ATV, snowmobile, and outdoor recreational activities: Are you covered?
What if you get seriously injured while out riding your quad (ATV) or have an accident on a hunting trip? Or worse, what if you drown during a fishing weekend? What will you leave to your family?
Public plans don’t cover everything
If you’re injured in Quebec, the Régie de l'assurance maladie (RAMQ) will cover the necessary care: hospital stay, surgery, followup with the doctor, and so on. But you may have to pay for other costs, such as the ambulance ride or physiotherapy.
As for the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), it covers road accidents, but not bodily injury to drivers or passengers involved in accidents that occur on trails or that involve only vehicles such as quad (ATV) or snowmobiles. If you hit a tree while out enjoying your favourite pastime and become disabled, you won’t get benefits from the SAAQ. The only exception: You could receive compensation if a motor vehicle is involved in the accident; for example, if it hits you when you’re crossing a road.
Assess your insurance
Check exactly what is included in your current insurance, such as your group insurance, private health insurance or car insurance. To be sure that you’re well protected, you should have:
- comprehensive medical coverage (drugs, ambulance service, rehabilitation care, and so on);
- coverage in case of permanent injury (e.g., loss of a limb) and disability; and
- life insurance.
A single insurance policy does not provide all of that. That’s why you need to take stock of what your various insurance policies cover and don’t cover.
If you have group insurance, it likely provides you with protection that supplements the RAMQ coverage. Drugs, physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy and other complementary care may be reimbursed. Your insurance may also include a disability or death benefit.
If you don’t have group insurance, you may have private health insurance. Designed specifically for people who don’t have group insurance, it supplements the public plan coverage. It usually reimburses diagnostic services, paramedical expenses, ambulance transport, prostheses, and more. The reimbursement percentage may vary.
If you have auto insurance that covers damage to your quad (ATV) or snowmobile, it may include endorsement QEF 34, which provides protection in case of mutilation, total disability or death of the insured, if it occurs in an accident involving one of the insured vehicles. This protection also provides reimbursement for certain medical expenses. If you don’t have this endorsement, you can add it to your policy (your premium will increase, of course).
Liability insurance is mandatory for all-terrain vehicles
In Quebec, the law requires that all quad (ATV) owners have liability insurance for a minimum amount of $500,000. This insurance provides compensation for any injury or damage you may cause to others if you’re responsible for an accident on a trail. Several insurers suggest, however, that this amount be increased to $2 million to cover all contingencies. Keep your proof of insurance with you on your rides. You may be asked to provide it and may be fined if you don’t have it.
Read our advice to find out more about registering and insuring your (ATV) or snowmobile.
When assessing your insurance, don’t just look at the list of what’s covered; also check what isn’t. And look closely at the coverage amounts to see if they’re sufficient. If there’s anything your not satisfied with, speak to your insurer to improve your coverage or obtain extra insurance.
Accident insurance: a must for outdoor enthusiasts
Accident insurance is a worthwhile option. It provides financial support for you and your family in the event of accidental death or permanent injury. Products that cover all types of accidents may be suitable for people who enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, snowmobiling or ATV riding. They are easy to obtain and inexpensive.
Accident insurance generally provides for death benefits of up to $100,000 in addition to funeral benefits. These benefits are paid even if you already have life insurance. This extra amount could make a big difference for your family!
You also receive compensation if you’re permanently injured. This will help you cope with a drop in income. In addition, some accident insurance policies reimburse paramedical expenses.
Every accident insurance policy is different. Check the product features to get the coverage that best suits your needs.
Your ATV or snowmobile broke down?
CAA-Quebec’s Roadside Assistance service provides towing for members’ recreational vehicles across Quebec year-round when they choose the CAA Plus RV and CAA Premier RV options, as long as the vehicle is on a roadway and accessible to service vehicles. Discover the complete list of vehicles eligible for CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance.