Do dirt bikes need insurance in Canada?

Are you thinking about hitting the trails this season? Before you rev your engine, you might wonder: Do dirt bikes need insurance in Canada? The short answer is yes, but it really depends on where you ride.

Dirt bikes fall under the “Restricted-use vehicle” category, which includes off-road bikes not meant for public roads. Transport Canada defines them as vehicles with no more than four wheels, primarily for recreational use, and typically not roadworthy.

Off-road deaths have climbed in recent years, highlighting the importance of having the right insurance coverage. The Traffic Research Industry Foundation (TIRF) reports 184 deaths in 2021 among off-road vehicle riders (which includes ATVs, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles), up from 133 in 2000. Twenty of the deaths in 2021 involved persons under 16 years of age.

Do you legally need insurance for dirt bikes in Canada?

In Canada, dirt bike insurance, like car insurance, isn’t governed federally. It’s actually handled at the provincial and territorial level. This means that provinces set their own rules. Next, we break down the situations where dirt bike insurance is optional and the cases where it’s legally required:

When it's optional but recommended

Generally, if you're riding on private property, you don’t legally need off-road vehicle insurance. However, it's still strongly recommended since accidents can happen anywhere, whether it's injuring a guest, damaging someone else’s property, or even getting hurt yourself.

When it's mandatory

Once you venture onto public land, designated trails, crown land, or highways, insurance becomes legally required. For example, Ontario’s Off-Road Vehicles Act requires, at a minimum, a basic motor vehicle liability policy if you ride anywhere other than private land.

However, provincial laws vary when it comes to minimum insurance requirements. For instance, Quebec requires at least a $1,000,000 coverage limit in civil liability insurance, while Ontario and British Columbia require $200,000 in liability coverage.

Further, while not all provinces require insurance for children riding dirt bikes, many do set age limits and helmet laws. For example, under Alberta's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Regulation, passed under the Traffic Safety Act, all OHVs on public land must be registered, have insurance and plates, and riders must wear a helmet. As for age, riders under the age of 14 must be under the direct supervision of an adult.

What about for motocross or racing?

If you plan to compete in motocross events or races, most organizers will demand proof of liability coverage, even if the event is on private land. This protects both you and the organizers in case of accidents.

Types of coverage available for dirt bikes in Canada

When purchasing a motor vehicle insurance policy for an off-road bike in Canada, in order to ride it on public land, it typically means choosing from several types of coverage, similar to what you'd get for a car or motorcycle. Some are mandatory and some are optional. Here's a breakdown of the main options:

Third-party liability coverage

This is usually mandatory if you’re riding on public land. It covers damage or injury you may cause to others while riding. Most provinces require at least $200,000 in liability coverage, though higher limits are recommended.

Accident benefits coverage

This covers medical expenses, rehab, and lost income if you’re injured in a dirt bike accident, regardless of who's at fault. This can be essential if your provincial healthcare doesn’t cover everything (i.e., prescriptions).

Uninsured automobile coverage

If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured rider or a hit-and-run, this coverage steps in to protect you and your passengers.

Direct compensation–property damage (DCPD)

In provinces where it's offered, this covers damage to your dirt bike and equipment through your own insurance company when another insured rider is at fault.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage is optional coverage that covers damage to your dirt bike if you crash or hit an obstacle. This can be ideal for those who ride in rough terrain.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is also optional coverage. It protects against theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and other non-collision incidents. To learn more about coverage options and limits for your dirt bike, contact BrokerLink.

Risks of riding a dirt bike in Canada without insurance

Riding without insurance in Canada can carry serious consequences, even on off-road terrain. Here's what you risk:

Fines and potential jail time

If you're caught riding without insurance, you could face steep fines, vehicle impoundment and even jail time.

For example, according to Ontario's Off-Road Vehicles Act, a dirt bike owner who rides without insurance or allows someone else to do so is committing an offence. If convicted, they can face a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000.

Additionally, under subsections 3 and 4, any owner or driver of an off-road vehicle being used on land they do not occupy must provide proof of valid insurance (if requested by a peace officer) within 72 hours of the request. If a peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe that this requirement has been violated, they are authorized to arrest the individual without a warrant.

Other financial consequences

If you're at fault in an accident, you could face steep out‑of‑pocket costs for damages or injuries that insurance would normally cover, such as medical bills, legal fees, and repair or replacement costs. Without coverage, you're on the hook for those costs.

What factors affect the cost of dirt bike insurance?

Dirt bike insurance premiums in Canada can vary widely based on a few key factors, including:

The type of bike

The make, model, engine size, and value of your dirt bike all impact cost. More powerful or expensive bikes usually mean higher premiums.

Your riding history

Just like with car insurance, a clean driving record with no claims or tickets can lead to discounts. A history of accidents or infractions will likely raise your rate.

Your location

Riders in provinces with higher claim rates or theft risks, like Ontario or Alberta, may pay higher insurance premiums. For example, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), drivers in Alberta pay over three times more in their insurance premiums than drivers in other Canadian provinces.

How you store your bike

Insurance providers sometimes offer lower insurance rates if your dirt bike is stored in a locked garage, as it's less likely to be stolen than if it were being parked in an open driveway.

Your age

Younger riders will likely face higher insurance premiums due to their limited riding experience and a higher risk profile.

How to insure your dirt bike in Canada

Getting dirt bike insurance in Canada is actually fairly easy. All you need to do is gather your bike's details, like the make, model, VIN, and value, and then you can shop online for coverage or partner with an insurance broker to shop around and compare quotes for you. Brokers, like BrokerLink, can often find better rates or more tailored coverage, especially if your needs are unique. Then, once you choose a policy, you can use it to provide proof of insurance to register your dirt bike (if required in your province).

Learn more with BrokerLink

Do you still have questions about insuring your dirt bike in Canada? Contact BrokerLink. Our insurance advisers can answer any questions you have, even about other types of off-road vehicle insurance, like ATV insurance or snowmobile insurance.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.