy for you.

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Written by Trusted Choice

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Many Californians are well aware of the fun that can be had off-roading on an ATV. Whether you prefer tackling one of the expert trails at Carnegie SVRA on a four-wheeler or exploring the trails of the Black Springs OHV Network on a side-by-side, you may need an ATV insurance policy to save you from unnecessary financial losses. Of course, you don’t want to overpay for this coverage, so always be sure to compare a variety of ATV insurance quotes in California before purchasing a policy.

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ATV Use Does Have Its Risks

  • There are on average 700 deaths and over 100,000 injuries  involving ATVs each year in the United States.
  • Between 2015 and 2017, 794  residents of California lost their lives in ATV accidents.

Hitting this state’s many trails on a quad or 3-wheeler or other ATV can be fun, but it is important to remember that these powerful machines can reach very high speeds. As a result, accidents and injuries sometimes happen. By having sufficient insurance coverage in place, you may be able to avoid large financial losses following an ATV collision.

CA State Laws Regarding All-Terrain Vehicle Use

The California Department of Parks and Recreation regulates ATV laws. Some requirements that residents should be aware of include these:

  • All ATV owners must title and register their ATVs and have a numbered plate affixed to the vehicle; owners must renew their registration annually.
  • All ATV operators must wear a helmet when riding on public lands.
  • No one under 18 may operate an ATV on public lands, except in either of these cases:
    • They are in possession of a safety certificate.
    • They are with an adult who possesses a safety certificate.
  • No one under 14 may operate an ATV on public lands unless both of the following are true:
    • They are with and directly supervised by a parent or an authorized adult.
    • They possess a safety certificate or are with an adult who has a safety certificate.
  • When riding on public lands, operators may have one passenger if the ATV's design provides for passengers.
  • Operators may not ride on highways except for the purpose of crossing to the other side.
  • ATV insurance is not a requirement.

Why Should California Residents Consider ATV Insurance?

California has a large number of scenic ATV trails. Whether you prefer riding through forests, around lakes or over hilly terrain, or through mud bogs, sand drags or play pits, you can find a place to ride in this state. Although fun and picturesque, these trails can also be hazardous. Any time you go out on your ATV, you risk a collision with another vehicle or with a stationary object such as a rock or a stump.

ATV accidents frequently lead to injury and sometimes cause expensive damage to the vehicle as well. If you are responsible for damage or injuries to a third party, you can find yourself sued for damages including lost wages and punitive costs. With ATV insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your finances are secure.

What Does ATV Insurance Cover?

ATV insurance policies typically include coverage against the following:

  • Liability: If you are at fault for an ATV accident that results in injuries or property damage to a third party, that party could sue you for the incurred costs. Liability insurance covers these costs as well as any associated court costs and legal fees, up to your coverage limit.
  • Medical payments: If you or a passenger on a passenger-equipped ATV requires medical treatment for injuries sustained in an ATV accident, costs can be high. Medical payments insurance covers these expenses.
  • Collision damage: If your ATV sustains damage in a collision, collision coverage may be able to assist you with the costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of fault.
  • Non-collision damage: If your ATV sustains damage in a non-collision-related covered event such as fire, flood or vandalism, comprehensive coverage may be able to assist you with the costs associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured motorists: If an uninsured or underinsured ATV operator causes injuries or damage to your ATV and cannot cover the costs, this insurance coverage may be able to make up the difference.
  • Trailer damage: If your trailer sustains damage while stored or while transporting your ATV to and from the trails, trailer insurance may cover the cost of repair or replacement.
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How Much Does ATV Insurance Cost?

On average, you can purchase a full-coverage ATV insurance policy at a rate of about one dollar a day. Your actual ATV insurance quotes will depend on a number of factors, including these:

  • Your ATV type: The faster and more powerful your ATV is, the more it will cost to insure. This is why ATVs such as 3-wheelers typically cost more to insure than UTVs.
  • Your ATV’s make, model, year and purchase price: If you are purchasing comprehensive or collision coverage as part of your policy, the value of your ATV will affect your quoted policy rates.
  • How you use your ATV: If you own an ATV strictly for agricultural purposes, you have fewer risks than someone who owns an ATV for thrill riding. Some insurance companies will take this into consideration.
  • Your coverage amount: As with any type of insurance, the more coverage you purchase, the higher your rate will be.
  • Your deductible: As with any type of insurance, the higher your deductible is, the lower your premiums will be.
  • Your driving record: Many insurance companies will take your driving record into consideration as it can indicate your likelihood of being involved in a collision.

When you request ATV insurance quotes in California, be sure to ask about possible policy discounts. You may qualify for discounts if you have multiple policies with the same insurer, if you have successfully completed an ATV safety course or if you opt for automatic electronic payments. Discounts can make a low-cost insurance policy even more affordable.

Learn More and Obtain ATV Insurance Quotes

Comparison-shopping is necessary if you want to be certain that you are not overpaying for your ATV insurance policy. The independent insurance agents in the Trusted Choice® network can make this process easy. These agents can answer your insurance-related questions, help you assess your coverage needs and then present you with a selection of suitable policies from which to choose.

Find an agent with an office near you to get more information. Soon, you can begin comparing ATV insurance quotes in California.

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