Do I Need Snowmobile Insurance for a Rental?

Not only is winter snow beautiful, it offers the opportunity to indulge in fun activities — like snowmobiling! If you’re planning on spending any time in a snowy location, whether in your hometown or during a fun getaway, renting a snowmobile can be a great way to add excitement to your winter. 

It should be noted that with any high-speed outdoor activity, snowmobiling comes with risks, even if you’re taking safety precautions. Injury can occur on the trails. Even if you’re careful, you may accidentally damage the snowmobile or your surroundings. For savvy adventurers, the decision to rent a snowmobile comes with a question: Do I need snowmobile insurance?

To answer it, you’ll need answers to some other questions, too — what is snowmobile insurance? How much is snowmobile insurance? And how do you know you have the right protection in place?

Make sure you’re covered before you hit the trails — and don’t forget to review snowmobiling etiquette, too. We’ve gathered three facts you need to make the right decisions about insurance for your snowmobile rental. And if this has you wondering about coverage for rental cars or anything else, a Farm Bureau agent will be happy to speak with you.

Fact #1: Your Existing Policy May Provide Some Snowmobile Rental Coverage

First things first: Yes, you probably need snowmobile insurance. But you might already have it. 

Do you already own a snowmobile? If you currently have snowmobile insurance, then your policy may extend some coverages, like liability coverages, to your rental, too. However, it may not cover the damage to a rental or damage caused to someone else’s property while operating a rented snowmobile. 

There’s also the possibility that your current insurance policy(s) could provide some insurance protection. So, before you rent, contact your agent to check your auto, home and snowmobile policies to see whether your existing insurance will provide coverage for your rented snowmobile.

Fact #2: There are Different Types of Snowmobile Coverage

As with auto insurance coverage, snowmobile insurance can include various kinds of coverage. This might include liability coverage, which protects in the case of damages and injuries caused by an accident that was your fault. It may also include collision and comprehensive coverages, which cover damages to the snowmobile. 

The range of coverage options include:

• Bodily Injury Liability: If you cause an accident, this coverage will help cover costs associated with injuries suffered by others.
• Property Damage Liability: If you cause an accident, this coverage will help cover costs associated with damage to others’ property.
• Comprehensive: This coverage will help pay for non-collision incidents like vandalism, fire and so on.
• Collision: This coverage will help pay for damages to the snowmobile as a result of a collision. 

The cost of your snowmobile insurance will depend on a number of factors, including what kind of coverage you have, the length of time you are renting a snowmobile and so on. Talk to your agent to determine what you need and how much it will cost. 

Fact #3: You May Need to Purchase Additional Snowmobile Rental Insurance

Often, the company you’re renting a snowmobile from will offer insurance coverage for your rented snowmobile. If you need additional insurance, that may be the best way to go. But before purchasing snowmobile rental insurance from the rental company, read the fine print to make sure the coverage they’re offering provides the desired spectrum and amount of coverage to protect you. 

We Can Help

It’s important to make sure you have the proper snowmobile rental insurance so you can enjoy your time on the trails. If you have questions about the coverage provided by your existing auto, home or snowmobile policy, reach out to Farm Bureau.