Tips for Insuring Your Snowmobile Before Hitting the Trails 

The season’s first snowfall isn’t welcome news for everyone — but it is if you own a snowmobile. You can’t wait to hit the trails. First, make sure you have adequate snowmobile insurance to protect your finances and to get your ride repaired quickly if it’s damaged. 

What is snowmobile coverage all about? What does a policy actually cover? What do you need to know about this form of winter sports insurance? 

Why Snowmobile Insurance Is Important 

Your snowmobile coverage will protect your wallet and help maintain peace of mind in multiple ways. That’s the quick response. Here’s how it breaks down. 

Liability Risks on Trails 

You might drive your car on smooth, straight roads with posted speed limits. That’s not the case with riding your snowmobile on snowy or icy trails in the woods. Snowmobiling in this landscape involves twists, turns, dips, and jumps. Anything can happen. 

If what happens results in an accident that’s judged to be your fault, you could be — and probably will be — sued. You’ll have to hire a lawyer and go to court. If you lose your case, you’ll pay a significant sum for damages and court costs. It could cost you a fortune…unless you have snowmobile liability coverage. 

Liability will help pay for your lawyers, court costs, and damages for accidents for which you’re blamed. In this way, your insurance policy just might keep you out of bankruptcy. 

Protecting Your Investment 

How much does your snow machine cost? An entry-level model could go for at least $4,000 and as much as $10,000. Is yours more of a high-performance ride? In that case, you might have spent $20,000 or more on your winter toy. 

However much it sets you back, it would be a shame to lose your snowmobile to theft, vandalism, or in a destructive tangle with wildlife or a snow-covered tree limb you didn’t see. 

Without such coverage, could you afford to repair or replace your vehicle if it were totaled or heavily damaged? Would your winter sports come to a sudden end if you didn’t have the thousands of dollars it might cost to get back on the trail? 

With snowmobile accident coverage, you can file a claim and quickly receive a settlement without disrupting your winter fun for long. 

Coverage for Injuries and Accidents 

Sometimes it’s not just a snowmobile in disrepair. You could have an accident that injures you, a passenger, or a third party. Fortunately, there are snowmobile protection benefits that will pay when injuries occur. 

You can file claims for your own medical care or that of a passenger with full snowmobile coverage, regardless of fault. In addition, you can attain bodily injury liability through your liability benefits. This covers the medical costs of others when you’re at fault. 

Choosing the Right Policy 

When it comes to selecting the proper policy for your requirements — and budget — you’ve got some decisions to make. Here are some of the issues you should consider. 

Comparing Premiums and Deductibles 

What does snowmobile insurance cost? 

That might be the first question you ask your insurance agent. The cost of your premiums can vary widely, depending on the value of your machine, your driving record, and other factors. But you can reduce the price as much as possible by doing business with an independent snowmobile insurance broker. 

Independent brokers don’t just work for one insurer or take a “take it or leave it” approach to getting you a rate quote. They’ve established relationships with multiple insurance carriers, so your independent broker can go shopping for coverage and bring you back the best rates on the most appropriate line of coverage. 

Your agent will also help you determine the right deductible for your needs and your pocketbook. Your deductible is the dollar amount you agree to pay before your coverage kicks in. So if you have a $500 deductible on $2,000 in damages, your insurer will pay $1,500 after you’ve assumed that first $500 in costs. 

The higher your deductible, the more a claim will cost you out of pocket before your insurance takes effect — but the less you’ll have to pay in premiums. If you assume a low deductible, your insurer will bear a higher percentage of your claims, but you’ll pay more in monthly premiums. 

Talk it over with your agent and find the “sweet spot” between the deductible you’ll assume and the monthly premium you’ll pay. 

Understanding Local Laws and Requirements 

Coverage is mandatory in certain states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and both Dakotas. In other states, you must have snowmobile accident protection if you’re riding on public lands. And in every state, snowmobile insurance is the right thing to do to avoid financial catastrophe. 

