Whether or not OHV (off highway vehicles) require car insurance depends on if you drive your vehicle on private or public roads. If it is driven solely on private land and is never taken on public streets, roads or parks then you are not required to carry car insurance. However, if the vehicle is driven on public streets and roads then you are required to carry at least liability insurance.
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There are four states in the United States that forces you to obtain a driver’s license before being able to operate an ATV or off road vehicle. For insurance purposes, if you operate your vehicle on public roads, even un-paved roads, then you are required to carry liability based insurance.
However, there are many reasons why someone would want to insure their off road vehicle. These reasons include:
- Protecting the vehicle: Since these vehicles are highly susceptible to vehicle theft, if an individual does not have insurance on their vehicle they have no protection against replacing the loss. Not all homeowner insurance policies will cover ATVs or other off road vehicles. It is always best to check with your home owner’s policy to see if it covers your OHV.
- Help cover expenses: If someone is injured or hurt while operating the vehicle you may want coverage to help pay the liability or medical bills.
- Protect other assets: Proper coverage can protect not only your ATV, but also your other property and assets. The best thing to do to determine if your off road vehicle is worth insuring is to examine who will be using it, where it will be used and the total value to replace the vehicle if it was lost or stolen. It is important to be honest when answering these vehicles.
What is an OHV vehicle?
An OHV stands for Off Highway Vehicle, and encompasses several types of vehicles that are driven off road. Some examples of vehicles that fit the description include:
- ATVs
- Snowmobiles
- Go Carts
- Dune Buggies
- 4-Wheel Drives
- Airboats
- Golf Carts
These off highway vehicles are used on different terrains, and in different areas of the country. Although 4X4s or 4-wheel drives are also driven on highways, they too are considered OHVs when driven off road.
What are some other names for OHV vehicles?
You may find these vehicles identified under other names as well. Some of these alternate names refer to another type of OHV. Some aliases may include:
- ORV for Off Road Vehicles
- UTV for Utility Vehicles
- ROV for Recreational Off Road Vehicles
- RUV for Recreational Utility Vehicles
These are examples offered by California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation’s FAQ website. These OHVs are subject to California laws, and are classified and identified by green and red stickers.
Do I need a special license to drive an OHV vehicle?
Again, it depends upon the state in which you live and/or in which you drive your OHV vehicle.
For instance, Arkansas does not require a special license to drive an OHV, according to the state’s DMV. Arizona, however, requires your OHV to have a license plate and OHV decal, which you can obtain when you register it. In Connecticut, although you are not required to have a special license to operate an OHV, you are required to have a driver’s license if you find yourself on a public road, even if only to cross it.
Do OHV (off highway vehicles) require car insurance on public road ways and property?
Yes, anytime you operate a motor vehicle on public roads, even un-paved ones, you need to be carrying at least liability coverage. This is important because driving without insurance on public roads is not only illegal, but also an extreme risk.
If you were to get into an accident and cause injury or damage to someone else’s property there would nothing to protect you, your property or assets. This puts you at a huge financial and legal risk. Even if you are just driving the vehicle a short distance on public roads you always want to make sure you have it insured.
Do OHV (off highway vehicles) require car insurance on private property?
No, as long as the vehicle is driven on private land and never on public roads, highways or parks you do not need to insure your vehicle. However, this is not always the best move for individuals. This leaves a huge liability and risk to themselves and their assets. While it may save them money short term, in the long run it could end up costing them more than they thought.
Although coverage is not mandated, it just makes sense to have at least minimum liability car insurance on your ORV. Other wise you could open your self up to law suits for any damage you cause. Also, having some sort of collision or comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle itself from damage might make sense. Finally, it’s wise to have medical coverage in place to assist your health insurance if you can afford to do so.
The best route is probably to get a quote from your current provider. They may cut you a deal of ORV insurance if they are already covering your main vehicle. Then compare those rates with quotes from other car insurance companies.
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