Snowmobiling is one of the favourite winter activities of many people in Quebec. With more than 32,000 km of marked and maintained trails across the province, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy winter. Before hitting the trails, however, it’s important to know your legal obligations and to make sure your snowmobile insurance suits your needs.
Yes. Under current regulations, every snowmobile owner must hold civil liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.
Before heading out on a ride, you must meet certain requirements:
For the latest information on regulations, visit the SAAQ’s Snowmobiles: What the Law Says page.
When you buy your trail permit for federated trails, $1,000,000 in civil liability insurance is included. This mandatory coverage protects you against property damage or bodily injury you may cause to another person while using your snowmobile.
The FCMQ also gives Quebec residents the option of increasing this coverage to $2,000,000 for an additional fee.
For full details on this coverage, visit the FCMQ’s civil liability insurance page.
It all depends on your situation.
The $1,000,000 minimum meets legal requirements, but many snowmobile owners choose to increase their coverage to $2,000,000. The reason is simple: when someone suffers serious injuries or the damage is significant, claims can quickly exceed one million dollars.
It’s also important to know that snowmobile accidents are not covered the same way as car accidents on public roads. Unlike car accidents, injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident are generally not compensated by the SAAQ’s public plan. An exception may apply when a moving automobile is involved in the accident. An injured person could therefore take legal action against the person responsible to seek compensation.
Additional coverage may therefore be worth considering. For example, Umbrella insurance lets you increase your civil liability limits beyond those usually provided under home, auto or recreational vehicle insurance policies. This coverage can be particularly worthwhile if you want an extra safety margin in the event of a major lawsuit.
How can you protect your snowmobile against damage?
Civil liability insurance protects others when you are responsible for damage. To protect your own snowmobile, you need to add specific coverage.
Depending on the coverage you choose, your policy can cover:
Every snowmobile is different. The value of the vehicle, how often you use it, any added accessories and your budget can all influence the recommended coverage.
To compare the options available, visit our snowmobile insurance page.
The cost varies depending on several factors, including the snowmobile’s value and model, its intended use, the coverage you choose and your insurance record.
Some accessories may be covered, but it depends on the coverage included in your policy. It’s important to confirm this with your insurer.
As a general rule, riding on public roads is prohibited, except in certain situations provided for by law and where signage allows it.
No. Registration is mandatory, but it does not replace the civil liability insurance required by law.
Make sure you and everyone else involved are safe, then contact your insurer or broker as soon as possible to open a claim.
Good snowmobile insurance lets you make the most of the season while meeting legal requirements. Whether you enjoy long rides or occasional outings, it’s important to choose coverage suited to your needs.
Need personalized advice? Request a quote or contact our team to discuss your situation.
