Is snowmobile insurance mandatory in Ontario?

Yes. Under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, Ontario requires snowmobile operators to carry liability insurance with a minimum of $200,000. Operating without insurance on public trails or roads is illegal.

Does snowmobile insurance cover the riding season only?

Snowmobile policies are typically written as seasonal policies corresponding to the riding season. Many insurers offer 12-month policies that remain in force during summer storage for theft and fire coverage.

Am I covered on OFSC groomed trails in Ontario?

An Ontario snowmobile policy with liability coverage generally covers riding on OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs) designated trails. The OFSC trail permit is a separate requirement from insurance and is available through OFSC or authorized dealers.

Is my snowmobile covered in Quebec or other provinces?

Most Ontario snowmobile policies extend coverage to other Canadian provinces. Confirm inter-provincial coverage with your insurer, particularly if you plan to ride in Quebec, which has significant snowmobile trail networks.

What if my snowmobile is stored at a cottage in summer?

Your snowmobile stored at your cottage in the off-season is typically covered for theft and fire under your snowmobile policy, provided you notify your insurer of the storage location. Your cottage insurance does not generally cover off-road vehicles.

Sleds and snowmobiles for Ontario's trail and backcountry riding.

Snowmobile Insurance

Ontario snowmobile insurance for trail, crossover, and backcountry sleds with coverage options arranged by Luca.

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Sleds and snowmobiles for Ontario's trail and backcountry riding.

Key Facts

Coverage 1 Collision Coverage

Coverage 2 Comprehensive Coverage

Coverage 3 Liability Coverage

Broker Luca

Phone 705-996-1116

Coverage Overview

What Snowmobile Insurance Covers

Collision Coverage

Covers damage to your snowmobile resulting from a collision.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers theft, fire, vandalism, and non-collision physical damage.

Liability Coverage

Required in Ontario — covers injury to others or property damage caused by your snowmobile.

Accident Benefits

Covers your medical costs and income replacement following an injury.

Trail Permit and OFSC Membership

Many insurers offer bundled coverage for OFSC trail permit and liability requirements.

What Snowmobile Insurance Covers and Who Needs It

Snowmobile insurance protects the sleds that open up Ontario's winter trail and backcountry riding. A policy typically includes collision coverage for damage from a crash, comprehensive coverage for theft, fire, and vandalism, liability coverage for injury or property damage you cause to others, and accident benefits for your own medical costs and income replacement. Many insurers also offer bundled coverage that aligns with OFSC trail permit and liability requirements. Anyone riding beyond their own property needs this coverage, because cottage insurance does not generally cover off-road vehicles and cannot provide the liability required for public trails.

Mandatory Coverage and Trail Riding

Snowmobile insurance is mandatory in Ontario. Under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, operators must carry liability insurance with a minimum of $200,000, and riding without insurance on public trails or roads is illegal. You can read the full requirement on whether snowmobile insurance is mandatory in Ontario. A policy with liability coverage generally covers riding on OFSC designated trails, but the OFSC trail permit is a separate requirement from insurance and is obtained through the OFSC or authorized dealers. Most Ontario policies also extend coverage to other Canadian provinces, which matters if you plan to ride in Quebec. For a sense of pricing, see how much snowmobile insurance costs in Ontario.

Seasonal Storage and Getting a Quote

Snowmobile policies are often written as seasonal coverage matched to the riding season, though many insurers offer 12-month policies that stay in force through summer storage for theft and fire. A sled stored at your cottage in the off-season is typically covered for theft and fire under the snowmobile policy, provided you notify your insurer of the storage location, since your cottage insurance does not generally cover off-road vehicles. When you are getting ready for the season, request a quote and Luca, a RIBO-registered broker, will confirm your liability limits, trail coverage, and storage arrangements.

Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and insurer availability. InsureMyCottage.ca is a licensed insurance brokerage regulated by RIBO (Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario).

Last updated February 26, 2026

Why Luca

Why Cottage Owners Choose Luca

Cottage insurance is more complex than home insurance. Water access, seasonal use, neighbouring fire hall distance — every detail affects your coverage and your premium.

Local Ontario Broker

Luca knows Muskoka, the Kawarthas, and Georgian Bay cottage country firsthand. Not a call centre.

RIBO Registered

Licensed and regulated by the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario. Your coverage is handled by a credentialed professional, not a lead aggregator.

Multiple Insurers

As an independent broker, Luca shops multiple Ontario insurers to find coverage that fits your property — not just the first available policy.

Direct Access to Luca

Call or email and reach Luca — not a queue. Cottage insurance has real nuances (island access, wood stoves, rental weeks) and deserves a real conversation.

ATV & Snowmobile