ATV insurance in Alberta

Alberta ATV insurance explained

As you might expect, just as Alberta car insurance is for cars and motorcycle insurance is for motorcycles, ATV insurance is for ATVs - also known as all-terrain vehicles, quads, or quad bikes. Similar to how Calgary car insurance can protect all kinds of cars, from vans and pickup trucks to sports cars and SUVs, ATV insurance can cover a wide variety of vehicles. Utility ATVs, sport ATVs, and even youth ATVs designed for children can be protected through an ATV insurance policy. Such policies can also insure ATVs used for commercial use and those used for personal use. 4-wheelers, 6-wheelers, and 8-wheelers can also be insured. Generally speaking, what your ATV will be insured against depends on the coverage you choose to include in your policy. However, a comprehensive policy can protect against everything from theft and vandalism to property damage, bodily harm, lawsuits, and more.

ATV insurance coverage made for Alberta drivers

ATV insurance should always be tailored to your unique needs. A BrokerLink insurance advisor will work to make sure that your policy covers you in all the ways you want it to. They will also ensure that it meets the minimum coverage requirements in the province of Alberta. If you don’t know much about the province’s rules and regulations surrounding ATV insurance, contact BrokerLink tonight. Any one of our insurance specialists would be pleased to outline how mandatory ATV coverage works in Alberta. For example, they can explain how coverage is only mandatory if you intend to drive your ATV on public roads or public property, as well as which specific types of coverage are required. We provide an overview of the four required ATV coverages in Alberta below:

Third party liability coverage

Liability insurance is the type of coverage that protects ATV drivers against at-fault collisions. In essence, if you get into an accident in your ATV that you caused, it is the third party liability portion of your policy that will protect you. Specifically, it can pay for the cost of legal fees, medical expenses, and repair bills that arise from the accident. All Alberta drivers must have a minimum of $200,000 in third party liability coverage included in their ATV insurance policies.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is the type of coverage that you will claim if you are involved in an accident in your ATV and someone suffers an injury as a result. In other words, if anyone requires medical attention as a result of the collision, accident benefits coverage can help pay for the costs. This is the case whether it was the policyholder who was injured in the accident or someone else.

Direct compensation - property damage coverage

Direct compensation - property damage coverage is another type of basic ATV insurance coverage in Alberta. It protects against damage to your vehicle, and as we all know, property damage can be costly. If your ATV is damaged in an accident, so long as the accident was not your fault, you can receive a payout directly from your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Lastly, uninsured automobile coverage is designed to protect ATV drivers if they get into a collision with a driver who is uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified. For example, if you get into a hit and run, uninsured automobile coverage can be claimed. The same goes for if you get into an accident with a driver who is uninsured and driving illegally.

Alberta ATV coverage add-ons

The mandatory ATV insurance coverages listed above are designed to offer basic protection while driving your ATV. In other words, they may not be sufficient. For example, most basic ATV insurance plans in Alberta do not include off-roading coverage. Instead, if you want to be covered while driving your ATV off road, you will need to add extra coverage to your policy. Some of the additional coverages that insurance experts recommend are as follows:

Collision coverage

Collision coverage is a type of insurance that will pay to repair your ATV if it is damaged following a collision. The good news is that with collision coverage, unlike direct compensation coverage, there are fewer conditions you need to qualify for to be covered. For example, it doesn’t matter whether you caused the accident and the accident could have been with anything from another car, ATV to an animal or object on the road.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is a type of coverage that can be added to your policy to protect you from more than just collisions. With comprehensive ATV insurance, you will be compensated if your all-terrain vehicle suffers damage from a specific set of risks, like fire, falling objects, windstorms, theft, vandalism, and more. Keep in mind that you will only be compensated for damage caused by the perils named in your policy.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional ATV insurance coverage popular among ATV drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your ATV insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility varies by province.

