Snowmobile Insurance in Vermont
What is Snowmobile Insurance?
Few places are more well-suited for snowmobiling than Vermont, and many people in the state enjoy the sport. The sport isn’t without risk, though. Nationwide, there are around 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries caused by snowmobiling accidents every year. Snowmobile insurance won’t reduce the likelihood of an accident, but it can help snowmobilers recover from the financial fallout of an accident if they’re ever in one.
Snowmobile insurance policies are specialized policies that have been specifically designed to help protect people who enjoy this sport. As specialized policies, most contain a combination of coverages that work together to offer protection from a range of risks that the sport presents.
What Coverages Are Included in Snowmobile Policies?
The coverages included in snowmobile policies are frequently similar to those found in auto insurance policies. Some of the protections that snowmobile policies may make available as standard or optional coverages include:
- Property Damage Liability Coverage, which may cover damage caused to other people’s property
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage, which may cover damage sustained by the insured snowmobile
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, which may cover injuries caused to people not on the snowmobile
- Personal Injury Protection, which may cover injuries sustained by people on the snowmobile
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, which may cover accident caused by inadequately insured snowmobilers
- Accessories Coverage, which may cover helmets and other accessories used for snowmobiling
(The exact coverages included in a policy can vary.)
Who in Vermont Needs a Snowmobile Policy?
In Vermont, snowmobilers who go on the state’s trail system are required to carry minimum levels of liability coverage or the equivalent protection in bonds. The minimum requirements are:
- $25,000 in liability protection for a single person’s injuries
- $50,000 in liability protection for two or more people’s injuries
- $10,000 in liability protection for damage caused to property
Snowmobilers who don’t have these levels of coverage may face significant fines if caught, and even snowmobilers who only take state trails a short distance to local or private trails usually still need insurance.
Many people choose to purchase more coverage than the state requires, for these basic requirements only afford a limited amount of protection. Anyone who is unsure of how much protection to get should talk with an experienced agent who can make informed recommendations based on potential scenarios and available insurance options.
Do Snowmobile Policies Include Towing?
Some snowmobile policies offer emergency assistance, which frequently includes towing, as an optional service. Policyholders who are particularly interested in towing should work with an agent who specializes in snowmobile policies to find one that offers robust towing. Some policies offer towing almost anywhere a snowmobile breaks down, but others might only tow from roadside locations.
Can Snowmobilers Cancel Coverage During Summer?
While it’s frequently not necessary to carry the same level of protection during summer when a snowmobile isn’t in use, canceling coverage altogether often isn’t the best option. Completely canceling coverage can leave a gap that may result in higher premiums in the future, and it leaves a snowmobile unprotected from damage that might occur while the snowmobile is in storage.
Rather than canceling coverage completely, snowmobilers can work with an agent to make coverage adjustments. The right adjustments may help reduce premiums during summer without creating gaps or leaving a snowmobile unprotected while in storage.
How Can Snowmobilers in Vermont Get Snowmobile Insurance?
For help finding snowmobile insurance that’ll protect you and your snowmobile well, contact the experienced and independent insurance agents at T.S. Peck Insurance. Our agents have helped many Vermont residents get coverage, and we’re here to assist you too.
