Dune Buggy Insurance
A standard car insurance policy won't cover your ATV, dune buggy, or sand rail due to the unique nature and risks faced by these specialized vehicles.
Written by
Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.
Reviewed by
Jeff Green has held several positions at life insurance companies, Wall Street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast who loves riding over rough terrain, you may be in the market for an ATV. If sand and beaches are your off-road surfaces of choice, then you’re probably looking at a dune buggy, sand rail, or beach buggy. While you probably won’t be using this vehicle on the street, it's wise to protect your investment with the proper coverage.
Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can find dune buggy insurance coverage at competitive rates that will fit your needs and budget. Your agent will ensure you get set up with the proper policy for your unique all-terrain vehicle. First, though, here's a breakdown of ATV or dune buggy insurance and why it's necessary.
Does Car Insurance Cover Dune Buggies?
An ATV or dune buggy insurance policy often comes with certain coverages that may sound exactly like some found in a car insurance policy. However, you shouldn't expect your auto insurance to cover your ATV or dune buggy. As all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies need specialized coverage tailored to their unique risks and uses.
What Does Dune Buggy Insurance Cover?
While insurance companies tend to consider ATV, dune buggy, beach buggy, or sand rail insurance to be specialized policies, the coverage is quite similar to motorcycle insurance, with slight differences accounting for the off-road nature of these vehicles. In off-road scenarios, there's not a set flow of traffic, and drivers follow vastly different rules of the road. Because of this, dune buggy insurance must include customized coverages, such as:
- Liability insurance: This can pay for lawsuit expenses if a third party sues you over claims of bodily injury or personal property damage.
- Comprehensive insurance: Pays for damage to your ATV or dune buggy due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft.
- Collision insurance: Pays for damage to your ATV or dune buggy from a collision with another object, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: After a collision or another incident, this coverage can reimburse you for another driver's portion of the damages if they don't have adequate insurance.
You can typically buy additional coverage for things like medical expenses and coverage for your gear. Some insurance companies offer coverage for custom accessories for your buggy, like special tires or a light rack for night driving.
Is ATV or Dune Buggy Insurance Required?
Because ATVs, dune buggies, and sand rails aren't usually driven on the street, most states don't require that their operators have insurance. However, if you want to drive your dune buggy on the road, you'll be required to make it street-legal by your state’s motor vehicle division. To that end, your state is likely to require at least some minimal amount of liability coverage.
Even if dune buggy insurance isn't technically required, the benefits can be well worth the price. Dune buggy insurance tends to be quite affordable and can provide critical reimbursement in the event of an accident, lawsuit, theft, or another pricey incident. For this reason, many owners of ATVs, dune buggies, and sand rails still choose to buy a policy.
How Much Does Dune Buggy Insurance Cost?
In some ways, dune buggies or sand rails can be considered stunt vehicles because of the risks involved in driving on rough terrain around other people and vehicles. Several factors can determine the rates you pay for dune buggy insurance, including:
- The age and value of the vehicle
- Whether it is outfitted to be street-legal
- How often you use your vehicle
- Whether you operate the vehicle out of state
- The type and amount of insurance you buy
If you buy a minimum liability-only policy, you can expect it to be much cheaper than if you build a more comprehensive policy. A local independent insurance agent can help you compare ATV insurance quotes to find the most affordable coverage in your area.
Why Work Together with an Independent Insurance Agent?
Dune buggy, ATV, or sand rail insurance is specialized, and due to the risks riders face, some insurance companies won’t provide coverage. A local independent insurance agent can be an excellent resource for hard-to-find insurance policies.
These agents have access to a number of different insurance companies and can quickly research which carriers can cover your dune buggy and at what cost. Your agent can also answer any questions you have about dune buggy insurance and the amount of coverage that's appropriate for your vehicle.