ATV Insurance Requirements by State: Complete Guide (2026)

Quick Answer: Is ATV Insurance Required?

Most states don't require ATV insurance, but there are important exceptions. Whether you need insurance depends on where you ride, whether you ride on public roads, and how you register your ATV.

Even when not legally required, ATV insurance is highly recommended. Off-road accidents can result in serious injuries and expensive property damage that you'd be personally responsible for without coverage.

---

ATV Insurance Requirements at a Glance

---

States That Require ATV Insurance

Only a handful of states have mandatory ATV insurance laws:

States with Mandatory Requirements

Massachusetts

• Requirement: Liability insurance mandatory for all ATVs operated on public or private land
• Minimum coverage: $20,000/$40,000 bodily injury, $5,000 property damage
• Registration: Required, includes insurance verification
• Penalty: Fines up to $500 for operating uninsured

Utah (Limited requirement)

• Requirement: Insurance required only if riding on public highways (where permitted)
• Private trail riding: No insurance required
• Minimum coverage: Same as auto insurance (25/65/15)

Maine (Conditional)

• Requirement: Liability insurance required if operating on someone else's private property
• Your own property: No requirement
• Public trails: Not required but recommended

West Virginia (Road use only)

• Requirement: Insurance required for street-legal ATVs on public roads
• Off-road use: No requirement
• Coverage: Standard auto liability minimums

---

State-by-State ATV Requirements

While insurance is rarely required, most states have registration, age, and safety requirements:

Registration Required (No Insurance Mandate)

These states require ATV registration but not insurance:

• Alaska - Registration required, safety education for youth
• Arizona - Registration required for public land use
• Arkansas - Registration required, no insurance mandate
• California - "Green sticker" or "Red sticker" registration required
• Colorado - Registration required for public land
• Connecticut - Registration required for anyone under 16
• Florida - Title and registration required
• Idaho - Registration required for public land
• Illinois - Registration required for riders under 16
• Indiana - Registration required
• Iowa - Registration required for public use
• Kansas - Registration required
• Louisiana - Registration required
• Michigan - Registration required for public trails
• Minnesota - Registration required
• Missouri - Registration required for public land
• Montana - Registration required
• Nebraska - Registration required
• Nevada - Registration required for public land
• New Hampshire - Registration required
• New Jersey - Registration required
• New Mexico - Registration required for public land
• New York - Registration required
• North Carolina - Title required
• North Dakota - Registration required
• Ohio - Registration required
• Oklahoma - Registration required for public land
• Oregon - Registration required for public use
• Pennsylvania - Registration required
• Rhode Island - Registration required
• South Dakota - Registration required for public land
• Tennessee - Title and registration required
• Texas - Title required, registration for public land
• Vermont - Registration required
• Virginia - Registration required for public trails
• Washington - Registration required for public land
• Wisconsin - Registration required
• Wyoming - Registration required for public land

No Registration or Insurance Required

These states have minimal requirements:

• Alabama - No registration or insurance required for private property
• Delaware - No specific requirements
• Georgia - No registration required for off-road use only
• Hawaii - ATVs generally prohibited except private property
• Kentucky - No registration for private property use
• Maryland - Registration not required for private use
• Mississippi - No registration requirement
• South Carolina - No registration or insurance required

Note: Even in states without requirements, landowners and trail systems may require proof of insurance.

---

When ATV Insurance Becomes Necessary

Even if your state doesn't require it, you'll need ATV insurance in these situations:

1. Financed or Leased ATVs

Lender Requirements:

• Comprehensive coverage (protects against theft, fire, vandalism)
• Collision coverage (protects against accidents)
• Gap insurance (covers difference between loan balance and ATV value)
• Lienholder listed on policy

Until loan is paid off: Insurance is mandatory, and lender can force-place expensive coverage if you drop it.

2. Street-Legal ATVs (UTVs on Roads)

States allowing road use require:

• Liability insurance (same as auto minimums)
• Vehicle registration and title
• Special equipment (lights, turn signals, mirrors)
• Valid driver's license

Common in:

• Rural areas
• Small towns
• Agricultural communities
• Western states

3. State and National Park Trails

Many parks require:

• Proof of liability insurance
• Registration documentation
• Safety equipment (helmet, lights)
• Trail permits or passes

National Forest land: Generally no insurance requirement, but recommended.

