Michigan ATV Insurance
Find the right atv insurance policy for you.
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Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Michigan has several trails and parks where all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts can enjoy this exciting pastime. From the Baraga Hills ATV trail to Bundy Hill Offroad Park, this state has something for everyone. It is therefore not surprising that Michigan ranks fourth in the nation for sales and registration of ATVs. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen, so it pays to have a comprehensive ATV policy in place.
An independent agent in the Trusted Choice® network can help you find an ATV insurance policy to protect your investment at a competitive rate. Because independent agents have relationships with several different insurance companies, one of these agents can help you find an affordable policy that meets your coverage needs and budget. Find a member agent in your neighborhood to start comparing Michigan ATV insurance quotes today.
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ATV Crash Statistics for MI
- Michigan ranks 4th in the nation for the number of crashes and deaths involving ATVs
- In 2002, Michigan state police reported more than 600 crashes and 15 deaths involving these vehicles
- Of these, 289 accidents and 7 deaths involved children under the age of 16
- Approximately 133,000 of this state’s 189,000 ATVs are operated by children
Is ATV Insurance Required in Michigan?
Although some states have laws that require residents to carry liability insurance for their all-terrain vehicles, Michigan does not. It's still important to consider your risks and evaluate the protection of an insurance policy, no matter what state law dictates. This insurance coverage can potentially save you from large financial losses in the event of an accident, whether you or another ATV rider is at fault.
For example, if you are responsible for injuries or property damage to another person while operating your ATV, you may be held liable for medical and repair costs. If the injuries are severe, the medical costs can be financially devastating. Whether you use your ATV for recreation, hunting or commercial purposes, having a Michigan ATV insurance policy is an important step toward protecting your finances.
What Are Michigan’s ATV Laws?
Michigan has several laws pertaining to ATV use. Many are designed specifically to increase safety for riders, particularly children, in the state.
- All ATV vehicles much be titled and registered
- Registrations must be renewed annually
- Registration is not required if the ATV is used solely on the operator’s private land
- All riders, including passengers, much wear a helmet and eye protection at all times
- Passengers are permitted only on vehicles that are designed for two or more people
- Use on roadways is prohibited with the following exceptions:
- You may operate your ATV on a road for the purpose of crossing to the other side
- You may ride your ATV on the shoulder of the road
- Headlights and taillights must be operational and turned on if you ride between half-hour past sunset through half-hour before sunrise
- Children under 16 are permitted to operate an ATV only if they have passed a safety training course and are under the direct supervision of an adult
- Children under 16 are not permitted to operate a 3-wheeler
- Children under 12 are not permitted to cross a roadway on an ATV
- Children under 10 may operate an ATV only for the purpose of doing farm work
- ATV insurance is not required
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover ATVs?
Your homeowners insurance may provide you with some coverage for your recreational vehicle. However, the coverage these policies offer is often very limited and is usually only applicable if the accident, theft or damage occurred on your property. For complete coverage, only an ATV insurance policy will suffice.
These policies are designed specifically to provide coverage against the hazards you face as ATV owner. Your Michigan ATV insurance can be structured to provide the protection you need, whether:
- You are the only rider
- You take on passengers
- You allow others to ride your vehicle
- You only ride on your own property
- You ride on other people's property, on public property or on hunting land
- You use your ATV or UTV for heavy duty work or commercial purposes
All of these are activities that expose you to various risks. So you will want to talk with a knowledgeable local agent about how you use your vehicle, and the specific coverage you need for your unique usage.
What Does Michigan ATV Insurance Cover?
The most basic ATV policies include liability coverage only. It does not cost a lot more to add other coverage options, so purchasing full coverage is often a cost-effective decision. You can expect your Michigan ATV policy to offer the follow coverage types:
- Liability coverage: This provides bodily injury and property damage liability coverage for any injuries or damages you may cause to others while operating your ATV.
- Collision coverage: This provides compensation for any significant damage to your ATV if you collide with another ATV or a fixed object such as a tree, fence or large rock. This coverage is provided regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Also known as "other than collision," this pays for loss or damage due to fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, floods and animals.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This provides coverage if you are involved in an ATV collision and the person at fault has insufficient coverage to pay the cost of your damages or injuries. This coverage will also compensate you for damages caused by hit-and-run ATV motorists.
Is Michigan ATV Insurance Expensive?
There are many factors that can affect the cost of your ATV insurance policy. Some examples include:
- Your age and driving history: Statistically, young people tend to be more careless behind the wheel of an ATV, UTV, side-by-side, or three wheeler. An operator with a established safe-driving record is the least likely to be in an accident.
- The type of ATV you are insuring: Different vehicle types will dictate different insurance costs, for example:
- UTVs are most frequently used for work and are therefore the least expensive to insure.
- Sport ATVs, such as side-by-sides, tend to be in the mid-price range, as they are generally used for recreation but are designed only for use on trails and tracks.
- Four-wheelers that offer all-wheel drive are the most expensive to insure because they are designed for use both on and off-trails.
- The amount and type of insurance you purchase: A policy that covers you for liability only will be less expensive than one that includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
- The amount of your deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be. But do not saddle yourself with a deductible that is too large to comfortably pay out of pocket.
You may be able to get policy discounts by insuring more than one ATV on your policy or by successfully completing an ATV safety course, even if it is not required by the state.
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Find a Great ATV Policy at an Affordable Rate
It is easy to find an affordable Michigan ATV insurance policy with the help an agent in the Trusted Choice network. These agents have relationships with several different insurance companies and can therefore comparison shop for you to ensure that you are getting your policy at a competitive rate.
Independent insurance agents in the Trusted Choice network have pledged to provide their customers with exemplary service and ethical advice. Contact an agent in your neighborhood to find out what a member agent can do for you. You can be comparing Michigan ATV insurance quotes in no time.