ATV insurance information 

Recreational riders can help protect their ATVs with the following coverages, available to OFBF members at discounted rates through Nationwide Insurance agents. Other discounts apply for completed safety courses, some riding association memberships and for insuring multiple ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles on a single Nationwide policy.
Collision — Damage to your ATV from a collision with another ATV, rocks, trees and other obstacles
Comprehensive — Loss or damage from theft, fire, vandalism or other covered peril
Property damage — Damage caused to another person’s property
Bodily injury — Pays other people’s medical expenses if you’re at fault in an accident
Uninsured motorist — Damage caused by uninsured or underinsured riders.
 
You also can get additional coverage for:
•    Custom equipment you’ve added to your ATV
•    Medical payments for yourself and passengers regardless of who’s at fault in an accident.

Since all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) zoomed into popularity more than 20 years ago, people of all ages have gotten their kicks on these all-wheel-drive dynamos. ATVs can climb hills, bump over rocks, dig through mud and take you just about anywhere.

 

They can also kick back pretty hard when a rider isn’t old enough, experienced enough or careful enough to manage a four-wheeler’s considerable speed and power. Getting the right ATV training, wearing necessary safety gear and operating an ATV correctly are essential to keep these fast four-wheelers from becoming bucking broncos.
 
The school of hard knocks
Youngsters are especially vulnerable to flipping, tipping or falling off ATVs. In fact, riders under age 15 are almost five times more likely than older operators to be injured enough to need emergency room treatment.

 

Kids are involved in about one-third of all ATV-related deaths and injuries treated in emergency rooms. Of last year’s 150,000 ATV injury-accidents, 40,000 were riders less than 16 years old, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 

While many of these mishaps occur among the 36 percent of farm youth who use ATVs associated with ag operations, many other young people get hurt riding ATVs just for fun. Fewer than 4 percent of riders have taken safety training, and most riders who get injured were not wearing a helmet.

 

Even experienced ATV riders can lose control after hitting the wrong rut or miscalculating a climb. It’s essential to wear good headgear, as head and neck injuries account for a high percentage of ATV-related deaths and serious injuries.
 
Some other ATV essentials:
  • Get training on how to operate an ATV safely.
  • Wear appropriate riding gear, including a helmet and goggles.
  • Ride an ATV that is right for your age and size.
  • Don’t ride on public roads and paved surfaces. ATV tires are not designed for road travel.
  • Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
  • Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Keep ATVs in good operating condition; including tires and wheels, braking and steering.
  For information on the ATV Safety Institute’s ATV RiderCourse, visit atvsafety.org or call 800-887-2887.

 

Contributed by Nationwide, which offers special rates on ATV insurance for Ohio Farm Bureau members.  For more information, contact a nearby Nationwide Insurance agent.