Winter is here and, in New York, you can be reasonably sure of one thing: Snow. And lots of it. If you’re like many people, you’ve come to love the snow and all the fun that winter has to offer. But, you also know that winter is only fun if you’re prepared. This goes for something simple, like bundling up to go outside to take a walk or play a game. And it goes for more important things like owning and operating a snowmobile. One of the most important things you can do to get your snowmobile prepared is to make sure you have insurance.
Insurance is Mandatory
Did you know that, in New York, snowmobile insurance isn’t just a good idea — it’s the law? That’s right. State law requires anyone operating a snowmobile on public lands, or even crossing a public road, to have a minimum amount of insurance — $25,000 liability coverage for accidents involving one person, $50,000 for accidents involving two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage.
Keep in mind, though, that’s the minimum. It’s always a good idea to look at options above and beyond the minimum. With snowmobile insurance, many times, it’s at no additional cost. Because, as you know, it doesn’t take long for the cost of damages to add up to over $10,000. Just like with auto insurance, there are plenty of other options available and it might be a good idea to consider some of those other options, just to keep you safe from future financial troubles.
Insuring Year-Round
One of the big questions that snowmobile owners ask is whether or not they should insure their snowmobile for the entire year. At first, this question makes sense, doesn’t it? I mean, if you’re only going to get a few of months use out of the snowmobile, why bother insuring it for the entire year and paying all that extra money? Well, there are two very good reasons for considering a year-round insurance purchase.
1) It’s Not as Expensive as You Think.
The biggest objection people have to year-round insurance is the cost. Who wants to pay for months of insurance when the snowmobile is tucked under a tarp, not being used? The difference in cost is not as great as you might think. That’s because insurers figure into the rates the time that snowmobiles are not in use. Liability only policies can cost as little as $50 a year! And cancelling the coverage will not result in a refund.
In addition, many insurers are more willing to “lock in” better rates when you have year-round coverage. When you constantly cancel and re-write a policy, you might find yourself having to pay more than if you had just kept steady coverage.
2) Damage Can Still Happen in Storage
While you might think that insurance is simply unnecessary when your snowmobile is tucked away, keep in mind that insurance isn’t just about liability. Just because it’s not winter doesn’t mean your property is out of harm’s way. A good, comprehensive insurance policy will also protect your snowmobile from damage that can happen even when there’s no snow on the ground! These incidents can include things like weather damage, fire or theft — all of which can leave you out of luck if you’re not properly covered during the off-season.
And when you put these two reasons together, you’ll see that year-round coverage is worth it, no matter the season.
Other Things to Consider
When deciding on a policy, there are several factors to consider that will help determine the amount of coverage you get. For example:
– What Is Your History?
Just like auto insurance, your driving history affects your cost. If you have a clean record, then you can expect to pay less. It’s as simple as that. So, drive safely out there!
If you would like to know more about snowmobile insurance and what coverage is available to you , please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are happy to provide you with some guidance along with a free quote!
