Whether you’ve just bought your first snowmobile or have been driving one for years, there are some important things to keep in mind before you hit the trails this winter.
Types of Snowmobile Insurance
Unless you’re driving your snowmobile on private property only, the law requires that you have Third party liability coverage, which protects you if another person is injured, killed, or experiences property damage. This mandatory insurance pays claims up to the limit of your coverage (typically $1,000,000 or $2,000,000) and the cost of settling the claims if you’re sued.
Most standard snowmobile insurance policies include the mandatory third party liability coverage, as well as:
Accident benefits coverage, which provides supplementary medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner, income replacement, and death benefits if you are killed or injured in an accident, regardless of who caused it,
Direct compensation/Property damage coverage (DCPD), which would pay for damage to your snowmobile and its contents if it is found that another driver is at fault for an accident that occurred in Ontario and that driver is insured by an insurance company that is licensed in Ontario, and
Uninsured automobile coverage, which can provide financial compensation for you and your family if you are killed or injured by an unidentified or uninsured motorist. This also covers damage to your vehicle by an unidentified or uninsured motorist.
In addition to these standard coverages, you may also purchase higher liability limits under your third party liability coverage, increased accident benefit coverages, and extra coverage for loss or damage to your vehicle, including:
Specific perils coverage, which refers to any damage from fire, theft, lightning, flooding, and hail,
Comprehensive coverage, which covers all damage except for collision or upset,
Collision or upset coverage, which insures your vehicle against damage resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, and
All perils coverage, which combines collision or upset coverage with comprehensive coverage, plus additional theft protection.
How much is this going to cost?
In order to receive the best insurance coverage for your needs, your broker will need to know basic information such as your age, driving record, how often you use your snowmobile, your rider training, where you live and where you will be using your snowmobile. They will also ask for the size, type and age of the snowmobile that you own. This information will all influence the price of your insurance.
Contact McFarlan Rowlands today!
Although we wish they didn’t, snowmobile accidents do happen from time to time. At McFarlan Rowlands, our experienced brokers are here to help you understand all of your coverage options and help you customize an affordable protection plan that suits your needs.