TL;DR: ATV insurance averages $84-$327 annually, covering liability (bodily injury/property damage), collision, theft, and custom accessories. While most states don't require coverage for ATVs, many public trails and private areas mandate insurance. Liability-only policies typically start around $7 per month, while comprehensive coverage protects against theft, vandalism, and collision damage. Smart riders protect their off-road investments and avoid potentially devastating liability claims that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
You're loading your ATV for an epic weekend trail ride when reality hits: "Wait, am I covered if something goes wrong?"
Yeah, we've all been there.
As adventure-seeking riders ourselves, we know your four-wheeler isn't just a toy, —it's your ticket to freedom, exploration, and adrenaline-pumping fun. But here's the thing about off-road adventures: they come with unique risks that can turn your perfect trail day into a financial nightmare faster than you can say "engine trouble."
Before you hit those backwoods trails or navigate rocky terrain, let's break down everything you need to know about ATV insurance essentials—from mandatory coverage requirements to protecting your custom modifications.
ATV insurance protects you from liability claims, theft, and damage to your off-road vehicle. All-terrain vehicle insurance works similarly to auto insurance but addresses the unique risks of off-road riding. ATV insurance costs less than $100 per year for basic coverage and can pay for injuries and property damage caused by ATV crashes, with ValuePenguin finding an average price of under $100 per year for basic coverage and $327 for full coverage.
Think you don't need it? Consider these scenarios:
Off-road riding presents unique liability exposures. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, off-highway vehicles are involved in more than 800 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries annually. Common risks include:
Most states do not mandate ATV insurance by law, leaving the onus on you to investigate your local ATV insurance requirements. ATV insurance can be a legal obligation in specific circumstances, for instance, when your all-terrain vehicle is operated on state-owned lands.
ATV insurance premiums typically range from $84-$600 annually, depending on your vehicle value, coverage level, and riding habits, with most riders paying around $200-$300 per year.
Current insurance costs break down as follows:
Your premium depends on several key factors:
Vehicle-Related Factors:
Personal Factors:
Usage Factors:
ATV insurance cost depends on the type of ATV or UTV you own and how you use the vehicle. Sport ATVs typically cost more to insure than utility models due to higher accident rates and theft risk.
Essential ATV coverage includes liability (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection, with optional add-ons for custom equipment and roadside assistance.
Liability Coverage: Standard liability coverages for ATVs and UTVs include bodily injury and property damage. Example: You and a friend are riding on your four-wheeler when you take a curve too fast. You lose control and crash into the side of a neighbor's tool shed. Your liability coverage may pay up to the limits.
Collision Coverage:
Comprehensive Coverage:
Custom Equipment Coverage: If you have any ATV insurance plan with Safeco, including liability-only policies, Safeco will provide you with up to $1,000 per person and per incident to replace your gear. Progressive allows you to purchase up to $30,000 in additional coverage for most makes and models.
Accessory Coverage:
Transport Coverage:
Emergency Roadside Assistance:
Rental Reimbursement:
If you're interested in exploring broader recreational vehicle insurance options beyond ATVs, Roamly offers comprehensive coverage for motorcycles, boats, and RVs all in one convenient platform.
Most states don't legally require ATV insurance for private property use, but many mandate coverage for public trail riding, state park access, and street-legal operation.
ATV insurance is not required by law in most states, but many places (including public trails and some private ATV areas) may not permit you to ride there unless you have coverage.
States Requiring ATV Insurance:
Common Scenarios Requiring Coverage:
Even in states without legal mandates, you'll often need insurance for:
Public Land Access:
Private Facilities:
Transport and Storage:
The key takeaway? Some states in the U.S. require ATV owners to purchase insurance for their ATVs before they can be ridden on state land. Always check local requirements before heading out.
Smart riders can reduce ATV insurance costs by 10-40% through safety course discounts, multi-vehicle bundling, higher deductibles, and seasonal storage options.
Safety and Training Discounts:
Bundling Opportunities:
Smart Policy Choices:
Security Measures:
Riding Behavior:
Policy Management:
For riders who also own motorcycles, consider exploring motorcycle insurance through Roamly, which offers similar savings opportunities and can be bundled with your ATV coverage.
The biggest ATV insurance mistakes include inadequate liability limits, forgetting custom equipment coverage, choosing policies based solely on price, and failing to update coverage as vehicle values change.
Insufficient Liability Limits: Many riders choose minimum liability, thinking they'll never need it. One serious injury claim can reach $100,000+ easily. Consider these minimums:
Overlooking Custom Equipment: Standard policies typically cover $1,000-$3,000 in accessories. If you've invested in:
You need additional custom equipment coverage.
Geographic Limitations: Some policies restrict coverage to your home state or province. If you're planning cross-border adventures or multi-state trail trips, verify your coverage travels with you.
Set-and-Forget Mentality:
Inadequate Documentation:
Claims Process Errors:
From liability protection starting at just $7 per month to comprehensive coverage for your custom-built trail warrior, ATV insurance adapts to your specific needs and budget. The key is getting coverage before you need it, when your four-wheeler is in perfect condition and your riding record is clean.
Ready to protect your four-wheeler and your adventures?
Because the only surprise on your next trail ride should be discovering that perfect hidden vista, not a lawsuit from an accident that could have been covered.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.