Ontario is a great playground for ATV enthusiasts, with thousands of kilometres of scenic trails across the province. Whether you drive for fun or as part of your everyday life, you need a driver’s license, insurance and permit to take your ATV out.
Before you drive
An all-terrain vehicle, just like other off-road vehicles, requires that it be registered and plated by the Ministry of Transportation. To be able to register your ATV, you must have an automobile insurance policy. You also need to have a valid driver’s license (G2, M2 or greater), a trail permit and an approved motorcycle helmet to be able to drive an ATV.
With the vast trails in Ontario, there are a number of ATV clubs that issue permits depending on where you want to ride. Make sure that you check the Government of Ontario’s website – there are a number of resources to help you ride safely.
ATV insurance
You are required to have automobile insurance if you drive your ATV on public roads, on property that is not your own, and on public trails.
All-terrain vehicles are insured through an automobile policy. Much like car insurance, the mandatory coverages in Ontario for an ATV are:
- Third party liability which protects you if you cause injury or property damage during an accident.
- Uninsured/unidentified snowmobiles which provides coverage for medical expenses and damages if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or unidentified snowmobiler such as a hit and run.
- Accident benefits – coverage for medical and rehabilitation expenses if you are injured in an accident, whether you are at-fault or not.
As with car insurance, you have optional coverages to choose from to add to your policy for more protection. There are many optional coverages. Here are some of the more popular ones to consider:
- Comprehensive which covers your ATV for all types of damage, except Collision or Upset.
- Collision or Upset which covers your ATV for damage from an accident with another vehicle or object such as a collision or single vehicle accident.
- All Perils which covers both Comprehensive and Collision or Upset.
- Direct Compensation Property Damage which covers you for damage to your ATV where you were not at fault. You work with your insurance company for a simpler process, rather than claiming through the at-fault driver’s insurance which could be a lengthy process.
Safety first
ATVing is fun when you stay safe.
Before going on a trip
- Check your ATV is in good working condition and fill up the gas tank
- Check the weather, road and trail conditions and wear the appropriate clothing
- Let someone know where you’re going
- Make sure your phone is fully charged, and have a first aid kit and survival kit ready
When riding
- Always wear an approved helmet, whether you are driving or riding as a passenger
- Stay on the main trail and don’t use unmarked trails
- Obey signs and signals, slow down in unfamiliar terrain, come to a complete stop before entering any roadway and take extra care crossing roads and railroad crossings
- Never ride on private property without the owner’s permission
- Use bridges when crossing water
What else you should know
- There are speed limits for ATVs. On roads where the speed limit is over 50 kph, the speed limit is 50 kph. On roads where the speed limit is 50 kph or less and in any public park or exhibition grounds, the speed limit is 20 kph.
- Just like impaired driving, there is also impaired ATVing which bring the same serious consequences as impaired driving. Read our blog on impaired driving here.
Source:
Destination Ontario: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/things-to-do/atving
Ready to get coverage?
The content on this page is for information only. The insurance products described are subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that are outlined in the policy wording. Please refer to the policy wording for complete details.