Snowmobiles

Snowmobile insurance for Quebec riders

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Riding a snowmobile on a snow-covered forest trail in winter. Outdoor activity associated with snowmobile insurance.

Snowmobile insurance tailored to how and where you ride

Every snowmobile rider has their own habits. Some stick to Quebec’s marked trails, while others prefer off-trail riding or long-distance touring. The type of snowmobile, how often you ride, and the region where you ride all influence the coverage you need.

In Quebec, general liability coverage is mandatory to ride on trails and public land. It covers bodily injury or property damage caused to others in an accident. Additional coverage may apply depending on your situation, such as protection against theft, collision, or non-collision damage. Some coverage may also apply when riding outside Quebec.

A snowmobile is a seasonal vehicle. However, it can still be exposed to certain risks while in storage, including theft, fire, or other damage. It can be worthwhile maintaining certain coverage even when the vehicle is not being used.

A broker will help you adjust your coverage based on your vehicle and how you use it. This happens when choosing your insurance and when filing a claim.

This insurance can cover different types of snowmobiles.

  • Touring and long-distance snowmobiles
  • All-terrain snowmobiles
  • Trail snowmobiles
  • Utility and other snowmobiles

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Recommended coverage

Snowmobile insurance accounts for the risks associated with trail riding, off-road travel, and off-season storage. Some coverages protect against damage caused to others; others protect the snowmobile itself against various incidents.

General liability

You must have general liability coverage to ride on trails and public land in Quebec. It covers property damage or bodily injury caused to others in an accident. For travel outside Quebec, it is recommended to verify that the coverage amount is sufficient.

  • A fence belonging to a third party is damaged during an incident involving the snowmobile.
  • A third party sustains injuries in an accident involving the insured snowmobile.

Non-Collision damage

Certain events can damage a snowmobile without a direct impact with another vehicle or object. This coverage includes fire, theft, vandalism, severe weather. It can apply during use or while the vehicle is in storage.

  • The snowmobile is stolen from a garage or a campsite.
  • A fire causes significant damage to the vehicle.
  • Severe weather damages the snowmobile during storage.
  • An animal is struck on a trail and damages the vehicle. 

Collision or upset

This coverage applies to damage sustained to the snowmobile following an impact or rollover. It covers collisions with another vehicle, a tree, or an object on a trail, as well as loss of control. A deductible generally applies.

  • A snowmobile strikes a tree or an object on a trail.
  • The vehicle skids on a curve and rolls over.
  • A collision occurs with another recreational vehicle. 

Personal accident coverage

In the event of a serious accident, this coverage provides a benefit if significant injuries or a death occurs. It can help cover certain medical expenses or provide financial support depending on the coverage included in the policy.

  • An accident results in injuries requiring care or rehabilitation.
  • Permanent injuries appear following an incident.
    A death occurs following an accident involving the insured snowmobile.

Additional coverage options

Certain coverages can enhance your basic protection based on how you ride and your habits. They can be added to your snowmobile insurance to better reflect your reality on the trails.

Travel expenses

If a covered loss temporarily leaves you without your snowmobile, this coverage can help with certain costs incurred to get around another way. These expenses may include vehicle rental or accommodation costs during a trip away from home.

  • The snowmobile is inoperable following a covered loss during a trip away from the area.

Roadside assistance

A breakdown on an isolated trail can quickly complicate a day out. This coverage provides help when the unexpected happens. It covers towing, battery boosting, and fuel delivery, subject to the terms set out in the policy.

  • The snowmobile must be towed after a breakdown on a trail.
  • An intervention is needed following a mechanical failure in the backcountry.
  • A fuel delivery is required during a breakdown in a remote area. 

Waiver of depreciation

A vehicle loses value over time. In the event of a total loss following a covered loss, this coverage allows you to be compensated without factoring in  depreciation.

Accidental death and dismemberment

This coverage provides a benefit in the event of accidental death or dismemberment following an accident involving the snowmobile. It can help cover certain medical or funeral expenses depending on the coverage included in the policy.

Coverage for accessories and equipment

Accessories and equipment added to a snowmobile can represent significant value. This coverage protects these additions against loss or damage, subject to the conditions set out in the policy.

  • Navigation or communication equipment installed on the snowmobile is damaged in a covered loss. 
Handing over a car key between two people near a vehicle. Visual associated with replacement insurance after a loss or a claim.

Replacement cost coverage (Q.E.F. No. 5)

Replacement cost coverage (Q.E.F. No. 5) is an optional policy in addition to your primary snowmobile insurance policy. If your vehicle is declared a total loss or is stolen, this policy provides additional compensation to help replace your vehicle and offset depreciation.

The amount you receive depends on the condition of the vehicle at the time of purchase and the terms of your policy.

  • New vehicle: You are compensated based on the value of a similar new vehicle from the current model year, without depreciation applied.
  • Used vehicle:
    • Purchased from a dealer: You are compensated based on the purchase price, plus an indexed percentage for each year of use.
    • Not purchased from a dealer: You are entitled to a supplement to the compensation amount from your primary insurer.

  • No deductible in the event of a total loss
  • Reimbursement of the deductible in the event of a partial loss, depending on the option chosen
  • Premium guaranteed for the entire duration of coverage
  • Financing terms available from 12 to 84 months 

TAG discount: Is your vehicle equipped with a tracking system? A discount is applied directly to your premium. The system must be installed within the timeframe specified in the contract for the discount to apply.

  • Automobiles
  • Motorcycles and three-wheelers 
  • Snowmobiles 
  • All-terrain vehicles (ATVs, quads, and side-by-sides) 
  • Recreational vehicles (RVs) 
  • Trailers and tent trailers
  • Travel trailers and motorhomes 

This coverage can be especially valuable during the first years of ownership, when depreciation is at its highest. It may allow you to receive more than your vehicle’s actual cash value in the event of a covered loss.

Are you financing your vehicle over several years? Without this coverage, a total loss could leave you with a financing balance greater than the amount received.

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Save on your premium with La Turquoise discounts

Your La Turquoise broker helps you identify the discounts that apply to your situation. Savings vary depending on your profile and the coverage you choose.

Find the coverage that’s right for you

Contact a broker to get a personalized quote and advice tailored to your situation.

Your questions about snowmobile insurance

Have questions about snowmobile insurance in Quebec? This section covers the most common questions about requirements, available coverage, and what affects the cost of your insurance.

Yes, a valid or probationary license is required to ride on a public road, a marked trail, or any location open to traffic. Riders aged 16 and 17 must also hold a recognized training certificate.

Yes. The Act Respecting Off-Highway Vehicles requires every snowmobile owner to carry general liability insurance to ride on trails and public land. This coverage applies to property damage or bodily injury caused to others.

Generally, no. The Société de l’assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ) does not compensate for injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident, even if the vehicle is registered. One exception applies: a collision with an automobile on a public road.

In all other cases, private insurance is required to cover bodily injuries sustained by the rider or passengers.

Yes, purchasing a trail access pass through a club affiliated with the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Quebec (FCMQ) generally includes general liability coverage.

A Cabinet La Turquoise broker can verify whether you are properly covered.

In most cases, yes. A stored snowmobile generally remains covered against theft, fire, and vandalism under the coverages included in the policy.

Examples

  • A snowmobile is stolen from a garage during the winter.
  • A fire damages the vehicle while in storage.

Some coverage may be adjusted during the off-season. It is worth reviewing the terms before putting your vehicle away for the season.

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