Insurance Coverage For Your Winter Recreational Vehicles and Equipment

Ensure Your Winter Related Recreational Vehicles and Equipment Are Fully Covered Whether They’re in Use or in Storage!

 

As anyone who owns a recreational vehicle or other sports related equipment may know, these types of purchases can be quite the investment, both in time and money. You might be surprised to learn that even if you have contents coverage under your homeowners policy, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everything you own will be covered automatically. Depending on your policy and coverage limits, belongings such as your snowmobile, may not be covered if not specifically insured. Continue reading to learn more about how to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage on all of  your recreational equipment no matter what the season.

 

Snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs

Each state will have their own requirements for coverage when it comes to snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs. For example, in New York State, the minimum insurance requirement for snowmobile liability is $10,000 in bodily injury per person, a sum of $20,000 in bodily injury for an accident that injures more than one person, and $5,000 if personal property gets damaged. However, the minimum required coverage for an ATV or UTV in New York State is $50,000/$100,000 for death, $25,000/$50,000 for injury, and $10,000 for property damage in any one accident.

 

Depending on your insurance provider and the type of  insurance you have, coverage options for snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs  can vary as well. One option for obtaining coverage that may be available to you is to endorse coverage onto your regular policy at an additional cost. That being said, while many insurance companies can offer endorsements to add liability coverage, they may not be able to offer coverage beyond that. This means that you may be better off obtaining a specialty policy to fill your state’s requirements.

 

If you find that your insurance company doesn’t offer these types of endorsements, or you find that you need a more comprehensive policy, you may look to companies like Markel who specialize in insurance for off-road vehicles. NYCM Insurance Agency Inc. partners with Markel, to offer  extensive coverages like physical damage, liability, uninsured motorist, medical payments coverage and mechanical breakdown.

Skis, Snowboards and Other Sports Equipment 

Depending on your coverage limits and your carrier, sports equipment like snowboards or skis may be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance policy subject to a deductible. That being said, not all policies are “all risk.” For example, many renters insurance and condo policies are not “all risk,” meaning that there are circumstances under which your belongings would not be covered.

 

You may consider having items such as these specifically scheduled, if your insurance company allows you to do so. Scheduling personal property means that your coverage for that particular item would extend beyond the standard protection provided under your normal homeowners policy. The advantages of scheduling specific items are that it can broaden your coverage without being subject to a deductible. If you are not able to schedule these types of items through your current insurance but would still like to extend coverage, you may look to purchase a specialty insurance policy.

 

It’s  important to understand your insurance policy as there may be situations in which coverage may not apply. For example, if your skis or snowboard were to break due to normal wear and tear, this may not be covered as insurance is typically meant for sudden and unexpected losses. If you’re unsure about what recreational vehicles or equipment are worth purchasing extra coverage for or if you’re unsure about what types of coverage you might need, it’s best to reach out to an experienced insurance agent.

 

Protection In Storage:

As winter comes to an end, you’ll want to be sure that your belongings are covered even in storage. You might consider lowering your liability coverages for things like your snowmobiles during the off season depending on your state restrictions. On the other hand, it makes sense to keep your physical coverage all year round so that if your vehicle or equipment were to become stolen or  damaged under a covered peril while in storage, you would still have coverage. Without insurance you would be responsible for the full cost of replacement or repair.

 

For more information about obtaining coverage for your winter recreational vehicles and sport equipment, check out the link below to contact one of our local agents!