Hitting the Road Less Traveled with Peace of Mind and RV Insurance from Merit

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are increasingly popular in Ontario in all of its seasons. From spring through winter and whether it’s enjoying freedom on two wheels, charting for unknown destinations on the open water, or making your own track through the wilderness. But before taking the road less traveled, you should talk to a Merit Insurance Broker to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage for your recreational vehicle before booking your campground spot or boat slip.

Recreational vehicle insurance covers almost any type of vehicle you can think of, including motorcycles, boats, jet skis, ATVs, snowmobiles, dune buggies, dirt bikes, off-road vehicles, motorhomes, and classic cars and some do require specialized coverage.

Trailers, RV’s and Motor Homes

RV insurance is one of the most important investments you can make to protect your assets and ensure that you have a worry-free summer of fun on the open road in your home away from home. RV insurance covers many of the similar risks that auto insurance does, including collision, comprehensive, and liability coverage. You can also get additional protection for your personal belongings on board, equipment, and attached accessories such as awnings and satellite dishes.

Boats (power cruisers, sailboats, outboard boats, runabouts, personal watercraft, yachts)

Often, watercraft like canoes, kayaks, or paddleboats – essentially any small craft without a motor – can potentially be rolled into your home or seasonal home insurance. But it’s best to be aware of your liability limits. A wide range of factors will affect your boating insurance policy. These can include things like the size of the boat; its value; the lake or location that you use it on; the size of the motor, and more. Your Merit Insurance Broker will ensure that your policy fits the needs of your particular boat.

Though boat insurance is not required by law in Canada, not only will having insurance give you peace of mind, it can protect you in case of the following:

• Injury to passengers on board, tubers or skiers being towed or others in the water or aboard other watercraft
• Damage to the boat, theft or loss of attached equipment;
• Damage caused by your boat/watercraft on someone else’s property.

Snowmobiles & ATV’s

ATVs, snowmobiles, and other types of ORVs are popular year-round utility and recreational vehicles that can offer hours of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts, as long as you obey the law and follow safety precautions. And of course, you need to make sure that your ORV insurance meets the requirements to legally ride on Ontario’s back roads.

Mandatory Off-Road insurance includes:

• Liability coverage if you are in an accident and you are held liable for the injury to or death of other people. It also covers damage to their vehicle or property.
• Accident Benefits pay for medical bills, rehabilitation, funeral cost, and loss of income due to disability, and more (not applicable in Quebec).
• Direct Compensation Property Damage Covers damage to your off-road vehicle and certain property it is carrying, when another motorist who is insured in your province is responsible for the accident (Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia).

Motorcycle

A standard motorcycle insurance policy will cover some portion of the costs associated with damage to your bike.  It will also provide compensation in the event that you cause harm to another person or their property or have legal fees associated with an accident.

You may also purchase optional benefits to increase the standard level of benefits provided in your policy such as:

• Full replacement cost of your bike in the event that it is totaled.
• Comprehensive coverage, which will pay for loss or damage due to causes “other than collision.” This includes hail and other weather damage, damage from animals, and most importantly motorcycle theft.
• Medical payments in the event you require hospitalization or medical care.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage in case the other driver is at fault in an accident and does not have adequate insurance to pay your costs.
• Damage or loss to your gear and upgrades, such as transport trailers, sidecars, custom exhaust equipment, and safety apparel like chaps and helmets.

Start Saving with Merit Today!

Merit Insurance has you covered with a variety of affordable options to meet your specific needs. Call your Merit broker for a quote today at 1-800-563-3383 or contact us online.  We’ll customize an insurance policy with affordable rates and deductible options that meet your needs. Happy Trails!