Snowmobiles are a fun and exciting way to get out of the house during the cold winter months, but it's important to make sure that you're being safe and acting within the confines of the law. If you're one of the thousands of Albertans own and operate snowmobiles every year, it's important to make sure you have the right coverage for your sled.
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What Do I Need to Legally Drive a Snowmobile In Alberta?
- Class 5 drivers license
- Snowmobile insurance
- Snowmobile registration
- A helmet
It is a requirement to have all of these if you're driving a snowmobile on public land. However, if you are driving on your own private land you do not legally require these things. While it is still strongly recommended to have appropriate training, insurance and registration, and proper safety gear, it is not required on your own private property.
If you want to ride of private trails in Alberta, you will need all of the items listed above as well as a membership to the Alberta Snowmobile Association. An ASA trail patch will grant you access to 6,500KM of private trails across Alberta.
How Much Does it Cost to Insure and Register a Snowmobile?
To register a snowmobile in Alberta you will need an "off highway vehicle registration" which will cost around $54. The Armour Registry is well equipped to help you get registered. Insurance costs may vary depending on your accessories, age of your sled, and your desired coverage, but the annual policy cost is usually only $200-$300.
What Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover?
When you are purchasing snowmobile insurance, there are a few different options available for coverage.
- Third party liability insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Collision insurance
Just like for an automobile, all insurance plans will need third party liability insurance at the minimum. Third party liability will cover you in the event your snowmobile causes damage to someone or something else. This insurance is especially important if you're not storing your unit on your property. If your snowmobile were to cause damage or injury when being stored, liability insurance could keep you financially protected.
Comprehensive coverage offers financial protection to your sled for most situations that are not a collision. If your snowmobile is stolen, vandalized, or is destroyed in a fire, comprehensive coverage financially protects your snowmobile. Note that if you're storing your snowmobile on your own property, comprehensive insurance on the snowmobile is what would cover the replacement cost in the event of a total loss, your home/property insurance would likely not cover it.
Collision coverage will cover the financial cost of a snowmobile in the event of collision. While collision is available for newer snowmobiles, it is not usually available for older models. Collision coverage will also have an increased premium cost.
Can I Insure a Vintage Snowmobile?
While it can be more difficult and coverage can be limited, our brokers have been able to place coverage on snowmobiles as old as 1970. There is a possibility that only liability insurance will be available for your sled after a certain age.
Have any further questions? Talk to one of our brokers today to get the information you need this snowmobile season ↓