How Alberta insurance companies calculate the cost of ATV insurance

As with car insurance, home insurance, or even business insurance, the cost of ATV insurance in Alberta is calculated using a complex formula that takes into account a multitude of factors. Each insurance company has its own formula and weighs the factors differently. That said, you can generally expect your insurer to ask about the following details in order to assess your risk level and assign you a premium for your Alberta ATV insurance policy. Here are the most important details:

• Your driving record
• The cost of your ATV
• Your age
• Your gender
• The type, model, features, horsepower, and top speed of the ATV
• Past claims
• Average mileage
• Driving experience
• Insurance history
• The deductible amounts you choose
• The coverage types and limits you choose
• Regulatory bodies
• How you use your ATV (personal vs. commercial, daily vs. weekends only vs. occasional use)

If you are ready to receive a free ATV insurance quote, contact BrokerLink today. One of our ATV insurance specialists local to Alberta can provide you with a free estimate in no time. This estimate will then help you make an informed decision about which ATV insurance policy to purchase.

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Tips for lowering your Alberta ATV insurance premium

Saving money on ATV insurance is achievable, thanks to BrokerLink. Our insurance advisors have the expertise to help you keep insurance rates low. Not only will we shop around to find you a competitive ATV insurance rates but we will also give you all kinds of tips on ways that you can save money, like the following:

Keep your ATV safe and secure

The more secure your ATV is, the cheaper your insurance policy will be. So if you want to keep your Alberta ATV insurance premium low, consider installing an anti-theft device on your ATV, as well as parking it in a secure location every night. We recommend a covered and locked garage or shed.

Choose your ATV wisely

As with cars, there are plenty of different ATV models out there. Of course, you will need to consider which model best suits your needs. For example, utility ATVs are best suited to commercial purposes, like construction or agriculture jobs, whereas sport ATVs are designed for recreation. However, beyond thinking about your needs, you will also want to think about your budget. Specifically, your ATV insurance budget because the type of ATV you buy will influence your rates. If you choose a top-of-the-line ATV with high speed capabilities, your premium will likely be more expensive than if you choose one that is cheaper and has a lower maximum speed.

Compare ATV policies

Anytime you’re buying something new, make sure to compare your options. When it comes to insurance, you can do this by reaching out to insurance companies near you and obtaining ATV insurance quotes from each, or having a BrokerLink insurance broker do this for you. With a broker, you also have the benefit of them offering their professional opinion on which policy is best for your needs.

Let an Alberta insurance broker at BrokerLink help you

When in doubt, contact your local insurance broker. BrokerLink Alberta’s team of insurance specialists helps customers navigate the ins and outs of insurance. We can help you buy an ATV insurance policy, provide you with a free quote, or simply give you advice on the best coverage and overall policy for your ATV. We can also help you renew an existing policy, add or update coverage, and ensure you qualify for as many insurance discounts as possible. There is no downside to enlisting the help of an Alberta insurance broker.

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Take ATV driving lessons from a professional

By taking an ATV driving course, you will not only learn new skills but you might also qualify for an insurance discount. Insurance companies often reward customers who take extra steps to improve their driving schools, so if you can show proof that you graduated from an ATV defensive driving or driver’s education course, you might benefit from a lower ATV insurance premium.

Bundle ATV insurance with home, auto, or business insurance

Bundling insurance policies is a surefire way to save money on insurance, so why not try it? If you are also looking to buy a new home insurance, auto insurance, or business insurance policy, ask your insurance provider about your options. Many insurers offer bundles that result in a discount on each policy. To qualify, you would just need to purchase two or more insurance products at the same time. Just make sure that the types of insurance you want to buy can be bundled together.