4. Organized Events and Racing

Competitive events require:

• Liability coverage ($100,000-1,000,000)
• Medical payments coverage
• Proof of insurance before registration
• Additional insured endorsement for event organizer

5. Rental or Commercial Operations

ATV tour/rental businesses need:

• Commercial liability ($1-5 million)
• Medical payments coverage
• Non-owned ATV coverage
• Business property coverage for owned ATVs

---

What ATV Insurance Covers

ATV insurance works similarly to auto insurance with specific off-road considerations:

Liability Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability:

• Pays for injuries you cause to others
• Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Legal defense if sued
• Recommended minimum: $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability:

• Pays for property you damage while riding
• Other vehicles, fences, buildings, crops
• Recommended minimum: $50,000

Real-world example: You lose control on a trail and crash into someone's fence, causing $15,000 in damage. Liability coverage pays the repair cost.

Physical Damage Coverage

Comprehensive Coverage:

• Theft (ATVs are frequently stolen)
• Fire, vandalism, weather damage
• Animal strikes
• Falling objects

Collision Coverage:

• Damage from accidents (trees, rocks, rollovers)
• Collisions with other ATVs
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Covers regardless of fault

Deductibles: Typically $250-1,000 (you pay this amount per claim)

Additional Coverages

Medical Payments Coverage:

• Pays your medical bills regardless of fault
• Covers passengers on your ATV
• Limits: $1,000-$10,000

Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage:

• Protects you if hit by uninsured rider
• Covers hit-and-run accidents
• Recommended if riding where others ride

Accessories Coverage:

• Custom parts and equipment
• GPS units, winches, upgraded tires
• Trailers and transportation equipment

Roadside Assistance:

• Towing from trails
• Fuel delivery
• Flat tire assistance
• Costs: $10-30/year additional

---

How Much Does ATV Insurance Cost?

ATV insurance is relatively affordable compared to auto insurance:

Average Annual Costs

Liability Only:

• Basic coverage: $100-300/year
• Higher limits (100/300/100): $200-500/year

Full Coverage (Liability + Comp + Collision):

• Sport ATV (under $10,000): $300-800/year
• Utility ATV (under $15,000): $400-1,000/year
• High-performance/racing ATV: $800-2,000/year
• Side-by-side/UTV: $500-1,500/year

Factors That Affect Cost

ATV Value and Type:

• Higher value = higher premium
• Sport ATVs cost more than utility models
• Youth ATVs cost less
• Side-by-sides (UTVs) cost more due to higher values

Your Riding History:

• Clean record = lower rates
• Prior ATV accidents increase cost
• Auto insurance violations may affect rates

Where You Ride:

• Private property only = lowest rates
• Public trails = moderate rates
• Road use = highest rates

Deductibles:

• Higher deductible ($1,000) = lower premium
• Lower deductible ($250) = higher premium

Coverage Limits:

• Minimum liability = lowest cost
• Higher limits (250/500/100) = moderate increase
• Maximum coverage = 50-100% higher

---

Safety Requirements by State

Even without insurance mandates, states have safety laws:

Age Restrictions

States prohibiting youth riders under specific ages:

• Under 6: Prohibited in most states
• Ages 6-12: Adult supervision required, engine restrictions
• Ages 12-16: Safety course required in many states
• 16+: Full privileges in most states

Mandatory Safety Equipment

Helmet Laws:

• Required for riders under 18 in most states
• Some states require for all riders
• DOT-approved helmets mandatory

Other Required Equipment:

• Working headlights (for night riding where legal)
• Tail lights and brake lights
• Muffler/spark arrestor (on public land)
• Safety flag (required in some desert areas)

Safety Education Requirements

States requiring safety courses:

• Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont
• Usually required for riders under 16
• Often includes hands-on riding instruction
• Certificates valid for lifetime

---

Do You Need ATV Insurance? Decision Factors

You Probably Need Insurance If:

