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Canada - ENGuide to ATV Insurance in Canada
There’s a reason many Canadians love riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Whether you’re hitting the trails, heading out on a camping trip, or using an ATV to maintain your property, these vehicles offer a practical way to get around places that cars and trucks can’t reach. They can also add a little adventure to your time outdoors.
While off-road riding is exciting, it may come with some unexpected surprises – from uneven terrain and obstacles on the trail to changing weather conditions. That’s where ATV insurance comes in. It can help protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident, your vehicle is damaged, or you’re found responsible for injuries or property damage.
Not sure where to begin? This guide explains what ATV insurance is, how it works, provincial insurance requirements, and what to consider when looking for coverage.
Key takeaways
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ATV insurance can help cover costs if your ATV is damaged or stolen, as well as help with medical expenses, lost income, and liability if you’re in an accident.
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ATV insurance rules vary across Canada. In some cases, coverage may be required when riding in certain areas (e.g., on permitted public roads) or under specific conditions.
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Even when it’s not required, many riders get ATV insurance to help protect against unexpected costs like damage, theft, injuries, or liability.
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What you pay for a premium depends on things like your ATV, how often you ride, where you store it, and your driving history.
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You can add extra coverage for riding gear or family protection, depending on your needs.
What is ATV insurance?
ATV insurance is a type of vehicle insurance designed specifically for all-terrain vehicles. It helps protect you financially if you’re involved in an accident, your vehicle is damaged, stolen, or vandalized, or you’re found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property.
Depending on your policy, ATV insurance may include coverage for third-party liability, accident benefits, damage to your vehicle, theft, vandalism, and other covered losses.
ATV insurance vs. car insurance
ATV insurance and car insurance work in similar ways, but they’re designed for different vehicles and risks.
ATV insurance is designed specifically for off-road vehicles and can provide protection whether you’re using your ATV for recreation, work, or getting around your property.
A standard car insurance policy won’t cover you while you’re riding your ATV. You’ll need to get ATV-specific insurance.
Is ATV insurance mandatory in Canada?
It can be, but it largely depends on where and how you use your ATV.
In some provinces and territories, liability insurance may be required if you ride your ATV on permitted roads, highways, trails, Crown land, or other public spaces. Liability insurance (also called third-party liability insurance) helps protect you if you’re found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property while operating your ATV.
If you ride only on private property, ATV insurance may not be legally required. Even so, many drivers choose to carry coverage because accidents, injuries, theft, and property damage can happen whether you’re on public land or your own property.
Provincial requirements for ATV insurance
One of the trickier things about ATV insurance is that the rules aren’t the same across Canada. Whether insurance is required — and how much coverage you need — depends largely on where you live and where you ride.
What does ATV insurance cover?
ATV insurance is designed to cover the main risks that come with riding. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included.
Protection for your ATV
Depending on your policy, coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement if your ATV is damaged by events like collision, fire, theft, and/or vandalism.
Liability protection
Liability coverage applies if you injure someone else or damage their property while operating your ATV. It can help cover legal fees, repair costs, or medical bills that you’re responsible for if you cause an accident.
Protection from uninsured motorists
If you’re involved in an accident with someone who is uninsured or can’t be identified, this coverage kicks in. It can help cover damage to your ATV, as well as injury-related costs, so you are not left on the hook for losses caused by someone else’s lack of insurance.
Accident benefits
Accident benefits can help provide support if you’re injured while riding. This may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, and income replacement if you’re unable to work. In more serious cases, benefits may also extend support to your family.
How much does ATV insurance cost in Canada?
ATV insurance in Canada typically can cost a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 per year, depending on your situation and the level of coverage you choose. Where you fall in that range depends on your ATV, how you use it, and a few personal factors your insurer looks at when calculating your premium.
Here’s what can move the price up or down:
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The type and value of your ATV: A brand-new or higher-end ATV will likely cost more to insure than an older or basic model. Add-ons and custom parts can also bump up the cost a bit since they may increase repair or replacement costs.
