If you enjoy the outdoors, you or a loved one might have gifted you an ATV or UTV for the holidays. These off-road vehicles are a fun way to explore the natural areas around your home while bonding with family members. However, they come with some risks. Unlike driving a car, you are not legally required to have insurance to operate one of these machines in Texas, but you can still be held liable for accidents. The guide below explains how investing in coverage protects your family and financial future.

What Is It?

Similar to car insurance, ATV insurance should include coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. This means that if you get into an accident with another person or vehicle or collide with their belongings, the provider will pay for the other party's medical expenses and property repairs. Collision coverage pays for the repairs to your own ATV or UTV, while medical expenses coverage pays for your doctor's bills.

You should also get comprehensive coverage, which compensates you if the ATV is affected by theft or vandalism or a natural disaster, like a fire. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage kicks in if you are struck by another vehicle, but the driver does not have the necessary insurance to compensate you, saving you from a long and tedious suit to receive the damages.

What Are the Benefits?

Any time you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, there is a risk of a collision. This chance can go up when you are purposefully traveling along uneven terrain, which is why there are over 135,000 ATV injuries reported per year. 

While you shouldn't deny yourself opportunities and memories because of the possibility of something going wrong, having protection in place ensures that you and any other parties involved can receive medical care without stressing about the exorbitant costs associated with going to the hospital. You can also get your vehicles fixed for future use without having to pay more than the deductible out of pocket.

In addition, the cost is usually very affordable, especially if you take specific steps to lower it. These can include bundling with auto or homeowners insurance or taking a safety certification course for ATV or UTV driving.

If you want ATV or UTV insurance, turn to the team at Integrity Insurance Solutions in San Marcos, TX. As an independent agency, they can shop for products from a wide variety of insurers—including Travelers®, Progressive®, Hartford®, and Texas Mutual®—to find you plans suited to your customized needs and budget. To learn more about these carriers, visit their website. Call (512) 396-2211 to request a quote.