Did you know there are over 121,297 kilometers of organized snowmobile trails in Canada (source: Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations)? It is no wonder with our snow-filled winters this sport has made fresh tracks across the country.
For many Ontarians, winter means snowmobile season. By ensuring the protection of your equipment and having coverage, should you injure yourself or others, you can hit the great wide snowy open with confidence.
At Gifford Carr, we like to hit the trails too, which means our experts across Ontario understand the needs for snowmobile coverage. Being familiar with the trails from Northern Ontario, through Algonquin Park, and surrounding Ottawa/Gatineau, our team can work with you to find the coverage suited for your needs. Work with an expert, so you can hit the trails – full throttle.
FACTORS CONSIDERED IN YOUR SNOWMOBILE COVERAGE:
- Location (based on your home postal code)
- Age and experience of the driver
- Year, make, model, and value of the sled
- Two-stroke or four-stroke as well as the cubic centimeter (CC’s) of the sled (ie. its engine power)
Snowmobile Insurance Solutions
FAQ
What does snowmobile insurance cover?
For snowmobile insurance, you can purchase specific coverage for your type of sled. A comprehensive (standard) package will include collision, comprehensive liability, however, snowmobile insurance must contain the following minimum coverages:
- Third-Party Liability Coverage of at least $2,000,000 protects you if a third party is killed, injured, or has their property damaged. If you are sued, this coverage pays the claim up to the limit of your coverage as well as the cost of settling the claim(s).
- Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage provides supplementary medical rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner and income replacement if you are killed or injured in an accident, regardless of the party responsible.
- Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DCPD) Coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle and its contents if another party is at fault for an accident that occurs in Ontario and if the driver is insured by an insurance company licensed in Ontario.
- Uninsured Automobile Coverage provides financial compensation of up to $25,000 (subject to a deductible) for you and your family if you are injured or killed by an unidentified driver or by an uninsured motorist. This also covers damage to your vehicle caused by an unidentified driver.
How are snowmobile premiums determined?
There are many different factors that go into snowmobile insurance rating. Snowmobile rates are typically based on:
- Sleds value, size and power
- The age and experience of the principal driver
- Location (based on your home address)
Do I need snowmobile coverage in the summer?
Insurance companies are aware that snowmobiles are only driven during the winter period, and they account for that in your annual premium.
Even if your premium accrues through the winter season, your insurance payments account for it. What does that mean? Insurance companies adjust the policy with the understanding the use is seasonal and even out payments throughout the year. So if you cancel before year-end, you may have a bill to pay to make up for the premium incurred through the peak winter season.
Plus, an added benefit with an annual comprehensive coverage package in place, your sled will be protected – even when it’s in storage. This means risks like theft, fire, wind, while stored away for the season may be covered. If you cancel the policy, that coverage will not be available while in storage should a covered peril (risk) occur. The annual coverage provides that added peace of mind, year-round. Plus, combining your snowmobile coverage with your car, home, or other insurance policies may offer cost savings on your snowmobile premiums.
Is snowmobile insurance required?
In Ontario, snowmobile insurance is mandatory unless you are ONLY driving your vehicle on your property.
Even if you only ride your vehicle for a short time (though with Ontario winters lasting longer you will definitely have more riding time), a full year policy is required as it is rated keeping the length of the season in mind.
Who can legally drive a snowmobile?
Everyone over the age of 12.
But, there are rules for drivers between 12-15 years old and those who do not have a valid auto driver’s license. If you fall into this category, you would require a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license (MSVOL) to operate a snowmobile.
How to get one? Check out The Ontario Snowmobile Safety Course for more information.