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Your riding frequency and usage: If your ATV sees a lot of action — whether that’s weekend fun or everyday work — insurers see more opportunity for something to go wrong. Less riding usually means lower risk.
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The ATV’s location and storage: The location of your ATV and how it’s stored can affect your premiums. For example, a locked garage or shed may help keep your premium down; while leaving it outside can raise the risk of theft or damage.
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Your driving record and claims history: Like car insurance, your driving record and claims history can impact your premiums. If you have a long history of safe driving and minimal insurance claims, your premiums might be lower.
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Your deductible. Higher premiums usually mean a lower deductible, while lower premiums often mean paying more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Who should consider ATV insurance?
Even if you’re not legally required to carry ATV insurance, it’s still worth asking whether you should have it anyway. Here are a few situations where ATV insurance can make sense:
Recreational riders
If you’re a trail user or seasonal rider, ATV insurance still makes sense even when it’s not required — because one bad ride can get expensive fast, and it’s better to be covered than caught off guard.
Rural and property owners
If your ATV is part of your workday — whether that’s for farm duties, hauling gear, or getting around acreage — it’s less of a toy and more of a tool. Insurance helps protect that investment, so if it’s stolen or damaged, you’re not stuck footing the bill or putting your work on hold.
Families or multi-rider households
If more than one person is using the same ATV, insurance can help extend protection across multiple riders in your home, depending on your policy. If you have friends riding your ATV, insurance is very important to protect you from liability if someone is injured.
How to choose the best ATV insurance for you
Not all ATV insurance coverage is built the same. Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose the right policy for you:
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Match your coverage to your ATV use: Your policy should match how often you’re riding and what you’re using it for. If you’re using it for work or utility, you likely need different coverage than a seasonal or recreational rider.
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Bundle your policies for savings: You can often unlock discounts by bundling your ATV insurance with your existing car or home policy. Check with your provider to see how combining your coverage can help lower your overall premium.
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Reviewing your policy limits and exclusions: Make sure you know the maximum amount your insurance provider will pay for a claim, and which situations your policy won’t cover. Knowing this upfront helps you avoid surprises when you need to use your coverage.
Happy trails ahead
At the end of the day, ATV insurance helps make sure one bad moment doesn’t derail your plans (or your wallet).
If you’re unsure what coverage fits your setup, a licensed RBC Insurance advisor can help you sort through the options and figure out what makes sense for how you ride. Get an ATV insurance online quote or book a call today.
And once you’re covered? You’ll be ready to take on the trails and get back into the outdoors. Happy ATVing!
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about ATV insurance in Canada
What do you need to get insurance on an ATV?
To get ATV insurance, you typically need to register your vehicle in your province or territory and provide details for anyone who will be operating it. Most insurers will require riders to have a valid driver’s licence, though exact requirements can vary.
What does insurance cover on an ATV?
ATV insurance typically helps cover damage to your ATV, liability if you injure someone or damage their property, and accident benefits if you’re injured in a crash. You can also add optional coverages like riding gear protection or a family protection endorsement, depending on your insurer and policy.
Do I need ATV insurance on private property?
ATV insurance isn’t usually required if you’re exclusively riding on private property. However, many riders still get ATV insurance for added financial protection and peace of mind.
Does ATV insurance cover theft?
ATV insurance can cover theft, but it’s not usually included in liability-only policies. Usually, you need comprehensive coverage for that protection.
Can I bundle ATV insurance with home or auto insurance?
Yes, you can often bundle ATV insurance with home or auto insurance for potential savings. It depends on your insurer and eligibility, so it’s worth speaking with a licensed RBC Insurance advisor to review the options.
What happens if I’m injured in an ATV accident?
If you’re injured in an ATV accident, your insurance may help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income, depending on your policy. In more serious cases, additional benefits — such as survivor or death benefits — may also apply.
*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Not everyone who uses online platforms or calls in will be able to get a quote or buy an insurance policy.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