Safe driving tips for ATV drivers in Alberta

There is nothing more important than driving safely, especially when driving an all-terrain vehicle. Thus, to ensure you stay safe on the road, the BrokerLink team has put together the following list of safe driving tips. Adopt these and you might even earn an ATV insurance discount:

• Insure your ATV with Alberta ATV insurance and choose extra protection like collision, comprehensive, or accident forgiveness coverage.
• Be sure to wear protective gear, like a helmet, goggles, and closed-toed shoes, anytime you are driving your ATV.
• Read through your ATV manufacturer’s recommendations on maximum loads and passengers and take care to never exceed them.
• Check the weather forecast before driving your ATV and choose an alternate mode of transportation if the weather conditions are dangerous.
• Drive slowly and be vigilant when on public roads, when driving at night, or at high speeds.
• Never drink and drive your ATV.
• Keep a valid driver's licence, registration, and any other required permits on you whenever driving your ATV.
• Look out for road hazards, like wildlife, which may be more common when driving off-road.
• Have an emergency kit in your ATV at all times.

We’re in your community

Here at BrokerLink Alberta, we take the community seriously. As a business operating in the province, we see it as our duty to engage with and give back to the community. That is why you will find us partnering with local charities and contributing to community events whenever possible. Find out more about the values BrokerLink upholds by getting in touch today.

Contact us

At Alberta BrokerLink, we’re here to help you with any insurance needs you may have. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person by visiting any of our locations across Alberta. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs ATV insurance Alberta

Is ATV insurance compulsory in Alberta?

Unlike car insurance, which is a legal requirement everywhere in the province, ATV insurance is only mandatory if you drive your ATV on public roads or public property. Thus, you are not required to purchase ATV insurance in Alberta if you only intend to drive it on private property. That said, most customers will need to drive their ATVs on public property at one point or another, and even if they don’t, having insurance can still be extremely beneficial. Without ATV insurance, if something went wrong, like you got into an accident or your ATV was stolen, you would have to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing it entirely out of pocket.

Does Alberta ATV insurance include theft protection?

Alberta ATV insurance may include theft protection if you choose to add it to your policy. Specifically, it is comprehensive coverage that deals with theft, so this is the type of additional coverage that you would need to include in your plan. Comprehensive coverage may also protect against damage from vandalism, fire, windstorms, water, falling objects, and more. Thus, it can be a very worthwhile type of ATV insurance coverage to have.

How do I buy ATV insurance in Alberta?

You can buy ATV insurance by contacting a local insurance agent or insurance broker that sells ATV insurance. Not all insurance companies in Alberta offer this type of insurance, so you will need to do your research and find one that does. From there, most coverage can be purchased over the phone, on the internet, or in person.

If I buy ATV insurance coverage in Alberta, am I allowed to drive my ATV on a public road?

While you are required to purchase an ATV insurance policy in order to drive on public roads in Alberta, having coverage does not mean that you can drive on any public road you want. ATVs and other off-road vehicles are not permitted on all roads, so you will need to research which roads allow ATVs before driving. For example, some roads only allow ATVs on the shoulder.

Will an insurance company consider my driving record when buying ATV insurance?

Yes, your driving record will certainly be assessed when an insurance agent is calculating your premium. A person’s driving record is a strong indication of their risk level. If your driving record is rife with infractions and tickets, your ATV insurance policy is likely to cost more than if you have a clean driving record.

Is driving an ATV risky?

Driving an ATV can be a risky endeavour. Between the rugged train and the possibility of wildlife while off-roading, driving an ATV might be dangerous, especially if you’re doing so at high speeds. That said, if you practice basic safe driving skills, including obeying all the speed limits and rules of the road, you should be fine.

Do I need a driver’s licence to drive an ATV in Alberta?

You will need a valid Alberta driver’s licence to drive your ATV on public roads in Alberta. However, just as with insurance, you are not required to have a licence if you are exclusively operating the ATV on private land. Registering the ATV is also not required when driving the ATV on private land only, but it is if you drive it on public land.

What types of ATVs can be insured with ATV insurance?

ATV insurance applies to a wide range of vehicles, including but not limited to utility, sport, and youth ATVs, quads, UTVs, 4-wheelers, 6-wheelers, 8-wheelers, side by sides, and more. Ultimately, it is up to the insurance company to decide whether they can insure your specific ATV, so contact a local insurance professional to learn more.