By Lorie Ham
As the temperatures go up many of us are taking the time to enjoy the outdoors again, but it is important to make sure we stay safe and are prepared for emergencies should they come up.
According to OutdoorIndustry.org, more than half (54%) of Americans ages six and up participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2021, and new outdoor participants are more diverse than the overall outdoor participant base and are driving increasing diversity, not only by ethnicity but also across age groups. Toy Storage Nation stated in a 2022 article, that 100 million Americans go boating each year and 11.0% of households own a recreational boat.
If your outdoor activities include motorized toys like boats, dirt bikes, or ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), are you covered should something happen? Do you know what type of insurance you need?
We asked Mennonite Aid Plan/Mennonite Insurance Services employee Claudia Fletes some questions about the type of coverage needed.
Q: Are dirt bikes, ATVs, and boats covered by someone’s homeowner policy? If not, what type of insurance does someone need for these items?
Claudia: In some cases, small fishing boats with less than 25HP may fall under the homeowner’s personal liability. However, the boat or toys themselves are not covered for comprehensive or collision losses, under the homeowner policy. A separate policy specifically for those types of toys is recommended. There are boat policies, recreational vehicle policies, travel trailer policies, etc., available.
Q: Is the coverage different than one might have on an automobile, and if so, how? Are there different options one can consider for what and how they are covered?
Claudia: The coverages are similar to an auto policy as there is liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. It is different because these policies are specifically for off-road vehicles, meaning they are not licensed for road use and these vehicles are usually used only seasonally.
Q: Is coverage for off-road vehicles very expensive compared to car insurance?
Claudia: In most cases, the premium is based on the value of the recreational vehicle, the garaging location, and horsepower or cc’s. The number of years’ experience with these types of vehicles is also taken into account. The premium is generally less than a personal auto policy as the recreational vehicles are usually seasonal.
Q: Anything else relevant that would be good for owners to know?
Claudia: Insurance on recreational vehicles is not required. If the recreational vehicle has a loan, the lender may require insurance. Otherwise, most people don’t think of purchasing insurance for their toys. However, recreational vehicles are stolen quite often. I have actually seen several articles in our local news in recent years. Aside from theft, you should consider the liability in driving these types of vehicles and the damage they can cause. My husband has always had recreational vehicles and we often travel to Oceano Dunes or the desert where there are hundreds of off-road vehicles. We have witnessed some very unfortunate accidents.
As you get out there and enjoy more outdoor fun this summer, make sure you have the coverage you need. Mennonite Insurance Services would be happy to answer any questions you might have about this type of coverage. You can call them at (559) 638-2327.
