Side-by-Side UTV Insurance

Off-road vehicles provide a fun way to explore the countryside. One popular model is the side-by-side, also commonly referred to as a UTV, or utility task vehicle. In addition to recreational purposes, these vehicles can be useful for work outdoors. If you own a side-by-side or want to buy one, you may be curious about how to properly insure a UTV and what kinds of risks you may be faced with.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with all the side-by-side UTV or ATV insurance you need. They'll consider the specifics of your personal UTV and its uses and find the appropriate policy. But until then, here's a breakdown of side-by-side UTV insurance, what it covers, and when it's necessary.

What Is Side-by-Side UTV Insurance?

UTV insurance is a specialized off-road vehicle insurance policy designed for owners of side-by-side utility vehicles. It provides UTV owners with financial protection after accidents or collisions.

More comprehensive policies also protect the owner’s investment by covering loss or damage to the vehicle. You may need a separate policy to protect your side-by-side because standard car insurance policies typically don't extend coverage to UTVs or ATVs. However, certain carriers allow you to add a UTV to an existing motorcycle insurance policy.

Is UTV Insurance Required?

Whether you're required by law to carry insurance on your UTV depends on what state you live in, where you will be riding your vehicle, and what you use your ATV for. States that require coverage typically have a minimum liability insurance requirement.

If you use your side-by-side UTV for work-related purposes, you may need commercial vehicle insurance, and your coverage minimums may be higher than if it was for personal use. Further, if you financed your UTV, your lender may require you to have UTV insurance.

Not all states require insurance for riding UTVs on privately owned land, but many require insurance if you use your side-by-side in parks or other public or state-owned land. Regardless of whether you're required to have coverage, purchasing a policy could be wise. Because these vehicles were designed to carry passengers, a collision or rollover in your vehicle could result in injuries to you and others who ride along. Without a UTV insurance policy to protect you, you could find yourself in financial hardship after high medical costs and litigation.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover UTVs?

Your homeowners insurance policy may include limited protection for your UTV or ATV. If you have an incident in your side-by-side while on your property, your home insurance may provide coverage for repairs, etc. However, you'll almost certainly need separate coverage for any incidents that occur away from your home.

What Does Side-by-Side UTV Insurance Cover?

You can choose from a variety of coverage options to build your side-by-side UTV insurance policy. These options may vary by provider, but some of the most commonly offered UTV coverages include:

Liability coverage: This can cover expenses related to third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage and resulting lawsuits.
Medical payments coverage: If you or your passengers get injured in an accident while riding, regardless of fault, you may receive compensation for corresponding out-of-pocket medical costs.
Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your UTV from a collision with another object, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damage to your UTV due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you're involved in an accident caused by someone who doesn't have sufficient coverage to reimburse you for their portion of the damages, this coverage can compensate for those costs.
Accessories and custom parts coverage: This can pay for repairs or replacements to custom riding gear and upgrades you've made to your UTV after a covered loss.
Total loss coverage: This can pay to replace your UTV with a similar vehicle of the same model year or newer if it gets declared a total loss after a covered incident.
Carried contents coverage: This can pay to repair or replace your gear, equipment, and other personal property carried on your UTV that gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

Work with an independent insurance agent to build a complete side-by-side UTV insurance policy.

How Much Does Side-by-Side UTV Insurance Cost?

Many factors can affect the cost of your UTV insurance policy. These may include:

Your age and driving record
The make, model, and year of your UTV
Where and how often you ride your UTV
Where and how your UTV is stored when not in use
The deductible amount
Your claims history

There are many factors that go into insurance premiums, but comparing UTV insurance quotes from several companies can help you save money. An independent insurance agent can shop and compare quotes from several different insurance companies for you to find the right coverage for your needs. They can also find and apply any UTV insurance discounts you qualify for.

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find Side-by-Side Insurance

Comparison shopping for your side-by-side can help you find a policy with all the coverage you need at a competitive price. A local independent insurance agent can simplify the process for you.

After assessing your coverage and budgetary needs, an independent insurance agent can contact several different insurance companies, provide you with quotes to compare, and help you find the best UTV insurance policy for your needs and budget. And down the road, your agent can help file UTV insurance claims for you if necessary.

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