Snowmobiles, ATVs, and Amphibious Vehicles – oh my!

  

ATV - Snowmobile Trail

With hunting season upon us and snowmobiling season right around the corner, we think it is a good time to talk about insurance coverage for your snowmobiles, ATVs and amphibious vehicles.

You likely recognize that your recreational vehicles are insured on the Ontario Auto Policy (OAP 1) which is the same policy as your auto insurance.  Like your car insurance, your recreational vehicle insurance has coverage for liability, accident benefits, and optional coverages such as fire and theft or collision.  Depending on your policy, you may also notice some extra endorsements such as the OPCF 32, OPCF 9, or OPCF 19.  Each of these endorsements add or change the coverage found on the OAP 1.

The OPCF 32 – Recreational Vehicle Endorsement – allows underage operators to use the vehicle.  The standard OAP 1 does not offer coverage for any unlicensed or underage operators. If the OPCF 32 is added to your policy, it means your insurance company will extend coverage if an underage operator is using your snowmobile, ATV or amphibious vehicle.  However, it should be noted, the underage operator can only use the vehicle off road; coverage will not extend if they are on a roadway.

OPCF 9 – Marine Use Excluded – removes coverage when the vehicle is being used in or upon water.  You can see this would be very detrimental should you have this endorsement on a policy for your amphibious vehicle.

OPCF 19 – Limiting the Amount Paid for Loss or Damage Coverages – lists the maximum that the insurance company will pay out in the event of a loss.  This endorsement should not be confused with the OPCF 19a which agrees to pay a predetermined amount. Instead,  the OPCF 19 states that the insurance company will pay the lesser of the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of loss, or the limit of the OPCF 19.

Be sure to review your policy before taking out your snowmobile, ATV, or amphibious vehicle.  Be sure to contact your insurance provider if you have any questions, or feel free to contact us if you would like to review it together.