Michigan Snowmobile Insurance
Find the right snowmobile insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Michigan is known as "The Water/Winter Wonderland." There are hundreds of miles of designated snowmobile trails in Michigan and many other pieces of private property to use. However, before taking advantage of these opportunities, it is important to get proper Michigan snowmobile insurance to protect your investment in your sled.
This coverage is not required by the State of Michigan, but in order to protect yourself financially, you should be sure to get bodily injury and property damage liability and consider coverage on your snowmobile itself. The best way to accomplish this is to work with an independent agent in our network. Your agent can help you evaluate several Michigan snowmobile insurance quotes and make the coverage choices that are right for you. Contact a local member agent today.
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U.S. Snowmobile Facts
- Approximately two million people of all ages ride snowmobiles in the United States every year
- Snowmobiles can weigh as much as 600 pounds and have a top speed of 90 mph
- Each year there are about 200 deaths and 14,000 injuries arising from the use of snowmobiles in this country
Michigan Requirements for Snowmobile Use
There are a number of legal requirements and common-sense rules that apply to the use of a snowmobile in Michigan:
- The law requires that snowmobiles be registered
- Snowmobiles operating on public roads must stay in single file on the shoulder
- You may not operate a snowmobile in Michigan if your driver's license has been suspended or revoked
- An operator under the age of 12 must be under the supervision of an adult
- An operator aged 12 to 17 must either be under the supervision of a person 21 or older or must have a valid snowmobile safety certificate
- All persons must wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet while operating a snowmobile
- All snowmobiles must have at least one headlight and one tail light
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides the full set of rules and regulations regarding the use of snowmobiles in Michigan.
Who Needs Michigan Snowmobile Insurance?
Operating a snowmobile can be a very hazardous activity. Most operators spend a relatively few hours driving their snowmobile, compared to how much time they spend driving a car. Very often the use can be over unfamiliar territory or even dangerous terrain such as frozen lakes or rivers. You may find yourself operating your snowmobile in proximity to other riders who may be inexperienced, and may or may not be following a sensible practice. You may be a highly cautious rider, but an accident can happen at any time. The best protection is a Michigan snowmobile insurance policy that will provide you with the coverage you need. An agent can help you compare quotes and choose the policy that is right for you.
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Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
What Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover?
A typical snowmobile insurance policy will include the following:
- Bodily injury liability: This protects you against your legal liability for injury to others.
- Property damage liability: This protects you against your legal liability for damage you might do to another person's property.
- Collision: This covers damage to your snowmobile from collision with another object.
- Comprehensive: This is "other than collision" coverage and will protect you against a range of things such as vandalism, theft and severe weather damage.
- Medical expenses: This pays medical bills if you or your passengers are injured while using your snowmobile.
- Uninsured/underinsured driver coverage: This cost is associated with your injuries or property damage caused by another rider who may not carry adequate coverage.
Depending on the insurance company, you may also have the option of purchasing coverage on your trailer, accessories, and equipment.
Other Insurance Considerations for Snowmobile Riders
You may have some coverage in place for your sled. For example, some homeowners policies may provide protection from theft or damage, but many do not. Some automobile policies may cover a snowmobile trailer while others won't. Be sure to check the coverage you do have and find out what gaps there may be. Your best bet is to contact an independent agent in our network. Your agent can help you analyze your coverage needs and the available options.
For example, if you take passengers, you will want to make sure your Michigan snowmobile insurance policy will cover their medical costs if they are injured. Even though Michigan does not require snowmobile insurance, some states do. If you operate your snowmobile out of state, be sure that you research that state's rules and regulations.
What Is the Cost of Snowmobile Insurance?
There are many factors that can influence the cost of a snowmobile insurance policy, such as:
- Where and how often you ride your sled
- Whether you take passengers or allow others to borrow it
- The age and driving record of the operators
- The value of your snowmobile
- The coverage and deductibles you choose
The cost of a basic policy can be in the neighborhood of $100 a year. But full coverage on a highly valued snowmobile can run several hundred dollars a year.
Finding the Right Snowmobile Coverage
There are many factors to consider when choosing the correct insurance policy for you, including how much insurance you need for your particular vehicle, and how much liability coverage you want to carry. A local independent agent in our network can help you compare multiple Michigan snowmobile insurance quotes and help you pick the coverage that is right for you.
Contact a member agent in your area today.