Big Boy Toys and Auto Insurance

Big Boy Toys and Auto Insurance

Someone once said that boys never give up their toys when they get older. They just get bigger and more expensive! Boats, jet-skis, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs are all vehicles, but are not all treated the same way when it comes to insurance. Here is a quick rundown on what you need to know about these various “toys” and how to insure them.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are treated much like automobiles when it comes to insurance. Every state, except New Hampshire, requires liability insurance on motorcycles driven on the highways. State minimums are stated in three numerals, for example, 25/50/10. In this example, it would reference $25,000 bodily injury protection per person, $50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident and $10,000 property damage liability. Motorcycle insurance is generally much less expensive than automobile insurance especially in cold weather states where bikes may be stored seasonally. If you have a loan on your motorcycle, it is likely your lender will require full coverage.

Boats

If you have a canoe or a non-engine powered watercraft, it is likely covered by your homeowners insurance. For powered boats, however, you will want additional coverage under your homeowners’ insurance policy. At the very least, you will want sufficient protection should your boat be involved in an accident that causes injuries or property damage. If you have financed your boat, your lender may require full coverage.

Jet-Skis

Sold under brand names like WaveRunner, SeaDoo and Jet-Ski, these powered personal watercraft should be insured beyond the minimal coverage that may be provided by automobile or homeowners’ insurance. Separate coverage will help make sure you are sufficiently protected for injuries or property damage that may occur during usage.

ATVs and Dirt Bikes

Some states require insurance on these vehicles if they are used on public lands but may waive the requirement if only used on private property. Some homeowners insurance policies may also provide some minimum coverage. You should contact your insurance agent when considering the purchase of a dirt bike or ATV.

It may also be helpful to know that these vehicles may be at least partially covered by your automobile insurance while they are being towed. It is when they are independently operated you may have bigger concerns. Feel free to contact your independent insurance agent when considering adding any motorized vehicle to your garage.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Non-Profits Need Protection Too! Safeguarding Your Good Works with Insurance

Non-Profits and Insurance: Myths Busted! Protecting Your Good Works

Beyond the Grave: Burial Insurance vs. Life Insurance Explained

Don’t Be Buried by Confusion: Understanding Burial and Life Insurance

Cracking the Code: Your Car’s VIN and What It Means to You

VIN Decoder Ring: Unveiling the Mysteries of Your Car’s Identification Number

The Aftermath: Proving Your Possessions After a Disaster

Homeowner’s Insurance Hero: How to Prepare for a Claim Before Disaster Strikes

Lost in Translation: Skills of the Past That Young People Might Miss Out On

From Fax Machines to Fancy Footwork: 6 Skills Younger Generations Might Not Have

Beyond the Box Truck: When Does Your Business Need Special Vehicle Insurance?

Business on the Move? Don’t Get Stuck Without the Right Vehicle Insurance

From Bronze Age to Boomers: How Life Expectancy Went From Meh to Magnificent

How Long Will You Live? A Look at Life Expectancy Throughout History (and Why You Might Need Life Insurance)

From Chauffeur to Cheerleader: The Teen Driver’s (and Parent’s!) Guide to Car-Buying Chaos

Teen Driver on the Horizon? This Guide Will Steer You Through Car-Buying Chaos

When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?

Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance

From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads

A Look Back, and a Look Forward