Quick Answer
How much does ATV insurance cost in Ontario?
The Short Answer
ATV insurance in Ontario typically costs between $250 and $700 per year for a standard quad with liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Higher-value side-by-sides and UTVs generally run $500 to $1,200 or more annually. Ontario requires a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability to ride on public land or trails, though $1,000,000 is generally recommended.
The Details
The cost of ATV insurance in Ontario depends mostly on the value of the machine, the coverages you carry, your driving and claims history, and whether you insure a standard quad or a higher-value side-by-side. A basic liability-only policy for an older quad can cost as little as $150 to $300 per year, while a fully-covered late-model UTV with accident benefits and accessory coverage can run well over $1,000. Because ATVs are inexpensive to insure relative to the liability they carry, most riders find full coverage affordable.
“What will it cost me to insure my quad?” is one of the questions I hear most often heading into riding season. The good news is that ATV insurance in Ontario is generally inexpensive relative to the liability exposure it covers. The harder part is that the premium depends on several factors that vary from rider to rider, so a single average is only a starting point. Understanding what moves the price is more useful than memorizing a number.
What Determines Your ATV Insurance Premium
Ontario ATV premiums are built from a combination of machine-specific and rider-specific factors. The ones that matter most are below.
The value and type of the machine is the largest driver. A ten-year-old utility quad worth $4,000 is far cheaper to insure than a new $28,000 side-by-side or UTV. Higher replacement value means higher physical damage premiums, and higher-performance machines can attract additional underwriting scrutiny.
The coverages you select make a big difference. A liability-only policy is the cheapest option, but most riders add collision and comprehensive to protect the machine itself, plus accident benefits for their own medical costs. Accessory and equipment coverage for winches, plows, and aftermarket parts adds a small amount.
Your driving and claims history matters. Ontario insurers consider your driving record and prior claims when rating an ATV policy, much as they do for auto insurance. A clean record keeps the premium down.
Liability limit affects the cost. Ontario requires a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability to operate an ATV on public land or trails under the Off-Road Vehicles Act, but I generally recommend carrying $1,000,000 or more given how quickly injury claims add up. Moving from the minimum to a million dollars of liability adds only a modest amount to most policies.
Storage and security can influence comprehensive pricing. A machine stored in a locked garage or outbuilding in a low-theft area is cheaper to insure than one left out in the open.
Typical Price Ranges by Machine Type
Every rider’s situation is different, but the following ranges give general guidance for Ontario ATV insurance as of 2026.
| Machine and coverage | Typical annual premium |
|---|---|
| Older quad, liability only | $150 – $300 |
| Standard quad, full coverage (liability, collision, comprehensive) | $250 – $700 |
| Late-model or high-value quad, full coverage | $500 – $900 |
| Side-by-side / UTV, full coverage | $500 – $1,200+ |
These ranges are broad because the variables interact. A modest liability-only policy on an older machine can cost less than a tank of fuel for the season, while a fully-covered performance UTV with high accessory value sits at the top of the range.
What ATV Insurance Includes and Excludes
A dedicated Ontario ATV policy typically includes third-party liability (mandatory to ride on public land), accident benefits for your own injuries, and optional collision and comprehensive coverage for the machine. Comprehensive covers theft, fire, and vandalism, which is worth having given that ATVs are a common target for theft in cottage areas.
What it generally does not include: damage that occurs while the machine is used for a purpose you did not disclose, wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, and coverage while the ATV is operated by an excluded or unlicensed driver. As I cover in our guide to ATV insurance for cottage country, your cottage policy will not fill these gaps — it only covers a parked machine for limited perils.
How to Lower Your ATV Insurance Cost
A few practical steps usually reduce the premium:
- Bundle the ATV with your cottage, home, or auto policy for a multi-line discount.
- Raise your deductible if you can absorb a larger out-of-pocket amount on a claim.
- Store the machine securely in a locked structure to reduce theft exposure.
- Keep a clean driving and claims record, which insurers reward over time.
- Carry only the coverages you need — a liability-only policy may make sense for an older, low-value machine.
Because I represent multiple Ontario insurers, I can compare several quotes side by side rather than relying on a single carrier’s rate.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The only reliable way to know what your ATV insurance will cost is a quote based on the actual machine and rider. Have the year, make, model, and VIN of the ATV ready, along with its approximate value, where it is stored, your driving history, and how and where you ride.
Call Luca at 705-996-1116 or request an ATV insurance quote for coverage tailored to your machine and how you ride.
The figures on this page are illustrative of typical Ontario premiums as of 2026. They are not a quote or an offer of insurance — your actual premium is determined by individual underwriting.
What This Means for You
Related Questions
Is ATV insurance required in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario requires ATV operators to carry liability insurance to ride on public lands, Crown land, and designated trails regulated under the Off-Road Vehicles Act. The minimum liability is $200,000, though higher limits are strongly recommended given the injury potential of off-road accidents.
Does my home or cottage insurance cover my ATV?
Only in a limited way. Your cottage or home policy may cover a parked ATV for theft or fire up to a contents limit, but it does not provide the liability coverage required to ride on public trails, nor does it cover collision damage while riding. A dedicated ATV policy is the appropriate coverage for trail and Crown land use.
Why do side-by-sides (UTVs) cost more to insure than quads?
Side-by-sides and UTVs are typically higher-value machines with greater speed capability and passenger exposure, so their premiums are generally higher than a standard quad. Some insurers underwrite high-performance UTVs more strictly, which can also affect the cost.
How can I lower my ATV insurance premium in Ontario?
Common ways to reduce ATV premiums include raising your deductible, bundling the ATV with your cottage or auto policy for a multi-line discount, maintaining a clean driving and claims record, storing the machine securely, and carrying only the coverages you need. A broker who represents multiple insurers can compare options for you.
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