As the weather starts to cool down, sledders across BC are getting ramped up for snowmobile season. While you get prepared for your first ride, don’t neglect to review and update your snowmobile insurance.
With the average machine now costing tens of thousands of dollars, it’s important to take the time to understand the options available and get the coverage that’s right for you.
Our Acera Insurance advisors are here to help you understand the basics of snowmobile insurance so that you can hit the trails with peace of mind.
Third Party Liability and Physical Damage Protection
When considering snowmobile insurance, it’s important to ask yourself if you can afford to replace your snowmobile, pay for legal expenses or medical costs defending yourself in a lawsuit related to injury or damage caused by your snowmobile.
At Acera Insurance, we offer third party liability insurance that provides protection to snowmobilers while operating your units on trails, private land, unplowed forest service roads etc.
Our program covers the snowmobiler for up to $2 million in liability if you’re responsible for injuring someone or causing damage to someone’s property. This coverage automatically extends to any rider using your snowmobile who has your permission and a valid driver’s license.
Physical damage coverage provides protection for your snowmobile from damage or loss by fire, theft, transit, vandalism and even collision. We offer three coverage levels:
- Gold Protection: All perils (collision, upset, rollover and comprehensive)
- Silver Protection: Comprehensive only
- Bronze Protection: Basic perils (fire, theft, attempted theft and transit)
There are no restrictions on theft of the insured unit under any of the three coverage options, and it is valid anywhere in Canada or the continental US.
Understanding ICBC Basic Snowmobile Insurance
If you haven’t already, you are required to register your snowmobile with ICBC.
You will need a minimum of $200,000 third party liability insurance for specific areas of use. Liability insurance is available through ICBC but is limited to:
- Travel directly across a plowed forest service road at traffic light, stop sign or other controlled crossing.
- Loading or unloading from another vehicle in a parking lot.
- Travel along the highway within limits set out in a police-issued operation permit.
With the limited liability insurance offered by ICBC, there are many situations where you would not be covered while out on your snowmobile. In the event of a claim, being underinsured could leave you exposed to an avalanche of issues.
Qualifying for Discounts
Working with an Acera Insurance advisor means you can also take advantage of special discounts on your insurance premiums for:
- Completing an approved safety course
- Having an approved ignition system mobilizer
- Joining one of our partner associations such as the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation, ATVBC, etc.
Low-cost Insurance for Your Snowmobile
Get the best protection for your snowmobile from Acera. For fire, theft, collision and third-party liability, we have your snowmobile covered.
If you have any questions about insuring or registering an ORV, contact an Acera Insurance advisor.