Albertans love their outdoor activities, and with good reason. There are endless opportunities to explore the mountains, prairies, badlands, rivers, and lakes that make up the province, which we as residents know to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.
All-terrain vehicles, otherwise known as ATVs, provide a great stress relief, a way to escape, spend time outdoors and concentrate on the things that matter to you. In both 2020 and 2021, sales of ATVs rose noticeably in Alberta. According to the CBC, in 2020 there was a 19.5% increase in ATV sales over the previous year, and 2021 racked up a whopping 190% increase over that, even causing retailers to run out of stock.
As more people consider the freedom provided by an ATV as a recreational vehicle, it’s important to remember that in Alberta, all ATVs must be covered by insurance. ATVs are generally insured under an existing auto insurance policy and rates and coverage applies for quad riders aged 14 and up.
ATV insurance explained
ATV insurance is mandatory for anyone who takes their vehicle on public roads, the highway, or on to public land. Insurers define an all-terrain vehicle as a vehicle with at least four wheels that is self-propelled and specifically designed to be operated off-road, or on snow or ice. Snowmobiles are not considered the same thing as ATVs for insurance purposes.
All ATV insurance policies in Alberta must include:
- Personal liability coverage in the case that you unintentionally injure someone or damage someone else’s property.
- Accident benefits that will take care of medical expenses and lost income for an injured party.
Additional ATV insurance coverage options are:
- Collision coverage for vehicle replacement or repairs.
- Comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, fire and other damage.
Common ATV insurance questions
Do I have to insure my ATV all year if I am not using it?
You may consider removing your liability coverage and just keeping your comprehensive coverage for the times you are not using your ATV. It is not advisable to cancel your policy altogether. First, you will be charged cancellation fees if you are cancelling mid-term. Second, your insurance could be more expensive when you re-up your coverage if rates have gone up. Third, cancelling insurance often can look bad on an insurance record.
Is my ATV insured everywhere in Canada?
Proper coverage in Alberta means you are covered everywhere else in Canada and the United States.
What if I am leasing my ATV?
If you are leasing your vehicle, insurers may insist on comprehensive coverage.
What information do I need to provide for an ATV insurance policy?
For a new policy, you will need to provide your driver’s license (Class 5), registration, and bill of sale for your ATV. If you do not have a bill of sale, just let us know how you have obtained your ATV when you call and we can talk about your options.
What if I buy an ATV for my child?
Note that for mini ATVs made especially for children with engine sizes less than 120 CCs, coverage may not be necessary, although we suggest speaking to one of our trained professionals here at Lane’s to be sure.
ATV safety and etiquette
Helmets are mandatory for ATV riders in Alberta under the off-highway vehicle helmet law, which has been in effect since 2017. It is also highly advisable to wear full safety gear, in addition to your helmet, including goggles, boots, gloves, a heavy-duty jacket and protective pants.
- Nerf bars are larger foot pegs that allow for maximum control of your ATV
- Carefully inspect your ATV each time you take it out, checking your fluids, lug nuts, tire pressure, and so on. Consult your owner’s manual for complete directions.
- Pack first aid and repair kits with you.
- Only ride on designated trails and only ever have one person per vehicle.
- Always tell someone where you’re going and when you will be back.
- Never drink alcohol or take drugs when riding.
The feeling of freedom, when ATVing is wonderful, but that doesn’t mean that there are some basic rules of etiquette. In order to keep Alberta beautiful and others around you safe, remember to:
- Always use designated trails. Failure to do so can result in a hefty fine.
- Respect the wildlife. Staying on trails will also help keep the environment pristine for furry and feathered friends.
- Don’t leave anything behind. Strewing trash around is just poor manners, and detracts from the beautiful scenery. In addition to picking up after yourself, you can also pick up after others and grab any piece of garbage you may see for disposal.
- Yield to others. When coming across walkers or those on horseback, pull over respectfully and allow them to pass.
- Keep quiet. Don’t rev your engine unnecessarily so that other outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy their surroundings too.
More ATV etiquette tips, including hand signals for groups, can be found here.
Where to go with your ATV
Alberta provides the perfect playground for ATVs and other off-road vehicles. Here is a sampling:
- Top Ten Trails from Backroad Mapbooks
- Top Places to go ATVing in Alberta from RidersWest
- Where to Go ATVing in Alberta from Iron Horse Trail
- Five Best Off-Road & ATV Trails in Alberta from Tripadvisor
- Trail Maps from the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association
Discover the Lane’s advantage for insurance in Alberta
Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta-based independent insurance brokerage. The key advantage of choosing Lane’s is that our professionals work for you, not for an insurance company. Our only goal is to match you with the coverage you need at exceptional value. We have privileged relationships with multiple carriers, so we can always provide multiple alternatives if you’re looking for quotes or insurance products. For personalized assistance, our friendly customer care experts are here to help. Please contact us if you have any questions about your coverage.
