Frequently asked questions about snowmobile insurance.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Snowmobile Insurance
It takes a lot of homework to choose the right snowmobile, or maybe just a great find at the right
time, but it really takes a lot of work to find the right insurance. Some states require mandatory
insurance minimums, there are multiple coverage options, and accessories cost more to insure.
This leaves many owners filled with questions, most of which go unanswered until they learn the
hard way. Here are just a few examples:
How does snowmobile insurance compare to regular auto insurance?
In most ways, the two are very similar, such as the different types of coverage available and the
names for the coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage, for instance, mean the same
thing for your snowmobile that they do for your car. Having a poor driving record will increase
your insurance rate the same for your snowmobile as well.
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage for my
snowmobile?
Comprehensive coverage applies to any accident with an inanimate object, such as a tree limb
falling on your snowmobile or running into a fence post. This coverage also protects you against
fire, theft, and vandalism. Collision coverage refers to protection against a collision with anything
moving, such as another snowmobile, a vehicle, or an animal.
Since I have snowmobile insurance and auto insurance, my trailer is covered, right?
No. It takes a special policy add-on to cover your trailer, modifications to your snowmobile,
valuable accessories, riding equipment or gear, sled, sidecar, or similar valuable accessory. In
most cases, it is just a few more dollars per year, often less than it takes to fill a single gas tank.

2. How many states have mandatory snowmobile insurance rules?
In the United States right now, twenty-three states have mandatory snowmobile insurance
rules, with Maine proposing to become number twenty-four in the near future. If you operate a
snowmobile within these states, you will be asked to show proof of coverage.
If I live in a state without mandatory snowmobile insurance coverage, can I ride without it
in any state?
It mostly depends on where you operate the snowmobile most often. For instance, if you live in
Alabama but normally ride in Ohio you will need insurance coverage. If you live in Alabama and
ride in Alabama you will not be required to have proof of insurance.
When snowmobile insurance is not mandatory, is it still a good idea to have it?
Like any other investment, it is good to protect your snowmobile even if it is not required by the
state. If you can find the room in your budget, snowmobile insurance is a great way to protect
yourself against accidental contact with living or inanimate objects, theft, fire, vandalism, or
collisions with other snowmobiles.
When does snowmobile insurance become “too much” for my needs?
Use your intended use as a guide for how much insurance you need, especially in a state where
there is no mandatory minimum. Those who operate frequently and have a lot of snowmobile
modifications need more coverage than someone who owns a snowmobile but rarely use it.
Very valuable brand names or models, expensive accessories, or high-end trailers should also
come with more insurance options.
Your budget can also be your guide. No matter how much insurance you want to carry, if you
cannot afford more than the minimum it might be time to either drop some add-ons or consider
selling the more valuable accessories. You cannot risk losing your investment if you cannot
afford to insure it.
Do the make and model of snowmobile I own affect the cost of insurance?
Sometimes this affects the policy. It depends somewhat on crime rates (what types of
snowmobiles are being stolen most often?), capabilities (engine size, maximum speed, and
safety options), other discounts that may apply (multiple snowmobiles or policies, clear driving
record, safety options), and similar factors. Safer models/makes will be cheaper to insure than

3. those intended for racing use.
States with Mandatory Snowmobile Insurance Rules
Twenty-three states have laws regarding mandatory snowmobile insurance, and if a police
officer sees you operating a snowmobile in any of these states you will be asked to show proof
of insurance or be given a ticket. This includes all drivers of snowmobiles, so if your younger
riders are going to be driving make sure that they know where you keep the insurance card (or
stay near where they will be riding). The following states have mandatory minimum insurance
requirements for snowmobiles:
● Alaska
● Arizona
● California
● Colorado
● Idaho
● Illinois
● Indiana
● Iowa
● Massachusetts
● Michigan
● Minnesota
● Montana
● Nebraska
● Nevada
● New Hampshire
● New York
● North Dakota
● Ohio
● Oregon
● Pennsylvania
● South Dakota
● Utah
● Vermont
● Washington
● Wisconsin
● Wyoming
Note: If you live in the United States but frequently operate your snowmobile in Canada you will
need a special insurance card. Most insurance carriers provide coverage in Canada—and any
state within the United States—regardless of what state you live in as long as you operate in a
state where insurance is mandatory, often at no additional cost. So if you live in Alabama, but

4. have a vacation home in Ohio or Ontario with snowmobiles, you are covered.