Is My Snowmobile Covered by My New York Auto Insurance?

Is My Snowmobile Covered by My New York Auto Insurance?

With the first major snows of the season hitting Western New York it's time to start gearing up for some major fun in the snow (since the sun is a thing of the past!). There's nothing like rolling over the fields and through the woods on the seat of your own high powered snowmobile. Before you toss on some goggles and start revving the engine, however, make sure your snowmobile is covered by a New York auto insurance policy.

Auto insurance for a snowmobile, you say? Preposterous! Absurd! Unheard of! Most people don't even think about auto insurance when they buy a snowmobile. Why would they? Unless you live out in rural New York where the dirt roadways packed with snow and prime for snowmobiling are the highways, you're not going to be taking your snowmobile out into traffic. What are the odds that you'll actually need to file an auto insurance claim to begin with?

"Proof of insurance is not necessary when registering a snowmobile. However, the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law requires the owner of a snowmobile to have liability insurance if the snowmobile is operated on a roadway, shoulder of a highway, or on property which is owned, leased or held in easement by a person other than the owner or operator of the snowmobile."

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard that right. You're required to carry liability insurance on your snowmobile if you're driving in New York State (anywhere in New York State) unless you're going to limit your riding activities to puttering around your own backyard.

The best way to get a good deal on snowmobile insurance is to go ahead and add it right on to your New York auto insurance policy. You know, the one you've got protecting your cars at the moment? Most auto insurance companies are more than willing to cut you a deal if you're willing to buy more than one type of insurance from them, so you're going to be able to get your coverage a whole lot cheaper when you combine your snowmobile with your cars than if you go shopping alone.

Insurance claims related to snowmobile accidents have been steadily climbing in recent years. The last thing you want is to become another statistic! Make sure your snowmobile is covered with a valid New York auto insurance policy before you step outside to enjoy this year's winter weather. Remember, protection is only a phone call away.