ATVs are a common sight across Ontario — whether at the cottage, on farmland, or out on the trails. But while they’re fun and functional, they also come with real risks.
If you’ve been injured while riding an ATV, you may be wondering whether your injuries are covered by insurance. The answer depends on a few important factors, including where the accident happened, whether the ATV was insured, and how the accident occurred.
In Ontario, ATV insurance is legally required if the vehicle is operated on public roads, trails, or crown land. If you’re riding off your own private property, you need valid ATV insurance, which typically includes third-party liability, accident benefits, direct compensation for property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage. On the other hand, if you’re using the ATV strictly on private land, insurance isn’t mandatory — but riding without it can put you at serious financial risk if something goes wrong.
Let’s say you’re injured in a collision between your ATV and a car or truck. In that case, you may be eligible for accident benefits under Ontario’s no-fault auto insurance system, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. You may also have the right to sue the driver of the other vehicle for damages that aren’t covered by accident benefits — such as pain and suffering, or lost income beyond statutory limits. Even if the other vehicle was insured and your ATV was not, you may still be able to access some benefits, though this becomes much more complicated.
If your accident didn’t involve another vehicle — for example, you lost control of your ATV or it flipped over — your ability to make an insurance claim depends heavily on whether your ATV was insured. If it was, you may be able to claim accident benefits under your policy, including coverage for medical expenses, rehab, and income replacement. But if you were riding an uninsured ATV, you generally won’t be eligible for any compensation through the insurance system — even if the accident wasn’t your fault. This is an unfortunate reality for many injured ATV riders in Ontario who thought insurance wasn’t necessary for off-road use.
Passengers injured while riding on someone else’s ATV may be able to access benefits through the owner’s insurance policy. If the driver was negligent — for example, they were speeding, impaired, or failed to control the vehicle — a personal injury claim may also be possible.
The bottom line is this: ATV insurance may not always be legally required, but it is absolutely essential for protecting yourself and others. Without it, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for costly medical treatment, lost income, or even be held personally liable if someone else is injured while riding your ATV. If your ATV is insured, accident benefits may be available regardless of fault, but you’ll need to act quickly and meet important deadlines to apply.
If you’ve been hurt in an ATV accident and you’re not sure what your rights are, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
