FAQ's - Open Skies Recreational Vehicle Insurance

Where does my insurance cover me?
The OPEN SKIES insurance policy covers you anywhere you can legally ride in Canada or the continental United States

Does it cover me for liability on Forest Service Roads in B C?
Yes, as long as you have a valid drivers license which is one of the legal requirements when riding on a FSR in B C and have purchased third party liability

What limits can I buy?
You have an option for either $ 1,000,000 or $ 2,000,000 limits on third party liability while being operated by a licensed operator. The limit automatically reduces to $ 200,000 when operated by an unlicensed operator.

Sometimes I ride with a passenger. Am I still covered?
Yes, we have no exclusion for riding with a passenger

Sometimes I lend my machine to someone else. Am I still covered?
Yes, our Definition of Insured extending coverage to ANYONE with owner's permission, eliminating the common restriction of "immediate family residing at home"

Am I still insured if I let my 12 year old ride?
Yes, as long as he is not on a Forestry Service Road which requires a valid drivers license. We have no age limitation in our policy but the liability limit drops to $ 200,000

Do you have a mandatory expiry date on liability?
NO mandatory expiry date on liability. It is a year from effective date. You do not pay a years premium for less than a years insurance.

I may use my machine for incidental business use. Am I covered?
Yes if you declared this on your application and were rated accordingly

What if I am injured in an accident while operating my unit?
You can purchase Accident Benefits similar to what is offered through ICBC on a licensed vehicle

What if the passenger is hurt?
Accident Benefits are applicable to the operator and passenger

Can I buy insurance on my unlicensed Trail Bike?
Yes, subject to the same terms and conditions as for other off road vehicles except the liability limit is reduced to $ 500,000 with a valid license, or the limit of $ 200,000 when operated by an unlicensed operator

Can I insure my quad, snowmobile and trail bike all in 1 policy?
Yes, all your all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and/or trail bikes can be insured under one policy.

Is coverage all with the same insurance company?
The liability and physical damage are all with Echelon General Insurance Company, while the accident benefits are with AXA Insurance.

Can I buy the Accident Benefits without purchasing liability?
No, it is only available with liability insurance.

What if I have a turbocharged snowmobile or have modified it to operate on nitro?
They still qualify for insurance including physical damage coverage if declared on the application, including Replacement Cost if applicable. A surcharge will apply

What physical damage coverage do you offer?
OPEN SKIES offers All Perils, which includes collision or upset, or Comprehensive which is All Perils excluding collision or upset or Specified Perils which is limited to specific perils named in the policy. All provide coverage for theft with no restrictions, and all have a $ 500 deductible all losses

What limits can you offer on physical damage?
We offer up to $ 40,000 for physical damage on quads or sleds, and up to a limit of
$ 15,000 on a trail bike

Do you offer Replacement Cost with no depreciation?
Yes, we offer true Replacement Cost (not to be confused with agreed value) at no extra charge, for 24 months from date of delivery of your quad or sled. You must provide a copy of the bill of sale and insure for 100% of value including attachments, modifications and taxes.

What about my trailer, is it insured?
Yes, a dedicated trailer or deck is automatically insured for the same coverage you have on your off road vehicle, up to a limit of $ 1,000. Higher limits can be purchased if needed.

My liability insurance expires on a different date than my physical damage. How do I get them to both expire at the same time?
We can issue a policy for a full year from the date either policy expires, and then add the other coverage to your policy on a pro rata basis when it expires. We can do the same if you have more than 1 unit insured and wish to have them all expire at the same time. If you have 4 units or more, you may qualify for the multi unit discount

Does OPEN SKIES rating offer discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for:

Membership in recognized Provincial Associations or their clubs
Approved Safety Training,

What if I have a claim, does it affect my coverage or premiums on renewal?
No, we do not surcharge for claims or require a higher deductible on renewal. If you qualify for OPEN SKIES, you will not be penalized.

Am I eligible for participation in the OPEN SKIES program?
You are ineligible for the OPEN SKIES program if you:

keep your units outside B C
do not have a B C mailing address
have more than 6 demerit points at the time of application
have had more than 1 at fault accident in the past 5 years from the operation of any motor vehicle
have had any Criminal Code Motor Vehicle related offence in the last 3 years

Where can I buy OPEN SKIES?
You can purchase at any of our 215 local agents in B C who are there to serve you. Deal with your licensed local agent doing business in your community shown on the Agents list on this site. You can also purchase directly on this site, along with membership in either ATVBC or ABCSC by using your credit card.