What Is Off-Road Vehicle Insurance?
Off-road vehicle insurance is specialized coverage designed for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and other recreational vehicles built for off-highway use. These machines don't fit neatly into standard auto or homeowners policies, so they require their own dedicated coverage to protect against theft, damage, liability, and accidents on the trail.
Whether you use your off-road vehicle for weekend recreation, hunting access, or property maintenance around Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Lowcountry, proper insurance ensures you're not financially exposed when something goes wrong.
Why Myrtle Beach Riders Need Off-Road Vehicle Insurance
The areas around Myrtle Beach offer plenty of opportunities for off-road riding—from private land and hunting properties to designated trails and informal riding spots throughout Horry and Georgetown counties. With that access comes risk. Here's why off-road vehicle insurance matters:
- Your homeowners policy won't cover it. Most homeowners policies exclude motorized recreational vehicles or provide only minimal coverage. If your ATV is stolen from your garage or damaged in an accident, don't expect your home insurance to pay.
- Auto insurance doesn't apply. Standard auto policies cover vehicles designed for road use. ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes fall outside that definition entirely.
- Liability exposure is real. If you injure someone while riding—a passenger, another rider, or a bystander—you're personally liable without insurance. Medical bills and legal costs add up fast.
- Theft rates are high. Off-road vehicles are easy targets. They're often stored in unlocked sheds, transported on open trailers, and left unattended at trailheads. Comprehensive coverage protects against theft.
- Many riding areas require it. Organized trail systems and off-road parks increasingly require proof of liability insurance before allowing access.
- These machines aren't cheap. A quality side-by-side runs $15,000 to $30,000 or more. Even entry-level ATVs cost several thousand dollars. That investment deserves protection.
What Does Off-Road Vehicle Insurance Cover?
Off-road vehicle insurance bundles several coverage types similar to auto and motorcycle policies, adapted for the unique risks of trail riding and off-highway use.
Liability Coverage
Liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others while operating your off-road vehicle. If you accidentally strike another rider near Conway or damage someone's property while riding on private land in Georgetown, liability coverage handles the resulting claims against you.
Collision Coverage
Collision covers damage to your own vehicle from accidents—rollovers, impacts with obstacles, collisions with other vehicles. Whether you flip your UTV on a rutted trail or clip a tree on your dirt bike, collision pays for repairs or replacement minus your deductible.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive protects against non-collision losses: theft, vandalism, fire, flood, and animal damage. Given how often off-road vehicles are stolen—from driveways, storage buildings, and trailer parking areas—comprehensive coverage is essential for most owners in the Myrtle Beach area.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments, or MedPay, covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. Off-road riding carries inherent injury risk, and MedPay provides immediate coverage without waiting for fault determination.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If another rider causes an accident and lacks insurance—common in informal riding situations—uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Accessory and Custom Equipment Coverage
Winches, light bars, upgraded tires, skid plates, audio systems—accessories add up quickly on off-road vehicles. Standard policies cover factory equipment only. Accessory coverage protects aftermarket additions at their actual value.
Types of Off-Road Vehicles We Insure
Off-road vehicle insurance covers a range of machines. Coverage options and pricing vary by vehicle type:
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles): Four-wheelers designed for single riders, used for recreation, hunting, and property work. ATVs are the most commonly insured off-road vehicles in South Carolina.
UTVs and Side-by-Sides: Larger vehicles with side-by-side seating, roll cages, and cargo beds. Popular models include the Polaris Ranger, Can-Am Defender, and Kawasaki Mule. Higher values mean higher coverage limits are often appropriate.
Sport Side-by-Sides: Performance-oriented UTVs like the Polaris RZR and Can-Am Maverick built for speed and aggressive trail riding. These carry higher premiums due to increased accident risk and repair costs.
Dirt Bikes: Off-road motorcycles for trail riding and motocross. Coverage mirrors motorcycle insurance with adaptations for off-highway use.
Golf Carts: While primarily used on courses and in communities, golf carts used on private property or public roads need appropriate coverage. Some communities around Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Litchfield allow golf cart use on certain streets—check local requirements.
Dune Buggies and Sand Rails: Less common but insurable. If you trailer a sand rail to beach areas that permit off-road use, dedicated coverage is available.
Does My Auto or Homeowners Insurance Cover Off-Road Vehicles?
This is the most common misconception about off-road vehicle ownership. The short answer: no.
Auto insurance covers vehicles designed and licensed for road use. ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes don't qualify, even when transported on public roads via trailer. Your auto policy protects the trailer and tow vehicle—not the off-road vehicle on it.
Homeowners insurance may provide limited liability coverage if someone is injured by your off-road vehicle on your property, but this varies by policy and is often excluded or capped at minimal amounts. Physical damage to the vehicle itself typically isn't covered at all.
The only reliable way to protect your off-road vehicle is dedicated off-road vehicle insurance. Moore & Associates can review your existing policies to identify gaps and recommend appropriate coverage.
How Much Does Off-Road Vehicle Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
Off-road vehicle insurance is more affordable than most owners expect. Premiums depend on:
Vehicle type and value: A $3,000 ATV costs less to insure than a $25,000 sport UTV. Higher values mean higher premiums.
Coverage selections: Liability-only coverage is cheapest. Adding collision, comprehensive, and accessory coverage increases cost but provides meaningful protection.
Usage patterns: Vehicles used occasionally for recreation typically cost less to insure than those used daily for farm or property work.
Rider experience and age: Younger or less experienced operators may face higher premiums, particularly for sport-oriented vehicles.
Location: Theft rates and claim frequency in your area affect pricing. Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities fall into typical coastal South Carolina rate categories.
Annual premiums for basic ATV coverage often run $100 to $300. UTVs and side-by-sides typically range from $200 to $500 or more depending on value and coverage. Getting quotes from multiple carriers reveals the actual cost for your specific situation.
Insuring Multiple Off-Road Vehicles
Many households own more than one off-road vehicle—maybe an ATV for solo trail riding, a UTV for family outings, and a dirt bike for the kids. Multi-vehicle policies often qualify for discounts, and bundling off-road coverage with your auto, home, or other policies through the same carrier can reduce overall costs.
Moore & Associates can package coverage for all your vehicles and find discounts you might miss when insuring each machine separately.
Why Choose Moore & Associates for Off-Road Vehicle Insurance
Moore & Associates has served Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand since 1979. As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple carriers offering off-road vehicle coverage—not just one company with one set of rates and options.
Our local agents understand how South Carolina residents use their ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes, whether for hunting access around Pawleys Island, property maintenance in rural Conway, or family recreation on weekends. We'll match your coverage to how you actually use your vehicles and find competitive rates in the process.
Get an Off-Road Vehicle Insurance Quote in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Our off-road vehicle insurance agents serve Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and surrounding areas including North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown. Contact Moore & Associates today for a free quote.
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