Off-Road Insurance Options

If you're an aficionado of off-roading, there are a few different types of vehicles you could be using: a street-legal 4x4, Jeep, or SUV that can go off-road fairly easily, a formerly street-legal vehicle that's been modified for off-road activities, or an ATV or other such vehicle that was specifically designed for trail riding (ORVs), and other such recreation. Whatever your ride of choice, one thing you should never be without is the proper car insurance coverage. 

Finding auto insurance for a vehicle designated for highway and city street use is a no-brainer; there are any number of companies, online and off, that will happily offer a quote. When it comes to off-road use, however, options are a bit more limited. Most major insurance carriers do have special products for true ORVs, but when it comes to conventional jeeps and 4x4s you have four options, especially if your truck has been modified:

• Insure your vehicle as offroad-only by ensuring that the tires will never touch the pavement. You will probably have to show proof that you own a suitable tow-trailer, and insure that, but this is an option.
• Contact small insurance companies. Smaller carriers are often willing to write non-standard policies on a limited basis.
• If your truck is street-legal, but has been modified, you may be able to find insurance through a collectible insurance company. These insurers specialize in exotic, antique and collectible cars, but often write policies for cars that have been modified for performance reason. You may have to supply an appraisal, and you'll definitely have to provide a list of the modifications, but it may save you money.
• Increase coverage on your regular policy. Some carriers will add recreational use coverage to street-legal trucks that go offroad. It will increase your premium, but it's worth asking about.

With insurance rules for offroad trucks so nebulous, you may wonder why you need to include coverage for recreational use. After all, there aren't that many car accidents in the woods, right? Well, sort of. Even if you aren't likely to collide with another vehicle, there are specific situations that offroad coverage specifically deals with: 

• Increased liability coverage limits
• Coverage for non-collision accidents, including medical care if you flip your truck.
• Coverage for your towed trailer or sled.
• Coverage for safety gear, including protective clothing, helmets and goggles
• Replacement and repair of aftermarket parts.

All of these items are generally excluded from traditional policies, but standard with ORV policies. 

Offroading is an exhilarating outdoor experience, but all that excitement shouldn't come with the risk of life or limb because of insurance gaps in your coverage. Consider offroad coverage before your next excursion. Your loved ones will thank you for it.