What Is Snowmobile Liability Insurance?

Today’s snowmobiles can weigh several hundred pounds and reach speeds of over 300 MPH. Injuries from snowmobiling accidents can be severe. That's why it's important to be properly covered in case you're ever responsible for a collision that results in third-party property damage or bodily injury. Snowmobile liability insurance can protect your finances in such an event. 

Luckily, a local independent insurance agent can help you find the right snowmobile liability insurance. They'll get you matched to a policy with the ideal amount of snowmobile insurance coverage for you and your unique sled. But first, here's a closer look at what snowmobile liability insurance is and why it's necessary.

Snowmobile Accident Statistics

You may be aware of the risks you take every time you get on your snowmobile. There are many factors you cannot control that can lead to an accident or injury when you’re out on the trail. 

Here are some recent stats regarding snowmobile accidents:

• Each year, around 14,000 people in the U.S. are injured while riding snowmobiles.
• Snowmobile accidents cause about 200 deaths annually in the U.S.
• The leading causes of snowmobile accidents are lack of experience, poor judgment, alcohol use, and excessive speed.

Accidents can happen to the most seasoned snowmobile drivers and also to those who might be out on the trails for the first time. Make sure you’re covered with the right snowmobile insurance in case something unexpected happens.

Snowmobile Insurance Legal Requirements

You might be wondering, "Do I need insurance for my snowmobile?" Depending on where you live, you may or may not be required to carry liability insurance for snowmobiles. 

Snowmobile insurance requirements vary by location, so it's important to be familiar with local laws. A handful of states currently require all riders to carry at least the minimum limit of snowmobile liability coverage, including:

Additionally, make sure you contact your state’s park service for other specific requirements for minimum liability insurance for snowmobiles. Some states require trail permits, for example, while others may require your snowmobile to be registered with the state. You'll also need to check with local laws and requirements when considering snowmobile insurance for out-of-state use.

Regardless of whether you're legally required to carry snowmobile liability insurance, having a policy is usually wise. Just one accident could result in a hefty lawsuit that may lead to devastating financial losses without adequate coverage. 

Why Is Snowmobile Liability Insurance Necessary?

While the majority of snowmobile accidents involve reckless or inexperienced driving, even the most careful sled operators occasionally find themselves at fault in an accident. Obstacles hidden under the snow, a sudden change in weather that causes reduced visibility, and loss of control when maneuvering on ice are just some examples of factors beyond your control that can cause accidents. 

What Does Snowmobile Liability Insurance Cover?

If you are found to be responsible for an injury to a passenger or a rider on another sled, you may get sued for bodily injury costs and lost wages. If a collision causes damage to another person’s property, you can also be liable for repair costs.

Snowmobile liability insurance is designed to help cover some or all of these costs after an accident, including the cost of legal defense. The amount of coverage you receive depends on the limits you set when you buy your policy. Snowmobile accident insurance can cover attorney, court, settlement, and judgment expenses.

How Much Liability Coverage Can I Get?

The amount of snowmobile liability coverage included in a snowmobile insurance policy varies according to the insurance company you choose and whether it allows you to choose your liability coverage limits. Sometimes, insurance companies provide liability coverage with a single liability limit that covers both bodily injury to individuals and property damage. 

In other cases, insurance companies provide liability insurance that has three different coverage limits:

• The maximum amount the insurance company will pay for bodily injury per person
• The maximum amount the insurance company will pay for all bodily injuries involved in an accident
• The maximum amount the insurance company will pay for property damage

For example, New York requires a minimum snowmobile liability policy of 10/20/5. If a snowmobiler purchases the minimum insurance coverage required in New York, their insurance company will pay up to $10,000 in bodily injury coverage for one injured person, a total of $20,000 in bodily injury coverage if the accident involves injuries to more than one person, and up to $5,000 in coverage for personal property damage. 

Talk with an independent insurance agent in your area to learn more about what these limits mean and the amount of coverage that makes the most sense for you.

What If I'm Liable for More Than My Policy Covers?

Your state’s minimum coverage amounts may be sufficient in an accident that doesn't involve serious injuries or extensive property damage. In the event that accident costs exceed your policy's liability coverage, you will be responsible for paying the extra amount out of your own pocket. To prevent such an occurrence, you can either elect to purchase a policy with higher liability limits or you can buy a separate personal umbrella insurance policy. 

Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage when your other policies are insufficient to cover the costs you're responsible for paying. An umbrella liability policy provides a financial safety net if something catastrophic happens that results in a hefty lawsuit. These policies can increase your existing liability coverage in increments of $1 million to help you cover expensive liability claims. 

When You Might Need Proof of Snowmobile Liability Insurance

In certain instances, it can be beneficial to have proof of snowmobile liability coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests all riders carry proof of snowmobile liability insurance if they'll be operating their sleds anywhere other than their own private property. 

You're even sometimes required to have snowmobile insurance for trail riding. For those who take their sleds off-road, be sure you have special off-road vehicle liability insurance for your snowmobile. If you ride your snowmobile at public parks, trails, or anywhere other than around your home, make sure to carry your insurance card with you.

How Much Does Snowmobile Liability Insurance Cost?

You might now be asking, "How much is liability insurance for a snowmobile?" Snowmobile liability insurance typically isn't expensive. In fact, it's the cheapest form of snowmobile insurance available. Snowmobile liability insurance costs an average of just $10 to $20 per month, or $120 to $240 per year.

However, the cost of your personal coverage can vary depending on your snowmobile's make and model, your location, and other factors. An independent insurance agent can help you find affordable snowmobile insurance rates near you.

What Other Types of Snowmobile Insurance Do You Need?

There may be other types of coverage you want in addition to basic snowmobile insurance. For example, you may want comprehensive coverage to protect your sled against theft and vandalism. 

You may also want uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to reimburse you for costs after an accident with a third party who doesn't carry adequate insurance of their own to reimburse you. Medical payments coverage can reimburse you for treatments for injuries to yourself and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. 

Snowmobile insurance with roadside assistance can help you get reimbursed for breakdowns that occur while you're away from home. This coverage can pay for professional towing and labor services. 

You might also be able to find seasonal snowmobile insurance coverage that provides enough protection to use your sled only during the winter months. Additionally, it might be wise to add safety apparel coverage, year-round coverage for your sled in the off-season, or optional accessory coverage. Your independent insurance agent can advise you on any additional types of coverage you may want to include in your snowmobile policy.

Are Snowmobiles Covered Under My Other Policies?

Standard personal watercraft insurance, homeowners insurance, and renters insurance policies don't include coverage for snowmobiles or snow bikes. However, you may have coverage for your snowmobile under a motorcycle insurance policy or a policy that covers off-road vehicles, such as ATV insurance. 

If you're unsure whether you have protection for your snowmobile under one of your existing policies, ask your independent insurance agent to help you review your coverage.

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An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find the Right Snowmobile Liability Insurance

An independent insurance agent in your area can provide more information about snowmobile liability insurance coverage options. These agents are free to shop and compare policies and snowmobile insurance quotes from multiple carriers for you to find the best snowmobile insurance policy and price. And down the road, your agent can help you update your coverage as necessary or even file snowmobile insurance claims for you.