ATV Liability
I had the opportunity to work and manage several bodily injury claims arising out of the operation of ATV’s in my previous employment as a claims manager for an insurance company. Bodily injury arising out of the use of ATV’s can be very serious. I would like to take the time to discuss a very important matter for the owners of the ATV’s. The losses always began with the following question:
Is the ATV covered for liability insurance?
Specifically, you should not assume that your homeowners insurance provides liability coverage. Farmers and Ranchers should not assume that their Farm & Ranch policy provides liability coverage. Same with business owners.
Owners of ATVs need to take the time to sit down with their insurance agent and let them know they have one or more ATVs and what the ATV is used for and where it is likely to be used. For instance, a Farm and Ranch policy may provide liability insurance only while it is being used in the operation of the farm or ranch and only while on the described premise. That same policy may also EXCLUDE coverage if the ATV is not in the scope of operation for the farm or ranch. It may also exclude liability coverage if the ATV is off the described premise at the time of the loss. Again, review your policy with your insurance agent to verify what coverages the existing insurance policy may provide for an ATV and liability associated with the use of an ATV. Special endorsements may need to be added to your insurance policy for the proper coverage.
The majority of the claims I worked or managed concerned youthful operators carrying a friend as a passenger. The passenger usually gets hurt and incurrs serious injury. Many times I had the unfortunate task of informing the owner of the ATV and the family of the injured party that there is no coverage for the accident as the ATV was not insured properly.
If you are injured in an ATV or auto accident in Colorado or Utah, you may contact Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm P.C. for a free consultation. Toll Free 866-941-9370
Scott Krug, CPCU
Claims Manager
Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm P.C.
P.S. Do you have heavy equipment on a Farm or Ranch? Give us a call to discuss how to buy proper insurance for liability and physical damage. Looking to buy a piece of heavy equipment? Call Red Rock Machinery Co. Inc. of Las Vegas Nevada www.rrmcinc.com
