ATV Insurance

Snowmobile Insurance

May 18, 2026By GEICO Team5 min readEditorial Guidelines
yellow_snowmobile

Key Takeaways

Some States Require Liability Insurance to Ride on Public Trails
New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and South Dakota all mandate some form of snowmobile liability coverage for public land or trails. Even where it's not required, insurance protects you from out-of-pocket collision, injury, and theft costs.

Coverage Includes Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, and Accessories
You can insure against crashes, theft, fire, vandalism, and uninsured riders. Aftermarket additions like windshields, custom paint, and upgraded seats can be covered too with accessory coverage.

Year-Round Coverage Is Available, Including Safety Apparel and Trailer
GEICO offers year-round policies so you're covered even during off-season storage. Additional options include safety apparel coverage, towed trailer coverage, and transport trailer coverage. Policies are available in all states except Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington D.C.

Nothing warms the heart of a snowmobiler like a vast, open stretch of untouched snow. And nothing warms the heart of GEICO like helping snow lovers like you get a great snowmobile insurance policy! Surprised?

Of course, GEICO is primarily known for auto insurance (Who hasn't seen our commercials?) but we can also help you get a snowmobile policy through the GEICO Insurance Agency that covers most snowmobile makes and models (including high-performance machines).

Call (800) 861-8380 for more details.

What is Snowmobile Insurance?

Snowmobile insurance is a policy that helps protect you and your sled from financial losses while riding. It typically includes liability coverage for accidents that cause injury or property damage, along with optional protections for damage to your snowmobile itself. Whether you're cruising trails, exploring backcountry routes, or riding on frozen lakes, insurance helps make sure you're covered if something goes wrong. GEICO offers flexible snowmobile insurance options so you can ride with confidence all winter long.

Is Snowmobile Insurance Required?

Snowmobile insurance requirements vary by state. Some states mandate liability coverage, especially if you plan to ride on public lands or trails. For example:

  • New York and North Dakota require liability insurance for snowmobiles operated on public property.
  • Pennsylvania requires both registration and liability coverage.
  • Vermont mandates liability insurance if you're operating on public trails maintained by a snowmobile club.
  • South Dakota requires that snowmobilers operating on road rights-of-way and public snowmobile trails show proof of liability insurance.

Even in states where it's not required by law, insurance is a smart way to protect yourself from out-of-pocket costs related to collisions, injuries, or theft. Some private trails or clubs may also require proof of insurance before you’re allowed to ride.

What Does Snowmobile Insurance Cover?

GEICO's snowmobile insurance can be tailored to your specific needs. Core and optional coverage types may include:

  • Liability Coverage: Helps pay for property damage or injuries you may cause to others while operating your snowmobile.
  • Collision Coverage: Helps cover repairs to your snowmobile if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Offers protection from non-collision-related events like theft, fire, vandalism, or severe weather.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Helps with costs if you're hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance or any at all.
  • Accessory Coverage: Can cover aftermarket additions like windshields, custom paint, or upgraded seats.

Snowmobile Insurance Coverage Options

Here is a brief overview of the snowmobile coverage options that are available:

  • Year-round coverage
  • Safety apparel coverage
  • Towed trailer coverage
  • After-market parts and accessories
  • Transport trailer coverage
  • Collision coverage and other than collision coverage
  • Increased limits on liability

Snowmobile Insurance Availability

Snowmobile insurance is available in the United States in all states except Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C. Please note that coverages and coverage amounts vary by state. All coverages may not be available in all areas.

Take On the Trail, Not the Risk

ATV insurance could help protect your vehicle and liability.

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Snowmobile Insurance FAQ

No, snowmobile insurance is not the same, but shares similarities with both auto and motorcycle insurance. It typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage; however, it’s specifically tailored for recreational use and seasonal activity. These policies are designed to reflect the unique risks of snowmobiling, including trail accidents, frozen terrain, and off-road operation. Snowmobile coverage is often included on the same policy as motorcycle insurance, but remains a distinct type of coverage.

Most states do not require a driver’s license specifically for operating a snowmobile, but many do require registration with the state’s department of natural resources or motor vehicles. Insurance providers, including GEICO, typically require your snowmobile to be registered in order to issue a policy.

Yes, you may have the option to adjust your coverage during the off-season. Some riders choose to drop certain coverages, like liability or collision, and maintain comprehensive protection in case of theft, fire, or other damage while the snowmobile is stored. Speak with a GEICO insurance specialist to explore seasonal coverage adjustments.

Yes, and coverage options may vary. Some rental companies offer limited insurance as part of their rental agreements, but it’s often minimal. You can contact a GEICO insurance specialist to see if your personal snowmobile policy extends to rentals or whether additional coverage is needed.

First, file a police report immediately. Then, contact GEICO to begin your claim. If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, theft-related losses may be covered after your deductible is applied. Be ready to provide details such as the snowmobile’s VIN, make/model, and location of the theft.

Snowmobile coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, LLC.