Snowmobile Insurance FAQ

(Everything you need to know - and more)

Written by Jessica Huneck
Written by Jessica Huneck

Jessica Huneck is an insurance writer from TrustedChoice.com. She began her writing career in 2011 and has since earned herself a bachelor's degree in English writing.

Updated

Q. What Is Snowmobile Insurance?

Q. What Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover?

Q. How Does Snowmobile Insurance Work?

Q. How Much Does Snowmobile Insurance Cost?

Q. Is Snowmobile Insurance Required?

Q. How Much Snowmobile Insurance Do I Need?

Q. Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover Passengers?

Q. Where Can I Get Snowmobile Insurance?

What Is Snowmobile Insurance?

Snowmobile may provide coverage for personal injury, damages to the machine, as well as your legal liability in the event that you are responsible for another person’s injuries or property damage. 

This important coverage can protect you against financial hardship if you are sued for causing injury to another person, as well as from the financial setback of having to repair or replace your snowmobile.

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What Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover?

You can buy specific coverage for your sled, such as liability only coverage, or you may be able to buy a package of coverage. A basic snowmobile insurance package may include the following:

  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Bodily injury liability
  • Property damage liability

Depending on the insurance company, other insurance options you may be able to purchase for your snowmobile could include:

  • Uninsured and underinsured driver coverage for bodily injury and property damage, in the event that another person causes harm to you or your snowmobile and does not have insurance to pay for damages
  • Accessory coverage for such things as helmets, windshields, custom seats, riding gear, and eyewear
  • Year-round coverage, in the event that your snowmobile is damaged or stolen in the off-season
  • Coverage for after-market parts and accessories
  • Towed trailer and transport trailer coverage
  • Additional collision coverage
  • Increased liability limits to cover the costs of a liability claim or lawsuit

How Does Snowmobile Insurance Work?

Snowmobiling is a risky winter sport for a number of reasons. The speed these machines can travel, the fact that trails can be multi-use, and the high likelihood of compromised visibility can make snowmobiling tricky.  

Additionally, snow cover can make it difficult to detect hazards such as rocks, stumps and open water. Every year, snowmobilers are involved in accidents resulting in personal injury, damage to their expensive machines, and harm to other snowmobilers and other people’s property.

Snowmobile insurance may help protect you from expenses associated with injury and property damage, whether yours or someone else’s. These can include payments for another person’s medical costs and property damage as well as your legal fees and the costs of a lawsuit.

If you have adequate snowmobile liability insurance, you will be covered if another person files a claim against you for damages or injuries you cause. 

If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries or damage to your vehicle, whether it is caused by another person, a collision with an object or a fall through the ice. You may also be able to file a claim if your snowmobile is stolen.

How Much Does Snowmobile Insurance Cost?

The cost of insurance for your sled varies depending on the coverage you buy and the type of machine you drive. It can be as low as around $80 to $100 per year if you buy liability coverage only. Most packages average between $300 to $400 dollars annually.

An insurance company will consider a number of issues when quoting the cost of a policy, including:

  • The make and model of the snowmobile
  • The state or area where you live
  • Where you will ride
  • The age of the driver using the snowmobile
  • Whether you will take passengers and/or allow others to ride your snowmobile
  • The intended use of the machine such as pleasure, business or racing
  • The deductible you choose
  • Type of coverage you buy and/or optional coverage

Is Snowmobile Insurance Required?

Many riders who enjoy this popular winter pastime often ask “Is snowmobile insurance necessary?” Snowmobile insurance is not required in every state, but it is mandatory in some states, and in some parks and recreation areas. 

Also, if you are buying a new sled and are getting it financed, the lender will typically require you to buy insurance.

In any event, buying snowmobile insurance just makes sense. If you get into an accident without the proper coverage, especially if you damage someone else’s machine or cause an injury, you could find yourself involved in an expensive lawsuit which could be financially devastating.

How Much Snowmobile Insurance Do I Need?

The amount of coverage you need for your snowmobile depends on your personal circumstances, including the value of your sled and how often you ride. 

Most insurance professionals recommend that you purchase at least liability coverage - and the state you live in may require you to carry minimum liabilty limits to be able to operate your sled.

If you are a frequent rider with a newer or more expensive model, consider collision and comprehensive coverage. 

To be fully protected, you might want to purchase optional trailer insurance, coverage for accessories and aftermarket upgrades, and coverage without a “lay-up” period, which is an off-season period when you may not have coverage.

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Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover Passengers?

Some policies cover passengers, while many others do not unless you specifically buy that coverage. If you will be taking riders along with you on your snowmobile, be sure to ask your agent or insurance company how cover them for injuries and medical expenses. 

If that coverage is not included in your policy, make sure you can add snowmobile passenger insurance as an option and that you have adequate liability insurance as well.

Where Can I Get Snowmobile Insurance?

It’s a very good idea to shop around to find the most suitable snowmobile coverage for your needs, as the cost for insurance for your snowmobile can vary considerably.

To compare snowmobile insurance quotes and coverage options, talk to a local independent agent in our network. These agents work with multiple insurance companies and can do the comparison shopping for you. 

By helping to assess your needs, your agent can ensure that you have the right insurance for your specific needs, at a cost you can afford. Contact a local independent agent today so you can get the coverage you need for your next snowmobiling adventure.

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