Saving Money on Snowmobile Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage
Having a snowmobile is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter season and make the most of the snowfall. But before you can hit the powder, you need to set up a snowmobile insurance plan to protect your finances.
Snowmobile insurance isn’t an extra expense; it’s essential for protecting your finances and your peace of mind. Learning the basics of insurance for snowmobiles is the best way to reduce snowmobile insurance costs and set yourself up for success this winter.
Understanding Snowmobile Insurance Basics
Maximizing your snowmobile policy savings starts with learning about snowmobile insurance and understanding what kind of plan you need. There are multiple types of coverage you can choose based on your risk tolerance and lifestyle.
Liability vs. Comprehensive Coverage
Snowmobile plans have options for liability coverage and comprehensive protection, just like with standard auto policies. Liability policies strictly cover any damages you cause to other parties while riding your winter vehicle. If you collide with another sled or hit someone’s property, your snowmobile liability coverage will pay for their medical bills and property damage repairs up to your policy limits.
Comprehensive coverage is another popular choice for sled owners. It protects against vandalism, theft, damage from hitting an animal, weather damage, and other non-collision-related incidents.
Optional Coverage Add-Ons
You can also upgrade your snowmobile policy by getting optional add-ons for additional protection. For example, you can sign up for collision coverage to make sure your own repairs and medical bills are covered, even if you caused the accident. If you’ve customized your sled with aftermarket parts, you may also need a special add-on to cover any upgrades to your vehicle.
Factors That Affect Snowmobile Insurance Rates
Sled coverage is relatively affordable, but costs can vary significantly depending on your situation. Considering these factors ahead of time can help you choose a vehicle that fits your price range and get an accurate idea of your future insurance costs.
Age and Experience of the Rider
Insurers calculate your premium costs by determining your risk of getting into an accident or making a claim. Snowmobiles and other winter recreation vehicles can take some skill to operate, so newer drivers are more likely to crash or have other issues. As a result, if you’re older and have more experience driving recreational vehicles, you’ll probably have cheaper winter sports insurance than a brand-new rider.
Make, Model, and Value
The type of sled you pick can also affect your premiums. More expensive vehicles will naturally be more costly to repair, leading to higher premiums. The safety features on your sled and historic accident data could also impact your risk level and ultimately influence your premium.
Location and Storage Practices
Premium costs also vary by location. Insurers will review claims rates in your zip code and use that information to adjust your premium. They will also look at the conditions of where you store your vehicle. If you store your sled in a secure garage, you’ll be at lower risk for theft, vandalism, and weather damage compared to someone who stores their vehicle in an exposed driveway. As a homeowner in a snowy climate, you’ll want to invest in proper storage to protect your vehicle and keep your premiums low.
Tips for Lowering Your Snowmobile Insurance Cost
There are a few snowmobile insurance tips you can use to maximize your value and lower your costs, all while keeping essential coverage. Here’s what to keep in mind to get the most bang for your buck:
- Get the right level of coverage: Don’t automatically go for the nicest plan with all the bells and whistles, or the cheapest plan available. Consider your risk level, how you store your sled, and how often you hit the trails, then pick out a plan that fits in with your needs. You don’t want to overpay for coverages you won’t use, but you also don’t want to skimp on coverage and end up paying more down the line.
- Bundle your policy: By purchasing your winter sports vehicle policy from the same insurer as your auto and home coverage, you may be able to access additional bundle discounts.
- Maintain your snowmobile properly: Follow basic tips for winter-proofing your vehicle and keep up with regular maintenance to avoid breaking down on the trail or having an unexpected accident.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Coverage
Many people aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of winter recreation policies, leading to a few mistakes. Especially if you’re a first-time owner of a recreation vehicle, keep these common mistakes in mind:
- Not looking at exclusions: Many policies have exclusions for different situations, so you want to make sure you understand what your plan does and doesn’t cover.
- Not researching ahead of time: When you first start looking at snowmobiles, get quotes and estimates before you make a purchase. You don’t want to end up buying a sled that’s too expensive to insure.
Protect Your Ride Now With Freeway Insurance
Getting sled coverage is your first step toward enjoying the winter weather worry-free. The right plan makes it possible for you to ride the snowy trails without stressing about hitting a deer, crashing into a fence, or having your sled stolen. Plus, it’s easy to save money on your coverage by getting the right level of protection, bundling your policies, and following a few simple safety and maintenance tips.
Insuring snowmobiles is easy with Freeway Insurance. At Freeway Insurance, we make it easy to compare options and save. Find out how to save on your sled coverage by calling 800-777-5620, visiting a local Freeway Insurance office, or getting a free online quote today.
FAQs
Make sure you get the right insurance for your situation by exploring these helpful FAQs about coverage for snowmobiles.
Is Snowmobile Insurance Required by Law?
In some states, you must carry snowmobile liability insurance, but requirements vary. New York generally requires liability coverage unless you ride only on your own property. Vermont requires it on the statewide trail system. Pennsylvania requires it when you ride on land you don’t own. North Dakota requires it on state-managed trails/lands. South Dakota requires proof of financial responsibility (typically liability insurance) if requested by law enforcement. Check local rules before you ride.
Can I Get Snowmobile Insurance During the Winter Only?
You can get snowmobile insurance at any time of year. Even if you exclusively use your sled during winter, there are still year-round risks to consider. While storing your sled during the summer months, you could still be at risk for theft, damage from fires or floods, and accidents while transporting your vehicle. In the event of any of these situations, you’ll want a policy to fall back on.
Can I Bundle Snowmobile Insurance With My Auto Policy?
Many insurers will allow you to bundle your snowmobile insurance with your auto policy and other types of coverage, such as homeowners or renters insurance. They may even offer discounts for purchasing multiple policies. Be sure to ask your insurer about what benefits they offer for signing up for a bundle of multiple types of insurance.
Are Rental Snowmobiles Covered?
Many policies for snowmobiles will also cover rental sleds. If you purchase insurance for a snow vehicle that you own at home, that policy may also apply to any snowmobiles you rent or borrow. However, it’s important to check the terms of your specific policy. Some plans will only extend liability coverage to rentals, so you may want to purchase a supplementary policy to ensure you’re fully covered.
What Is the Average Cost of Snowmobile Insurance?
Snowmobile insurance can be surprisingly affordable, often comparable to what you’d pay for other recreational vehicles — but prices vary by your location, sled value, coverage limits, and riding profile. Get a personalized quote to see your exact rate.
