Why is off-road insurance important? Well, for starters, most homeowner and auto insurance policies don’t fully cover your off-road vehicles (ORVs) or your actions while using them—especially when you leave your property.
Without securing an off-road insurance policy, you could find yourself paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for off-road claims if you're involved in an accident. Something as routine as a cracked windshield can be expensive to replace—now imagine you're at-fault in an accident that severely injures another rider.
Driving in bad weather
If you can avoid driving in bad weather, do so, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in the conditions. Be aware of these hazards that can arise from poor weather:
Low visibility
Rain, snow, fog, and even bright sunlight can affect both your ability to see and other drivers' ability to see you. If conditions reduce your visibility, pull over in a safe place and wait it out. Use your vehicle’s visors or a good pair of sunglasses to block out sun glare. Also, it’s a good habit to use your lights all the time, even in daylight.
Road conditions
Snow, ice, rain, and extreme heat can make roads harder to drive on. When the road is wet, your tires lose traction which can cause a skid on ice or hydroplaning in standing water. Ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt steering and braking. If you lose control of your vehicle, gently steer in the direction your car is skidding until your tires grip the pavement again.
Heat can cause road materials to buckle, creating bumps or potholes. Slow down, increase your following distance, and pay attention to the road you’re driving on.
Driving while tired or fatigued
If you drive when you’re drowsy, your reaction time can bejust as impaired as a drunk driver’s on the road. Yawning, heavy eyes, wandering thoughts, or difficulty remembering the last few miles all signal it's time to stop at a rest area, or have someone take over driving.
Distracted driving
Keep your focus on the task at hand while you’re driving. It’s a demanding activity that can quickly become dangerous for you, your passengers, and other drivers. Phone use has become one of the biggest distractions to drivers, even prompting states to create laws that restrict drivers from using phones. Avoid distractions when you’re behind the wheel:
Loud music
Texting
Talking on the phone
Eating
Reaching for dropped items
Tending to children
Get a free off-road insurance quote to make sure you’re protected out on the trails.
Advantages of off-road insurance
At its most basic level, having off-road insurance allows you to legally operate your off-road vehicle in more locations than you'd be able to without it. For example, even towns and cities that allow four-wheeling on main roads often require riders to carry insurance for their ORVs.
Additionally, your off-road insurance policy can help protect you financially following a range of potential incidents. Depending on the coverages you choose to add to your policy, you could have coverage for:
Theft
Accidental damage from fire, water, or severe weather
Third-party liability if you injure someone or damage their property while riding
Maximize your adventures with Dairyland® off-road insurance
As a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, we've been providing quality off-road insurance coverage at competitive rates for decades.
Your adventures may take you to places with increased risk, which can be especially dangerous if you’re not familiar with the terrain. It’s worth looking into specific coverages (physical damage plus, submersion, and guest passenger to name a few) that could be particularly useful if you’re in an accident out on the trail.
Give yourself the ability to ride freely, knowing you're protected. We offer the following coverages* for off-road riders like you:
Bodily injury liability
Collision
Comprehensive
Guest passenger
Medical expense
Optional/special equipment
Physical Damage Plus
Property damage liability
Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
Submersion coverage
Transport trailer coverage
Not sure what coverages are available and/or required in your state? Interested in bundling your off-road insurance with an existing motorcycle insurance policy?
Contact Dairyland for a free quote and ask about off-road insurance discounts** today!
Whether you’re new to ATV riding or an experienced rider, make sure you check out these eight tips to help keep you safe the next time you hop on your ATV.
Surface hazards are one of the many hazards motorcycle riders learn to be aware of during a motorcycle safety course. Grooved pavement is one of those hazards, but there are actually several types of pavement grooves that riders will encounter.
Getting step-by-step directions in your ear. Communicating with fellow riders who are miles away. Listening to your favorite riding soundtrack. All of these opportunities are now available through your helmet thanks to Bluetooth® technology. Are you equipped?
The general information in this blog is for informational or entertainment purposes only. View our blog disclaimer.
*Coverages and requirements vary by state. See your policy for complete coverage details.
**Not all discount options are available in all states