Amphibious ATVs

Amphibious ATV insurance is not something you hear lots of gossip about in Eastern Ontario, or even Canada for that matter… which is kind of weird if you think about it. ATVs are fun, functional and growing in popularity – especially as this economy recovers – and the only thing that could possibly make them better is if they could propel themselves over land and water!

Of course, an off-road vehicle being able to navigate through water seems like a pretty solid idea regardless in Ontario, since we do have 250,000 lakes covering more than 17% of our great province’s surface area.

But how does your practical (and so fun, I mean, don’t you feel just like a secret agent when you cruise around on one of these puppies) amphibious ATV get insured? That’s one question we are well qualified to answer.

Insuring Your ATV

To start off, you need to make sure that the ATV is registered in Ontario and has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). When it comes to ATVs, VINs have only been standardized for roughly a decade, so that means that the VIN on your vehicle might not look like what you are used to seeing on your own automobile or trailer. If there is ever a problem with a VIN, remember that the number embossed on the vehicle is the ruling authority on the topic, so cross check your ownership with the actual lettering.

Once you’ve got your VIN, you can insure your ATV just like you could your automobile. Generally insurance companies prefer to insure older drivers (what else is knew) who already have their car insured with the same company. Of course, like all insurance, coverage is available to pretty much everyone if they can afford the price.

Amphibious ATVs can be harder to place than other more standard vehicles since they are so specialized (they do move in water after all – so cool!), so we highly recommend employing a knowledgeable insurance broker (like… I don’t know… MCDOUGALL INSURANCE!!!). They will have experience with the different insurance companies out there, and should be able to secure you the coverage you need. Note: using an ATV commercially is an entirely new set of circumstances and requires your broker be notified.

Things to Watch out for

Once you have you insurance in place for your Argo, Land Tamer or other AATV, you are ready to use your toy.

But that doesn’t give you a free pass to be unsafe. Instead, securing insurance simply means it’s time to be really cautious in your vehicle operation, so you never ever actually have to make a claim.

I know it sounds funny, but trust me when I say you would be happier with paying hundreds each year without incident, than go through the horror of an accident.

ATVs are dangerous, the amphibian variety is no exception. When these machines are used incorrectly, the consequences can be devastating. People die in ATV accidents, in tragic, and sometimes avoidable, circumstances. And despite our best efforts, no amount of insurance can bring a person back.

So with that sombre note, please keep safety in mind when hitting the backroads. We don’t want to lose another client to an ATV accident.

Pay particular attention to:

• Climbing steeply pitched hills
• Weak, injured or young drivers
• Drowsy Drivers
• Impaired drivers
• Carrying too much weight or too many passengers
• Speeding

By being attentive and careful in your ATV operation, you will protect your life and body. By being attentive and careful in your insurance, you will protect your bank account. And with both, ATV operation can be loads of fun. Just like it ought to be.

So do you need a quote on your amphibious ATV? Give us a call at 1-800-361-0941 today.