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The Ohio Insurance Blog

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Critical change to Ohio law… will it affect YOU?

Posted on Thu, Feb 11, 2010 @ 02:46 PM
  
  
  
  
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Back in 2009, the State of Ohio began mandating any type of off-road vehicle to be registered with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before operating these vehicles on an Ohio roadway.  These off-road type vehicles are now required to display a license plate and validation sticker like other vehicles.  Examples of these off-road vehicles include:Ohio ATV Insurance

    • Golf Carts
    • ATV's
    • Snowmobiles
    • Off-highway motorcycles

This change also can have an impact on how these types of vehicles are covered from an insurance standpoint.  Prior to this law, liability coverage to protect you while operating these off-road vehicles could be covered under a standard homeowners policy.  Now, in many situations, coverage under your homeowners policy is no longer adequate.  Instead, you may need to consider alternative coverage options such as listing the off-road vehicle on an auto policy or a separate ATV policy.

There are provisions under this new law which exempts certain types of vehicles from registration:

    • When the off-road vehicle is operated exclusively on the land you own, but this exception only applies to snowmobiles and off-highway motorcycles.
    • When the off-road vehicle is used exclusively on a farm.

Of course, violation of this new law results in a fine of between $50 and $100 but this could pale in comparison to the damages you might suffer if you're not properly insured.  The legal language can be reviewed in its entirety by visiting this page.

Bottom line is, if you own any type of off-road vehicle, please call us to discuss whether your current insurance needs to be amended to properly protect you while you're enjoying your ATV, snowmobile and other off-road vehicles.

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Comments

Just wondering if this applies to us, we own an ATV and use it only on our property for removing snow in the winter and spraying fertilizer in the spring and fall. We do currently have it listed and insured but do we need to take further action? 
 
 
 
Thanks, 
 
Lisa
Posted @ Friday, February 12, 2010 4:58 AM by Lisa Lininger
This is a great question Lisa and one we’ve been receiving quite often! Even though you’re using your ATV exclusively on your property, under the new Ohio law, it would still need to be registered. As it currently stands, only snowmobiles and off-road motorcycles are exempt from registration if they’re operated exclusively on property you own. Feel free to give us a call to review your different options.
Posted @ Friday, February 12, 2010 9:35 AM by Matt Simon
can i lose my licence if i am useing someone elses uninsured atv?
Posted @ Tuesday, September 27, 2011 10:05 AM by scott
This is a fantastic question Scott! The requirements that apply to your personal auto aren’t necessarily the same as those that apply to an ATV. Because ATV’s are seldom operated on public roads, they’re often insured by adding an endorsement to the owner’s homeowners policy. 
 
 
 
So, while you might not lose your license if you’re operating an uninsured ATV that doesn’t belong to you, if while operating the ATV you were to injure someone (even a passenger) you could easily be sued.  
 
Posted @ Tuesday, September 27, 2011 1:00 PM by Matt Simon
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