Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. Unit 106-2565 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0P4
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Off-roading is exciting, a total rush. It’s no wonder so many Manitoba drivers love it! But did you know that going off the beaten path pushes the limits of what regular auto insurance will cover? It’s true! If you’re off-roading on standard auto insurance, you won’t be covered in the event of an accident or any other type of claim.
If off-road driving is a regular part of your lifestyle — or if you’d like it to be starting now! — keep reading to learn about off-road vehicle insurance: the only type of car/truck/motorcycle insurance that’s willing and able to ride shotgun with you.
Off-road insurance is just what it sounds like: a type of auto insurance created specifically for off-road vehicles AND off-road driving.
It protects different types of vehicles (like snowmobiles, ATVs, and dirtbikes) and their drivers against unforeseen events like fire, theft, collision, personal injury and death.
It also protects you if you decide to take your public street vehicle to hit some off-road adventures. So if you’re saying goodbye to paved roads and traffic lights, you need to say hello to an off-road insurance policy.
An off-road vehicle includes any motor vehicle designed or adapted for off-road use. Some off-road vehicles are categorized as all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or snowmobiles, and each has specific regulations that apply (if you’re not sure what regulations apply to your vehicle– speak to one of our Insurance Consultants to get the 411!).
When it comes to off-road driving— this can include any driving on unsurfaced roads and/or tracks. These are usually rough surfaces that are sandy, muddy, dusty, or icy. As much fun as off-road driving can be, it comes with its own challenges and risks, which is why all off-road vehicles– or vehicles you’re driving off-road– must be registered and have licence plates attached properly while in operation.
Unfortunately, no. Regular auto insurance does cover drivers against all of the unforeseen events listed above, but only for regular-use vehicles. (Also, you actually can’t get regular auto insurance for an off-road vehicle.)
“But Wait! I have a “regular” vehicle like a Jeep that is built for off-road driving. Am I covered?
If you’re planning to take your Jeep for an off-roading adventure, you need to get off-roading insurance. More details on insurance needs for specific types of vehicles can be found below!
It really depends on the coverage options you choose. Standard off-road insurance covers the following:
Many off-road drivers also choose to add-on coverage for things like:
Any vehicle traditionally used for off-road purposes will typically qualify for off-road insurance. That means ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, and argos (when used for extreme off-roading), would all fit the bill.
If you’re using your Jeep as a passenger vehicle, then no, you don’t need off-road vehicle insurance, but if you’re taking it off-roading, you do. So, you’ll need to remember to switch your insurance before you go!
Note: If you have regular car insurance and decide to go off-roading in your Jeep without switching your coverage, any accidents or claims you try to submit would not be covered!
Just like with a Jeep, motorcycles can be crossovers, meaning that they can be used legally on public streets and off-road.
So, if you’re only driving your motorcycle on public streets, then no, you won’t need off-road insurance. But, as soon as you go off-roading, you’ll need to switch from regular insurance to off-road insurance in order to be covered in the event of an accident or any other type of claim.
The definition of what is considered an ATV– or all-terrain vehicle– has grown to include; amphibious vehicles, utility vehicles and side-by-sides. These are considered off-road vehicles and therefore require off-road vehicle insurance.
Much like ATVs, dirtbikes are considered to be off-road vehicles and therefore require off-road vehicle insurance. It’s worth noting here that regular car insurance won’t actually cover off-road vehicles, so your only option to protect you and your vehicle is to get an off-road policy.
As much as we Canadians probably wish snowmobiles were considered regular vehicles during the Manitoba winters, these vehicles are considered to be off-road. This means that when insuring your snowmobile, you need to look for an off-road policy.
Just like their drivers, every off-road vehicle is unique. And, everyone uses their off-road vehicle a little differently. As a result, the costs of off-road insurance premiums vary a lot, and most off-road insurance policies are individualized.
The cost of your off-road insurance will depend completely on you and your needs. The type of off-road vehicle you’re insuring and the benefits you choose will all impact your final numbers.
If you’re looking for an answer that’s just a little more specific so that you can plan and budget, feel free to request a personalized off-road insurance quote.
Unlike off-road driving, securing off-road insurance is a smooth ride. Start by requesting a quote online, or feel free to come in to Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. and have one of our Insurance Consultants help you face-to-face. We’ll learn about you and your vehicle, help you pick the best coverage for your needs, and get you off the road in no time.
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We are committed to the communities where we live and work, and we demonstrate our commitment by taking part in sponsorship and volunteer programs.
We love it here, too.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work, and we demonstrate our commitment by taking part in sponsorship and volunteer programs.
Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. Unit 106-2565 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0P4
Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. serves our clients and operates on Treaty One land; homeland of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Metis. Our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, in Treaty Three territory. We respect the treaties, the land, and the water that sustain us.