To find out the insurance laws where you live, call your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or visit their website. You can also check out this page from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations for a state-by-state review of regulations. 

Seasonal or Annual Coverage Options 

You can additionally save on the cost of your coverage by only insuring your vehicle during the winter season. That way, you’re paying for several months of coverage rather than for the whole year. Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? 

But consider this. Your snow machine can be lost, damaged, or destroyed even during the off-season. Your storage facility could burn down or be flooded out. Your snowmobile might be stolen or vandalized, or swept away in a severe windstorm. 

In other words, seasonal coverage is an option if you’d like to save money, but you might consider spending a little more for annual coverage — and complete wallet protection. 

Snowmobile Safety Tips Before Hitting the Trails 

This post has explored several ways to save money on your coverage, but none is more effective than responsible riding. Practice caution on the snow trails, and you’ll be less likely to have an accident or have to file a claim. That will keep your coverage costs low. 

Here are some considerations. 

Pre-Ride Vehicle Checks 

Don’t hit the trails for the first time this season without first making sure your vehicle is in prime running order. That means testing the brakes and checking oil and coolant levels. Look for signs of fluid leakage, and inspect your belts and hoses for undue wear. 

Make sure the handlebars, throttle, and kill switch work as they should, and that you’ve got a fresh tank of gasoline. Start up your ride and see how it sounds. If it’s possible, take your snowmobile on a short trip around the block for a final troubleshoot. It might save you from being stranded in the woods with a dead ride. 

Riding Gear and Equipment 

Start with a DOT-approved helmet for yourself and any passenger. This is mandatory in some states, but critical to your safety wherever you ride. A snowmobile suit, waterproof gloves, and boots will keep you warm and comfortable and better protected in the event of a collision. 

Also, take along an emergency kit. This should include basic first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a couple of flares, and tools for quick repairs. And don’t leave home without a phone fully charged. 

Trail Safety and Regulations 

You can be arrested for snowmobiling under the influence, so leave beer breaks for the end of your day. Also know the importance of staying on marked trails and riding responsibly, especially when passing hikers or dog-walkers. 

Harsh weather conditions can close trails, so make sure you stay on top of weather reports and that you check public trail websites for updates. And keep in mind that some states require snowmobilers to have insurance. 

If you do get lost or stranded on a trail, use your phone to call for help and send up flares if darkness is approaching. 

Start Your First Trail Ride With A Snowmobile Insurance Quote from Acceptance 

Your Acceptance Insurance agent can answer all of your coverage questions and help you attain the policy you need at an affordable cost. 

Reach out before your first trail ride of the season. Call us at (877) 405-7102, or get a quick quote online. You can also find an Acceptance Insurance office near you. 

FAQs 

Is Snowmobile Insurance Required by Law? 

It depends on where you live and ride. Snowmobile insurance is mandatory in some U.S. states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In some other states, coverage is required when riding on public lands. But in every case, it’s the right thing to do to protect your finances and your sense of security. 

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Snowmobiles? 

Not in most circumstances. The only exception is that you can use the liability protection benefit of your car policy to pay for legal claims against you if your towed snowmobile causes injuries or property damage to a third party. 

What Factors Affect Snowmobile Insurance Premiums? 

If you consider the factors determining your premiums for auto insurance, they’re pretty similar to those that affect what you’ll pay for your snowmobile coverage. That includes the make, model, and cost of your ride, your driving record, and even the address where you’ll store your snowmobile. Also, like car insurance, you can lower your snowmobile insurance rate by choosing a higher deductible. Ask your insurance agent for other tips and strategies to reduce your premiums. 

Can I Add Accessories to My Snowmobile Policy? 

Yes. Just make sure to advise your agent so the accessories are added to your policy and covered for theft, accidents, or other destructive events. 

Are Liability Claims Covered on Private and Public Trails? 

Yes. If you have liability coverage on your snowmobile insurance policy, you can file a claim regardless of where the event occurred. 

Here are answers to more frequently asked questions on snowmobile insurance.