✅ Your ATV is financed or leased (lender requires it)

✅ You ride on public roads (liability essential)

✅ You ride on other people's property (protects you and landowner)

✅ Your ATV is valuable ($5,000+) and you can't afford to replace it

✅ You ride with others frequently (collision risk)

✅ You transport your ATV on trailers (theft/damage risk)

✅ You race or compete (higher injury risk)

✅ You have significant personal assets (lawsuit protection)

You Might Skip Insurance If:

❌ You only ride on your own private property (minimal third-party risk)

❌ Your ATV has low value (under $2,000) and is paid off

❌ You rarely ride (a few times per year)

❌ You have minimal assets (less lawsuit exposure)

However: Even in these cases, liability coverage is recommended. One serious accident can result in medical bills or property damage far exceeding the cost of insurance.

---

Where to Get ATV Insurance

Many auto insurers offer ATV coverage, often as an add-on to existing policies:

Major Carriers Offering ATV Insurance

Specialist Providers:

• Progressive (largest ATV insurer)
• National General
• Foremost Insurance
• Nationwide

Standard Auto Insurers:

• State Farm
• Allstate
• Geico
• Farmers Insurance
• American Family Insurance

Powersports Specialists:

• Dairyland Insurance
• Markel Insurance
• Safeco

Getting Quotes

Information You'll Need:

• ATV year, make, model, VIN
• Purchase price or current value
• Where you ride (private property, trails, roads)
• How often you ride
• Safety course completion (for discounts)
• Desired coverage limits and deductibles

Bundling Discounts:

• Add ATV to existing auto or home policy: 10-25% discount
• Multiple ATVs: 5-15% discount
• Safety course completion: 5-10% discount

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance for an ATV on private property?

In most states, no. The major exception is Massachusetts, which requires insurance for all ATVs regardless of where they're ridden. However, even on private property, you could be liable for injuries to guests or property damage, making insurance advisable.

Does homeowners insurance cover ATV accidents?

No. Homeowners policies typically exclude motorized vehicles like ATVs. You need separate ATV insurance for both liability and physical damage coverage.

Can I insure a used ATV?

Yes. Most insurers cover ATVs up to 20-25 years old. Older ATVs may only qualify for liability coverage, not comprehensive or collision. Antique or collector ATVs may need specialty coverage.

What if my ATV isn't registered?

You can still get insurance for an unregistered ATV if used only on private property. However, insurers may require proof of ownership (bill of sale, title). Some insurers won't cover unregistered ATVs.

Does my auto insurance cover my ATV?

No. Auto insurance policies specifically exclude off-road vehicles like ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs. You need separate ATV insurance.

Do I need insurance to ride on public trails?

Most public trail systems don't require insurance, but many recommend it. Some state parks and organized trail systems do require proof of liability coverage. Check with the specific trail system before riding.

What happens if I'm in an ATV accident without insurance?

You're personally responsible for all damages and injuries you cause. This includes medical bills for injured parties, property damage, and legal fees if sued. You could face wage garnishment, asset seizure, or bankruptcy.

How does ATV insurance work for side-by-sides (UTVs)?

Side-by-sides and UTVs are insured the same way as ATVs, though premiums are typically higher due to greater value and passenger capacity. Some insurers classify them separately and may have different coverage options.

---

Key Takeaways

• Most states don't require ATV insurance, except Massachusetts (mandatory) and a few others for road use
• Registration is required in most states for public land/trail riding
• Lenders require insurance if your ATV is financed or leased
• Liability coverage recommended even when not required—accidents happen
• Cost: $100-1,000/year depending on coverage and ATV value
• Safety courses required for youth riders in many states
• Homeowners insurance doesn't cover ATVs—you need separate coverage
• Higher risk = higher need: Frequent riders on public trails/roads should carry insurance

---

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about ATV insurance requirements based on publicly available sources and state regulations current as of January 2026. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with:

• Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or ATV registration authority
• Local law enforcement or parks department
• Your licensed insurance agent
• Specific trail systems or parks where you plan to ride

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: State ATV regulations, Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines, insurance industry standards, state park requirements