Off-road insurance Ontario

Are you curious about off‑road insurance in Ontario? If you ride dirt bikes, ATVs, a side-by-side or a snowmobile, you should be. According to the latest data from Public Health Ontario, Ontario saw about 13,600 ER visits related to off‑road vehicles and 204 hospitalizations over a two‑year span. The Ontario Provincial Police reported 34 off‑road vehicle fatalities in Ontario in 2024, a 125% increase from 2023. These stats aren’t just numbers. They’re reminders that fun can turn costly without the right protection.

In Ontario, off‑road insurance typically refers to motor vehicle liability coverage tailored for recreational vehicles used on public land, trails, crown land, and in some cases, on roads (depending on the specific type of off-road vehicle you have). If you’re caught riding on public land without proof of insurance, Ontario’s Off-Road Vehicles Act states you could face fines between $200 and $1,000, and if you cannot provide proof of insurance within 72 hours of being requested by a peace officer, you could even be arrested without a warrant.

But it’s not just about avoiding penalties. This insurance covers injury claims, property damage, and even medical costs for you or others. Here's what you need to know about off-road insurance in Ontario.

What are the legal requirements for off-road vehicles in Ontario?

In Ontario, off-road vehicles are regulated under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and the Highway Traffic Act. Here’s an overview of what’s required:

• Must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation at a ServiceOntario centre

• Must display a licence plate (except in exempted areas)

• Must be insured under a valid motor vehicle liability policy (minimum $200,000 coverage)

• Riders must be at least 16 with a G2 (or M2) licence (for on-road riding)

• Riders must be at least 12 years old, unless directly supervised by an adult (for off-road riding)

• Riders must wear an approved motorcycle helmet at all times

Also, many trails require a trail permit, such as those from the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV) or the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR).

For more legal requirements specific to certain types of off-road vehicles, contact Ontario's Ministry of Transportation.

When is insurance not required?

Generally, if you're operating an off-road vehicle on private property in Ontario, insurance isn't legally required. However, it's still highly recommended. Accidents can happen anytime, whether it’s causing injury to a guest, damaging someone else’s property, or getting injured yourself. Also, you never know when you may wake up to find your vehicle has been stolen.

What are the different types of off-road vehicles covered by off-road vehicle insurance?

Here are the types of off‑road vehicles commonly covered under Ontario’s off‑road insurance:

• All‑terrain vehicles (ATVs)

• Dirt bikes (e.g., trail bikes, motocross-style motorcycles)

• Side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs)

• Snowmobiles

Some insurance providers also offer coverage for less common types under specialized policies, such as dune buggies, sand rails, and snow bikes.

What’s typically covered under off-road vehicle insurance in Ontario?

Similar to auto insurance, when insuring an off-road vehicle in Ontario, you’ll be able to choose from several types of insurance coverage. Some are mandatory if you’re riding on public land, while others are optional but recommended. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Third-party liability coverage

This covers injuries or property damage you may cause to others. Ontario mandates a minimum of $200,000 in liability coverage, though many riders opt for $1 million or more for added protection.

Accident benefits coverage

This provides compensation for medical costs, rehabilitation, and income replacement if you’re injured in a crash, regardless of fault.

Uninsured automobile coverage

This covers you and your passengers if you’re injured by an uninsured or unidentified driver or involved in a hit-and-run.

Direct compensation–property damage (DCPD) coverage

In Ontario, this covers damage to your off-road vehicle and equipment through your own insurance company when another insured party is at fault.

Collision coverage

Optional collision coverage pays for repairs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged in a crash with another vehicle or a stationary object, or a rollover.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is also optional and covers non-collision damage, including theft, vandalism, fire, and falling objects. To learn more about coverage options and limits in Ontario for your off-road vehicle, contact BrokerLink.

How to insure your off-road vehicle in Ontario

You can start by gathering details about your vehicle, such as the make, model, VIN, and its estimated value. With that information, you can shop for coverage directly online through an insurance provider or work with a licensed broker who can compare quotes from multiple insurers on your behalf.

Brokers, like BrokerLink, can often help you find the right coverage with competitive rates or customized coverage options, especially if you use your vehicle for unique purposes like trail riding, seasonal use, or even competitions.

Once you select a policy, you’ll receive proof of insurance, which is required to register your off-road vehicle with ServiceOntario. Remember, registration and insurance are both mandatory in Ontario for off-road use on public land, trails, and crown land, so it’s important to have everything in place before heading out.

Learn more about insurance with BrokerLink

Do you still have questions about insuring your off-road vehicle with an Ontario off-road vehicle insurance policy? Reach out to BrokerLink today.

Our insurance advisers can answer any questions you have, such as whether ATV insurance covers theft, whether optional coverages like collision and comprehensive are worth it, and offer ways to help you save money on your insurance premiums. We can even explain the differences between specific types of off-road vehicle insurance, like ATV insurance or snowmobile insurance.