Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Syed Sarim Naqvi
ATV and UTV insurance is a specialist policy for four-wheelers and side-by-sides that adds liability, collision, comprehensive and optional gear cover, because homeowners policies typically exclude off-road vehicles, especially once they leave your property. ValuePenguin puts the average at about $88 a year for liability-only and $327 for full coverage, and the law rarely requires it, though trails, parks and lenders often do.
Key Takeaways
- Homeowners insurance typically does not cover an ATV or UTV, particularly off your property, though its liability section may respond if a guest is hurt on your land
- ValuePenguin reports about $88 a year for liability-only and $327 for full coverage, and Roamly cites a wider $84 to $600 range
- Insurance is not required by law in many states, but liability may be mandated at private trails and parks, and lenders typically require comprehensive and collision
- Policies commonly exclude racing and, with few exceptions, accidents on state highways
- Using the vehicle for commercial or rental purposes without the right policy can invalidate a claim
What Is ATV and UTV Insurance?
Progressive explains that ATV insurance protects you and your off-road vehicle, whether you ride an ATV, UTV or side-by-side. The liability section can help pay for injuries or property damage you cause while riding, and collision and comprehensive cover can repair or replace your machine. Alfa Insurance notes that some insurers add an ATV or UTV to an auto policy, others to a motorcycle policy, but either way the off-road vehicle needs its own cover.
Which Coverages Do Policies Include?
| Coverage | What It Pays For |
|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others |
| Collision | Repair or replacement after hitting another vehicle or a stationary object, minus your deductible |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, flooding, storm damage and other non-collision losses |
| Uninsured and underinsured motorist | Your injuries when another rider or driver lacks enough insurance |
| Custom equipment | Accessories and gear; Roamly says Safeco offers up to $1,000 per person per incident, and Progressive includes custom parts and equipment cover with collision and comprehensive |
How Much Does ATV Insurance Cost?
ValuePenguin finds about $88 a year for liability-only cover and $327 a year for full coverage, and notes that, like motorcycle insurance, adding comprehensive and collision raises the price substantially. Roamly reports annual premiums commonly range from $84 to $600 depending on vehicle value, coverage level and riding habits, with most riders paying around $200 to $300, and says liability-only policies start around $7 a month. As an illustration only, $327 a year works out to about $27 a month.
- Vehicle value and model year: newer, pricier machines cost more to insure
- Coverage level: full coverage costs far more than liability-only
- Riding habits and use: Roamly lists how you use the vehicle as a pricing factor
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover an ATV?
ValuePenguin explains that homeowners insurance generally will not pay for damage to your own ATV or UTV, because property coverage does not extend to motor vehicles, though homeowners liability may cover an accident where you were responsible for someone else’s injury or damage, for example a friend hurt while riding a UTV on your property. Progressive adds that homeowners insurance typically does not cover off-road vehicles, especially once they are driven off your property. Roamly makes the same point about trail accidents, theft and liability away from home.
Is It Required?
ValuePenguin says ATV insurance is not usually required by law, although a policy will likely need to meet your state’s motorcycle insurance requirements. Progressive says many states do not require it, but liability coverage, standard on these policies, may be mandated at certain private trails and parks, and lenders commonly require collision and comprehensive on leased or financed vehicles. Always check your state and the specific trail or park rules.
What Is Not Covered?
Alfa Insurance says racing accidents are not covered, and that with a few exceptions, accidents on state highways are excluded. Pedal Commander warns that using an ATV or UTV for business or rental purposes without a commercial policy can invalidate a claim. Because policy wording varies, confirm exclusions for modifications, off-property use and passenger limits before you ride.
How Does This Connect to the Rest of Specialty Insurance?
Off-road cover is another case where a home policy stops at the driveway, like the one in Golf Cart Insurance Explained and the e-vehicle gaps in E-Bike Insurance Explained. Compare it with RV and Motorhome Insurance Explained, and for adventure-travel risks, Adventure Sports Travel Insurance Explained. For a home liability backstop, read Umbrella Insurance Explained.
FAQ
Is ATV insurance required?
Not usually by state law, but liability may be required at certain trails and parks, and lenders require comprehensive and collision on financed vehicles.
How much does ATV insurance cost?
About $88 a year for liability-only and $327 for full coverage per ValuePenguin, with a wider $84 to $600 range reported elsewhere.
Does homeowners insurance cover my ATV?
Generally not for the vehicle itself or off-property use, though homeowners liability may respond to some accidents on your property.
Does it cover UTVs and side-by-sides?
Yes. Policies are written for ATVs, UTVs and side-by-sides.
Are accessories covered?
Often through custom equipment cover, which some insurers include with comprehensive and collision.
Does it cover racing?
No. Racing accidents are generally excluded.
Can I use my ATV for work or rental?
Not without the right commercial policy, because business or rental use can invalidate a claim.
Glossary
- ATV: all-terrain vehicle, a single-rider or small-passenger off-road machine.
- UTV: utility task vehicle, also called a side-by-side.
- Liability Coverage: cover for injuries and damage you cause to others.
- Comprehensive: cover for theft, fire, weather and other non-collision losses.
- Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE): cover for accessories and added gear.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: cover for your injuries when the other party lacks insurance.
Sources
- ValuePenguin: ATV Insurance, What Does It Cover and How Much Is It? (average cost, homeowners coverage, state requirements)
- Roamly: ATV Insurance Essentials (cost range, coverage types, custom equipment)
- Roamly: Off-Road Adventure Insurance, ATV Trails and Coverage Needs (homeowners exclusions, trail risks)
- Progressive: What Is ATV Insurance? (what is covered, requirements, custom parts)
- Alfa Insurance: All About ATV/UTV Insurance (racing and highway exclusions, policy structure)
- Pedal Commander: Insurance for Off-Road Vehicles (commercial use, lender requirements)
Related reading: Classic Car Insurance Explained · Delivery and Rideshare Driver Insurance Explained · Yacht and Boat Insurance Explained
Published October 2026. Prices, state rules and plan terms vary by insurer and change often; always check your state and trail requirements and read the exclusions, and refresh this article periodically.
Leave a Reply