How much is snowmobile insurance in Ontario?
Premiums start at a few hundred dollars a year and can cost over $1,000 for some sledders. Live in Northern Ontario? You qualify for a 10% discount.
Good to know: Your driving record affects your snowmobile insurance, and your sledding record affects your car insurance. If you have any questions, just give us a call.
Bundle and save on snowmobile insurance
Combining snowmobile coverage with your auto or home insurance can save you 20% on your snowmobile policy and 5% on the rest. As a brokerage for over 70 of Canada’s top insurers, we have access to some of the best snowmobile, home and auto insurance rates in Ontario. You never have to shop around again, we’ll do it for you and take care of all the details. If your sled is registered and you have a valid driver’s license, we can get you insured today for less than you think.
What does basic snowmobile coverage include?
Here are the basic mandatory snowmobile coverages:
Third-party liability
Covers injuries, property damage and legal fees if you’re at fault for an accident.
Accident benefits
Covers rehab costs along with replacement income if you’re hurt while sledding and can’t work.
Direct compensation
If another sledder is responsible for an accident that damages your sled, this pays for repairs.
Uninsured auto (and sled)
Coverage in case you’re hurt by a sledder without insurance, or if they damage your sled.
More options
It’s a good idea to get more than the minimum coverage for your snowmobile.
Collision coverage
If your sled is stolen, vandalized or damaged while you’re not riding it (fire, falling tree, etc.), this pays to replace or repair it, subject to your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage
If your sled is stolen, vandalized or damaged while you’re not riding it (fire, falling tree, etc.), this pays to replace or repair it, subject to your deductible.
Just like with auto insurance, there are also options to pay a bit more to enhance your coverage. We strongly recommend $2 million in third-party liability and uninsured auto/sled coverage.
Good to know: Common questions about snowmobile insurance
Who can legally ride a snowmobile in Ontario?
Anyone can ride a snowmobile on their own property.
To ride on common trails (maintained by regional snowmobile clubs), you must have:
- A permit showing the vehicle is registered with the Ministry of Transportation
- A valid insurance slip
- A valid trail permit (purchase at ofsc.ca)
and either:
- A valid Ontario driver’s license (must be 16+); or
- A valid motorized snow vehicle operator’s license (must be 12+)
Note that only sledders with a valid driver’s license may drive their snowmobile across a public road.
Can I cancel my snowmobile insurance in the summer to save money?
Unfortunately, not at this time. If you cancel in the summer, you won’t save any money. If you pay your premium monthly and try to cancel when the riding season is over, you will still owe money for the term of your policy. It’s just like motorcycle insurance, except the seasons are flipped.
What is an MSVOL, and who needs one?
A motorized snow vehicle operator’s license (MSVOL) is a license that allows you to operate a snowmobile if you are at least 12 years old and do not have a driver’s license. To get one, you need to take an online course and pay a $40 one-time fee.
Can I insure my snowmobile without a driver’s license?
No, you can’t. Although you can ride with an MSVOL – only riders over 16, with a valid driver’s license, can buy snowmobile insurance in Ontario. If you have children over 12 with their MSVOL you can add them to your snowmobile policy.
Do I need a helmet to ride a snowmobile?
The short answer is yes. You can theoretically ride without a helmet on your own property, but it’s not safe. On common trails, helmets are the law.
A ticket for riding without a helmet is equivalent to a speeding ticket in Ontario. If you get convicted, it will affect what you pay both for snowmobile and auto insurance.
