Does Insurance Cover ATV Accidents?

While ATVs and other offroad vehicles may not be the same size and weight as other types of motor vehicles, they can still be dangerous to both the rider and other people if operated recklessly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 94,000 people suffered a serious injury in accidents involving an off-road vehicle in 2022, and nearly 1,000 people died in crashes in 2020, the most recently available data for both categories.

However, not every ATV crash ends in injury or death. In the majority of accidents, the biggest issue is damage to the vehicle or to the object/objects it collided with. In these situations, like with any other type of motor vehicle accident, insurance is one of the best and fastest ways to get the money you need to pay for the associated costs.

ATV Insurance Is Different

ATV insurance is separate from other types of car insurance. The vehicle needs specific coverage and typically cannot be rolled into your main auto insurance policy. Most insurers offer some form of off-road vehicle coverage that can cover:

• Bodily injury coverage
• Property damage coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Medical payment coverage

The limits of how much your ATV insurance policy can cover will vary depending on what specific policy you have. In some cases, if the accident occurred on your property, your home insurance may be able to cover some of the damages, especially if the primary damage was to your property. This is not universal, and it’s important to check your current policy to see exactly what will and will not be covered in case of an ATV accident on your property.

Montana law does not require ATV coverage. Depending on where you intend to ride your ATV, the only requirement is that any rider between the ages of 11 and 16 must complete an approved ATV safety course and keep the associated documentation with them while riding on public roads. All off-road vehicles must also be registered with the state and display a current registration decal when riding on public lands.

ATVs are also permitted on public roads, but only if they are street-legal vehicles. This includes headlights, brake lights, a working muffler, and other necessary equipment. State law also requires all riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding an ATV. Failing to comply with these requirements can potentially impact your ability to receive any coverage through your insurance policy, no matter how comprehensive your plan may be.

If you were seriously injured by a reckless or negligent rider or driver, no matter what vehicles were involved, you deserve the chance to fight for the compensation you need to cover any medical bills, property damage, rehabilitation, and more.

At Western Justice Associates, PLLC, our Bozeman car accident lawyers are committed to providing our clients with the experienced and knowledgeable legal representation they need. Contact us today to discuss your options in a free consultation.