When the snow hits the ground, the snowmobiles come out. As one of Canada’s most beloved winter activities, snowmobiling provides the chance to get outdoors, make the most of the snowy weather and hang out with friends, but it also comes with responsibilities. On top of being safe, one of the main responsibilities of enjoying this popular winter sport is ensuring you have snowmobile insurance.
Here’s a look at Canada’s snowmobile insurance obligations, what insurance covers and advice on how to save money.
Is Snowmobile Insurance Mandatory In Canada?
Generally speaking, in Canada it’s mandatory to get snowmobile insurance. This is true if you go on any publicly owned or government land. The only time you won’t need insurance is if you only ride on your own private land — as soon as you leave your land, you need insurance.
How Much Snowmobile Insurance Is Required?
What’s involved in getting snowmobile insurance and how much coverage you’ll be required to carry varies depending on the province or territory in which you live. Here are a few examples:
- In Ontario, residents are required to have at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage (which covers you if you cause injury or property damage to others). Here are some other examples:
- In Quebec, snowmobile riders must have a minimum of $1 million in third-party damage insurance, though up to two million is recommended if you go on trails outside of the province.
- In Manitoba, you must register your snowmobile and included in your registration fee is insurance coverage of $500,000.
- In Alberta, a snowmobile must be registered and you must carry at least $200,000 in liability and property damage insurance.
It’s worth noting that provinces also differ in registration and licensing rules, as well as minimum age requirements for driving a snowmobile. Be sure to research the specific requirements for your region to ensure you don’t get hit with costly fines.
What Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover?
Snowmobile insurance coverage will depend entirely on the type of insurance product you purchase. Here are some types of coverage:
- Third-party liability insurance. This type (which in most provinces is the only coverage that is mandatory) covers you if you injure someone with your vehicle or cause property damage. The minimum amount of coverage required by law ranges from $200,000 to as much as 1 million.
- Accident benefits insurance. This covers you or your passenger for medical expenses, lost income, funeral expenses, etc, after an accident.
- Uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance covers your medical costs if you are injured by a snowmobile rider who doesn’t have insurance.
- Property damage. Covers damage to your snowmobile and its contents if you’re in an accident.
- Collision coverage. If you crash into something like a fence or another vehicle, the cost of repairs will be covered.
- Comprehensive coverage. This kind of insurance will cover the cost of damage to your vehicle for non-accident related causes like theft, vandalism and natural disasters.
- All perils coverage. Gives you coverage for damage resulting from collisions and non-collisions.
How Much Does Snowmobile Insurance Cost In Canada?
How much snowmobile insurance costs you will vary based mainly on the size/quality of your vehicle and on how comprehensive your coverage is.
Here are some things that may affect the costs of your insurance:
| Snowmobile Model And Value | Newer models with more bells and whistles will likely cost more to insure because they cost more to replace. |
| Snowmobile Use | If you only ride occasionally and take it mainly on well-maintained trails, the cost will be less than for someone who uses it a lot, especially on off-trail adventures. |
| Age and Experience Levels | New and young riders will tend to pay more than more experienced riders with no history of claims. |
| Location | Those in more urban areas may pay more than riders who live in rural areas. |
| Storage | If you store your vehicle in a secured area that is protected from the elements, you may pay less in insurance. |
| Deductibles | Those with higher deductibles will pay less. |
| Discounts | You may be able to decrease the cost of insurance if you bundle your insurance services (such as insurance for your home, car and snowmobile) with a single provider. |
Where Can You Buy Snowmobile Insurance?
You can buy snowmobile insurance from numerous providers. Some of Canada’s largest banks, as well as major insurance companies and brokers provide snowmobile coverage, such as TD Bank, RBC, Intact Insurance, Co-operators and Brokerlink. There may also be more provincially or locally based insurance companies that will provide coverage.
Note: Some insurance providers may give small discounts to clients who pay one big monthly fee versus making monthly payments.
Tips To Save Money On Snowmobile Insurance
There are lots of easy ways to save money on snowmobile insurance. Here are some of our top tips:
Tip 1: Improve Your Credit Score
While it may not seem as though the two factors are linked, if you can improve your credit score you’ll likely be offered lower rates for insurance. Similar to how lenders view credit scores, insurance providers see good credit as less risky. As such, those with good credit are more to secure favorable rates.
Tip 2: Compare Lenders And Insurance Providers
The only way to be sure you’re getting the best snowmobile insurance rates is to shop around for the best prices and terms. You can get quotes from various providers or use an insurance broker to do the legwork for you.
Tip 3: Bundle Insurance with Financing
Bundling is your friend. Combine insurance products, like home, auto and snowmobile, with the same company and you’ll get a discount for bundling. The same is sometimes true when you get a loan and insurance with the same financial institution.
Tip 4: Upgrade Your Safety
Some providers will give you a discount if you take snowmobile driving courses because that shows that you’re serious about safety.
Similarly, the better condition your snowmobile is in, the less likely you are to have an accident, which could help you keep insurance costs lower over time.
Tip 5: Adjust Your Insurance Coverage
Your coverage needs will heavily impact your premiums. For example, the higher your deductible, the less you’ll pay in insurance premiums. The deductible is the amount of a claim you are responsible for paying before insurance kicks in.
Similarly, your snowmobile model and condition will also impact your premiums. The larger your snowmobile’s engine and the more expensive it is, the more costly it is to replace, meaning higher insurance payments.
Snowmobile Safety Tips
Keep your insurance premiums as low as possible by keeping yourself and your snowmobile safe and well-maintained. Here are some safety tips:
- Do regular maintenance checks to ensure your engine, breaks and lights are in good working order.
- Wear bright clothing when you go out on a ride so other riders and cars (when you cross the road) can easily see you.
- It’s also a good idea to never ride alone but always go with at least one other person in case you’re injured. At the very least, inform someone when you go out on a ride.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Always go the speed limit. Provinces may have different limits so keep informed about your region. For example, in Ontario the speed limit is 50 km/h.
- Be cautious when going over unfamiliar terrain, especially lakes and rivers — make sure they are completely frozen over.
- Don’t ride on private property unless you have permission.
Bottom Line
Snowmobiling can be an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of Canadian winters. To be sure you’re getting the best rates and coverage, explore cost-saving insurance options and compare quotes on LoansCanada.ca.
