Snowmobile Insurance Explained: Coverage, Costs, and Benefits
Winter enthusiasts in Saskatchewan know the thrill of gliding across snowy landscapes on a snowmobile. However, this exhilarating activity comes with risks that require proper protection.
Perhaps the most valuable benefit of Snowmobile Insurance is the peace of mind it provides. For example, your insurance can include additional coverages like accident benefits, which help with expenses if you’re injured while riding your snowmobile.
SGI’s 2019 Traffics Accident Report shows that there were 11 injuries related to snowmobile accidents that year. Most of the injuries occurred to people aged 5-14 years old, followed by those aged 45-54. More men were injured than women, according to the statistics.
Remember, while snowmobiling is an exhilarating winter activity, it comes with risks. Having comprehensive Snowmobile Insurance ensures you’re prepared for whatever the snowy trails may bring, allowing you to embrace the adventure with peace of mind.
Types of Snowmobile Insurance Coverage
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is a must-have for snowmobile owners in Saskatchewan. It safeguards you financially if you’re responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property while riding your snowmobile. The minimum required liability coverage in Saskatchewan is CAD $200,000. However, you might want to consider higher limits for better protection.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is worth considering if you’re worried about damaging your snowmobile in an accident. This type of insurance helps pay for repairs or replacement if your sled is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. It also covers situations like rollovers.
Comprehensive Coverage
You’ll want to look into comprehensive coverage to protect your snowmobile from non-collision-related incidents. This type of insurance covers a wide range of situations, including theft, vandalism, fire, and damage from natural disasters like floods or storms.
Remember that coverages typically come with a deductible, which is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Legal Requirements for Snowmobiles
Minimum Coverage Mandates
In Saskatchewan, as in most Canadian provinces, Snowmobile Insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law. You’re legally required to register your snowmobile if you plan to ride it on public roads or property.
This mandatory coverage typically includes third-party liability insurance, which protects you if you injure someone or damage their property while operating your sled.
Registration and Insurance Connection
Registration and insurance often go hand in hand when it comes to snowmobiles; however, the two are, in fact, separate forms of insurance.
Snowmobile Registration:
The maximum time period you can register your sled is starting from July 1st of the current year to June 30th of the following year. The cost for an annual registration fee for a snowmobile is $189 plus taxes. *The insurance premium will be calculated proportionally if you need to register for less than a year.
When you register your snowmobile, it includes $200,000 in third-party liability insurance. This means you’re covered for any damage or injury you (or whoever is riding your snowmobile) may cause to another person or their property, up to $200,000.
However, this insurance doesn’t cover you for any damage or injury you might experience yourself. You’ll need to purchase additional insurance to protect yourself and your sled. We suggest discussing physical damage coverage and increased third-party liability options with your insurance broker.
Snowmobile Insurance Policy
There are a few different ways to insure your snowmobile on an insurance policy, each with benefits and disadvantages. However, the one universal benefit of having your sled insured under a policy is that your coverage will continue whether the machine is licensed or unlicensed.
Insuring on your Personal Property Policy:
If you have a home, condo, or tenant insurance policy, you may be able to add additional coverage for a snowmobile, depending on your insurer. This method can be more cost-effective in the long run for insurance coverage.
However, some pitfalls to this method are that the coverage offerings may differ, such as higher coverage limits or the inability to offer replacement cost coverage. Lastly, a claim could significantly impact your premiums because you are insuring your personal property and snowmobile on one policy. For example, insuring your snowmobile on your home insurance policy may affect your claims-free discount on the policy if you have an accident and file a claim.
Insuring on a Standalone Snowmobile Policy:
Some brokerages may be able to offer standalone insurance policies for your recreation vehicles, such as GOT TOYS.
This insurer allows you to choose between $1,000,000 or $2,000,000 limits for third-party liability coverage when a licensed driver operates the snowmobile.
For physical damage to your snowmobile, GOT TOYS offers coverage limits of up to $40,000. If you bought your snowmobile brand new within 120 days, you can also consider replacement cost coverage. This coverage replaces your snowmobile for its full value (including accessories, taxes, and fees) for 24 months after delivery, but you must have physical damage coverage and provide a bill of sale.
Factors Affecting Snowmobile Insurance Costs
When you’re looking to get Snowmobile Insurance in Saskatchewan, several factors can influence the cost of your premium:
Age and Experience of Rider
Your age and experience may play a significant role in determining your Snowmobile Insurance rates for some insurers. If you’re under 25, you might face higher premiums, especially if you’re riding a larger, more powerful sled.
Inexperienced riders typically pay more for coverage due to higher claims frequency.
Type and Value of Snowmobile
The make, model, and value of your snowmobile have a substantial impact on your insurance costs. More expensive sleds cost more to repair or replace, resulting in higher premiums. Most insurers group snowmobiles into pricing tiers based on engine size:
- Under 500 cc
- 500-800 cc
- Over 800 cc
Sleds with engines over 800 cc tend to have significantly higher premiums. Some insurers may even decline coverage for young riders under 25 on high-powered sleds due to increased risk.
Important Facts to Remember…
Snowmobile Licensing Requirements:
- Adults: Must have a valid driver’s license.
- 16-Year-Olds: Need a driver’s license or have completed a Snowmobile Safety Course.
- 12-15-Year-Olds: Must have completed a Snowmobile Safety Course and be supervised or accompanied by someone with a driver’s license.
- Designated Trails: Ride on designated snowmobile trails.
- Private Land: Need permission from the landowner or tenant to ride on private land, including leased Crown land.
- Crown Land: Generally permitted unless prohibited by regulations or signs.
- Ditches: Riding is generally allowed in ditches along provincial highways and in urban/rural municipalities, but check for local bylaws or restrictions.
- Parks: Check with the Park Authority for specific regulations.
Always verify local regulations and permissions before riding in any specific location.
Snowmobile Trail Enforcement Fines
Driving a snowmobile while impaired carries the same penalties as driving a vehicle while impaired. Remember, the speed limit along designated trails is 80 km/h. If you are caught violating snowmobile regulations, you may face the following fines:
- Unregistered Snowmobile: $175
- Missing Plate or Permit: $100
- No Registration or Permit: $100
- Operating Without a License: $150
- No License: $100
- Driving a Vehicle on a Trail: First offence: $150, Second offence: $250
- No Helmet: $125
- Speeding: $150
- Improper Towing: $150
This image is property of SGI and can be found at sgi.sk.ca
The coverage options, from basic liability to comprehensive plans, cater to various needs and budgets, ensuring that snowmobilers can find suitable protection for their sleds and themselves.
By choosing the right insurance, snowmobilers not only comply with legal requirements but also protect their investment and personal finances.
*The information provided in this article is intended as a general guide. Please consult your specific insurance policy for precise coverage details, including conditions, definitions, and exclusions that apply to your Snowmobile Insurance.
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Posted in Recreational on October 2, 2024 by Hope Prost
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