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By Dirk Pollitt

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How to address changes in ATV usage with the right insurance protection

August 8, 2024

The All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) industry has witnessed substantial growth and evolution in recent years. As these vehicles become more advanced and versatile, the need is rising for safe riding education and comprehensive insurance coverage.

As the ATV/UTV industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for farm insurance agents to stay informed. Awareness of changing usage trends can enable you to ask the right questions to determine the right policies and endorsements for your customers who operate ATV/UTVs.

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Know your customers’ ATV/UTVs and why they own them

The ATV/UTV industry is no longer confined to basic utility vehicles intended solely for agricultural purposes. Today’s ATV/UTVs encompass a number of categories for specific uses like utility work, sport utility use and adventure/off-road recreation. This expansion and diversification signal a general shift in consumer preferences towards more versatile and powerful machines capable of both work and play. The machines have never been more popular, and knowing how your customers will use their ATV/UTVs will help you match them with the right insurance coverage.

Selecting the right policy for an ATV or UTV depends mostly on its primary use and the potential need for physical damage coverage. Once you’ve identified whether it will be used for work or recreation, you can start zeroing in on the ideal coverage option for your customer.

Gather information about the following to arrive at the right coverage for your customer.

Policy Farmowners Powersports Homeowners Commercial auto Commercial general liability
Primary use Farm operations including occasional recreational use Recreational activities Servicing a residence Commercial business operations Commercial business operations
Road use Off-road On and off-road Off-road On-road Off-road
Physical damage coverage Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Covered if subject to financial responsibility laws No Yes No Yes No
Exclusions Vehicles designed for on-road use Business use Business use
Off-premises use		 Non-business use
Recreational use
Vehicles designed for on-road use

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Let’s Champion Rider Safety®

As we see advancements in vehicle capabilities and an increase in their on-road presence, ensuring riders are well-informed and equipped to handle their machines becomes increasingly vital. Emphasizing safe riding practices is critical in the rapidly evolving ATV/UTV industry.

Nationwide’s Let’s Champion Rider Safety® campaign underscores the essential role of education and awareness in preventing accidents and promoting responsible use of these powerful vehicles. By advocating for the consistent use of safety gear, adherence to manufacturer guidelines and the importance of proper training, we can help reduce the number of accidents and enhance the enjoyment of off-roading adventures.

Citations/Disclaimers

  • Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions, and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Nationwide-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2024 Nationwide.

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