Roamly logo
All-Terrain Toys: Comparing ATV, PWC, Dirt Bike Insurance Needs

All-Terrain Toys: Comparing ATV, PWC, Dirt Bike Insurance Needs

TL;DR: Why Your All-Terrain Toys Need Real Protection

Here's the deal: your ATV, jet ski, dirt bike, or UTV isn't covered by your regular car insurance—and your homeowner's policy won't cut it either when you're tearing up trails or making waves. Most states require liability coverage for recreational vehicles used on public lands or waterways, but even if yours doesn't, accidents happen fast out there. The right specialized insurance protects your gear, your wallet, and your adventures—so you can focus on the fun stuff instead of worrying about what happens when things go sideways.


How Does ATV and UTV Insurance Actually Work?

Your four-wheeler needs coverage that gets how you actually use it—whether you're working the ranch or weekend trail riding.

ATVs and UTVs live in a different world than street vehicles, and their insurance reflects that. The key difference? Your coverage needs to match where you ride.

In Utah, liability insurance is required for certain ATVs, and it's mandatory for most boats and personal watercraft. But here's what most folks don't realize: many state-owned lands and parks only allow ATVs if riders have liability insurance, even when it's not required by state law.

What ATV/UTV insurance typically covers:

The smartest riders bundle their coverage. Many insurers provide multi-vehicle discounts if you're covering multiple toys. For specialized ATV and UTV coverage that understands your off-road lifestyle, Roamly's ATV insurance automatically includes up to $5,000 for upgrades, customizations, and accessories—because we know your ride isn't stock.

What Makes Personal Watercraft Insurance Different?

Jet skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos need water-specific coverage that regular boat insurance might not provide.

Personal watercraft insurance isn't just "boat insurance lite"—it's built for the unique risks of these high-performance machines. Even if your state doesn't require coverage, most launch sites will ask for third-party liability insurance before you hit the water.

PWC insurance essentials:

In 2024, U.S. Coast Guard statistics show recreational boating incidents resulted in 556 deaths, 2,170 injuries, and approximately $88 million in property damage. That's why smart PWC owners don't just meet minimums—they get coverage that actually protects their investment and their family.

Do Dirt Bikes Really Need Insurance Coverage?

Most dirt bikes don't need insurance for trail riding, but there are some important exceptions that could cost you big.

This one's trickier than the others. Dirt bike insurance isn't legally required by most states since they're not street-legal unless modified. But before you skip coverage entirely, consider this: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that off-highway vehicles are involved in more than 800 deaths and an estimated 100,000 emergency department-treated injuries annually.

When dirt bike insurance becomes mandatory:

Smart coverage includes:

For riders who want coverage that actually understands dirt bikes and off-road motorcycles, Roamly's motorcycle insurance includes up to $5,000 in automatic coverage for upgrades and accessories, plus roadside assistance that works anywhere in the US or Canada.

Why Regular Auto Insurance Won't Cover Your Toys

Your car insurance company doesn't understand your lifestyle—and their coverage proves it.

Here's something that surprises a lot of folks: homeowners' insurance will not cover your ATV or UTV if it's damaged in an accident, as property coverage doesn't extend to vehicles. Your auto policy? Same story. These recreational vehicles need specialized coverage from companies that actually get how you use them.

Regular insurers often don't understand the unique risks of recreational vehicles—from trail damage to specialized equipment to seasonal storage issues.

Why specialized coverage matters:

What Does Recreational Vehicle Insurance Actually Cost?

Good coverage costs less than you think—and way less than paying out of pocket for an accident.

Recreational vehicle insurance is generally more affordable than dealing with an uninsured accident. The peace of mind alone makes it worthwhile for most riders.

Factors that affect your rates:

How to Find the Right Coverage for Your Adventures

The best insurance comes from companies that actually understand your gear and how you use it.

Not all insurance companies are created equal when it comes to recreational vehicles. Some big-name companies struggle with specific niches like street-legal UTVs, with phone agents sometimes not even knowing their own company's policies.

What to look for in a provider:

Questions to ask before buying:

For a deeper dive into ATV coverage specifics, costs by state, and common mistakes to avoid, check out our comprehensive ATV Insurance Essentials guide in the Roamly Learning Center.


Get Rolling with Coverage Built for Your Adventures

Don't let insurance worries keep you off the trails or away from the water. Your all-terrain toys deserve protection that understands how you actually use them—not some generic policy that leaves you exposed when it matters most.

Ready to protect your adventures? Get your quote online in minutes with coverage designed by riders, for riders. Whether you're hitting the trails this weekend or planning next summer's lake adventures, make sure you're covered smart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roamly logo

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.

Roamly license numbers

© 2024 Roamly All rights reserved

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service