As hunting season kicks off, we are going to jump start our series on recreational vehicles. Kiddy Jeeps and Gators, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, golf carts and even riding lawn mowers – these are all considered recreational vehicles under the 2011 ISO Homeowners policy. By definition, recreational vehicles are “self-propelled land or amphibious vehicles” – which also makes them “motor vehicles” according to the homeowners policy.
Is there coverage on the homeowners policy? The answer is…it’s complicated. Today, we will look at both property (physical damage to our rec vehicle) and liability claims.
A rec vehicle is considered personal property under the homeowners policy which means it is covered for physical damage when it’s owned or used by an “insured” anywhere in the world, however, in order for coverage to apply, there are requirements that must be met. First, the damage needs to be caused by one of the sixteen (16) perils named in the policy. In addition, the rec vehicle cannot be limited or excluded elsewhere from coverage in the policy. If both of these apply, then there is coverage for physical damage. The sixteen named perils are important because if you browse the list of covered claims, you won’t find upset, overturn, or collision on that list – the most common types of recreational vehicle claims.
What about liability coverage? Since recreational vehicles are considered motor vehicles under the homeowners policy, they are excluded from liability coverage. The homeowners policy does make an exception for recreational vehicles that are not required to be registered and if used solely to service a residence. This means if you have an ATV or lawn tractor that you use on your own property to clean up the yard, haul feed, etc there is liability coverage for it, but once it leaves your property, the liability coverage no longer applies.
This is an overly simplistic view of the homeowners coverage. There are additional limitations, exclusions, and exceptions that may apply. Ask your insurance agent today if you have the coverage you need or if a recreational vehicle policy would be more appropriate.
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