Winter may be the ‘off-season’ for everyone else, but as a snowmobiler, you long for cooler temps. Your cold-weather cruiser can take you nearly anywhere you want to go, but your adventures will not come without some risk. Whether you ride a few weekends each year or take your snowmobile out on regular excursions, make sure you and your vehicle are protected before you hit the trails this season.
Snowmobile Rider Risks
You wear your helmet and all the right gear when you ride, but that doesn’t mean you are without risk. Thousands of people visit emergency rooms every year as a result of snowmobile-related injuries and even more are involved in accidents that cause property damage. You could incur medical bills, damage your vehicle, and perhaps even owe money to victims who sue you for their accident-related injuries and other losses. Beyond that, there are also hazards associated with simply owning a snowmobile – even if it is put away in storage during the warm season. In our litigious society, you cannot afford to be without the right coverage.
Types of Snowmobile Insurance Coverage
There are several different types of snowmobile insurance coverage, all of which are typically wrapped up into a single, convenient policy. Together, they can pay for damages to your snowmobile and protect you against litigation and other types of financial losses. Your policy may include coverage for:
Liability
Liability coverage pays for your legal defense costs and attorney fees if you are sued for third-party injuries and property damages after a snowmobile accident. If you lose your case, liability insurance can also cover your financial responsibility for those damages up to the limits in your policy.
At Krog Insurance, we strongly emphasize the importance of having adequate liability coverage. If you purchase too little protection, you could end up owing for excess damages beyond the limits of your policy. After a severe accident and serious injuries, that could mean tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs that could affect your financial security and plans for the future.
Collision
If you flip your snowmobile or damage your ride in a collision with another snowmobile, vehicle, or object, collision coverage can reimburse you for the damages or the total loss of your vehicle. Considering many snowmobiles cost as much as $10,000 or more, having this important coverage could result in big savings in the event of an accident.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage reimburses you for damages or the total loss of your vehicle due to certain non-collision events like theft and vandalism. For example, if your snowmobile is destroyed in a garage fire when it’s stored away for summer, comprehensive insurance can reimburse you for the cash value of your vehicle and make it more affordable to replace it with another one. Both comprehensive and collision coverages are usually subject to a deductible when you file a claim.
Special Equipment
When factory-condition just isn’t good enough, you invest in after-market parts and upgrades to enhance your abilities and enjoyment on the back of your snowmobile. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident or due to some other covered event, you may need additional coverage for your special equipment beyond what is available by default in your policy.
Medical Payments
Medical payments coverage is designed to protect you and your passengers against costly medical bills if you are injured in an accident. This coverage offers limited benefits for necessary medical expenses up to the limits of the policy. Because it is no-fault coverage, it pays benefits regardless of who is responsible for the injuries.
Towing and Assistance
If your snowmobile breaks down near a roadway, some insurers may offer coverage for towing to a nearby service shop.
St. Paul and Virginia Snowmobile Insurance
Even though snowmobile insurance is not always required, we do not recommend going without it. If you own one or more snowmobiles in the St. Paul or Virginia, Minnesota areas, we want to help you shop and compare coverage options and find a policy that fits your needs and budget. We can help you evaluate your coverage needs based on a wide range of factors, including:
- The age, type, and value of your snowmobile
- Where you ride
- How often you ride
- Who operates or rides as a passenger on your snowmobile
- Assets and income you stand to lose in a lawsuit
- And more
Even if you are only in the market for a snowmobile and have not yet chosen your ride, we can still help you better understand what your coverage needs may be and how much insurance will cost you after you make your purchase.
Snowmobile Insurance Savings and Discounts
With our industry knowledge and experience, we can also show you ways to maximize your savings and pay less for the coverage you need. You may be able to lower your premiums by raising your deductible, taking a snowmobile rider safety course, or qualifying for discounts from your insurer. Although these discounts can vary from company to company, they are often available to policy-holders who:
- Insure multiple snowmobiles
- Purchase other lines of coverage
- Remain accident-free and claims-free
- Pay premiums in full
- And more
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all snowmobile insurance policy. You are unique, your vehicle is unique, and your individual risks are unique. Our job is to help you personalize a policy that minimizes your vulnerability to financial loss.
For more information about Minnesota snowmobile insurance or to request your free quotes, contact our office today. We look forward to serving you soon.
