Is the federation’s insurance enough for your quad or snowmobile in Quebec?
In Quebec, any owner of an off-road vehicle (ORV) — quad (ATV) or snowmobile — who uses marked trails must have a trail permit issued by the Fédération québécoise des clubs quads (FQCQ) or the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ). Since 2016, this sticker includes $1,000,000 in civil liability insurance. However, this minimum coverage does not cover damage to your own vehicle, off-road injuries, or lawsuits in excess of $1 million. This article explains what federal coverage actually covers, its important limitations, and how to supplement your coverage smartly.
What the ATV and snowmobile trail sticker covers
The annual sticker of the FQCQ and the FCMQ includes civil liability insurance of $1,000,000 protecting the insured if he or she injures another person while driving or transporting the vehicle on marked trails. This protection is required by the Act respecting off-highway vehicles (R.S.Q., c. V-1.2). The SAAQ does not cover injuries occurring on the trails.
- Liability up to $1,000,000
- Injuries to third parties on marked trails
- Coverage valid for the duration of the sticker
The 5 Important Limitations of Federal Protection
The trail sticker is a legal minimum, not complete protection. Here are the five most important things to know before hitting the road or trails.
1. Non-automatic renewal
If you don’t renew your sticker, you lose all coverage. Private insurance automatically renews when it expires and gives you well in advance, eliminating the risk of costly oversights.
2. Possibly insufficient $1 million cap
In the event of serious injury to a third party, lawsuits can exceed $1,000,000. The SAAQ does not cover injuries occurring on the trails. Private insurance allows you to obtain limits of $2 million or more, protecting you against large claims.
3. Damage to your vehicle not covered
The federation’s civil liability does not cover damage to your own quad or snowmobile in the event of a collision, theft or fire. Private RV insurance includes this essential coverage, especially if your vehicle is highly valuable.
4. Risk of double insurance if you already have a private policy
If you have personal liability insurance covering your PHEVs, federal coverage creates double protection. You can cancel the insurance portion of your sticker via a form available on the FCMQ website, and thus avoid paying twice for the same coverage.
5. More complex claims management
With two insurers (federation and private insurer), any claim involves two separate files — one for injuries, the other for property damage. This makes the process more cumbersome in the event of a claim and can lengthen the payment period.
Recommendation: which insurance should you choose for your quad or snowmobile?
For owners who are members of the federations, the best strategy is to keep the sticker (it is mandatory to access the trails) and add additional private insurance covering damage to the vehicle and a higher liability limit. A certified damage insurance broker can compare several insurers to find the most suitable coverage for your use: local trails only, interregional expeditions, competitions, etc. Premiums for an ATV or snowmobile generally range from $150 to $500 per year depending on the value of the vehicle and the coverage chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions — Quad and Snowmobile Insurance in Quebec
Does the federation’s insurance cover damage to my quad or snowmobile?
No. The protection included in the trail sticker only covers third party liability (injuries to others on the trails). It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. To protect your ATV or snowmobile from collision, theft or fire, you need private RV insurance.
What is the difference between FQCQ insurance and private ORV insurance?
The insurance included in the FQCQ or FCMQ sticker offers a civil liability of $1,000,000 valid only on marked trails. Private insurance for off-road vehicles is more comprehensive: civil liability with adjustable limit ($2 million or more), coverage for damage to your own vehicle, theft and fire protection, and possible coverage off the marked off-trail depending on the policy chosen.
How much does quad or snowmobile insurance cost in Quebec?
The annual premium is generally between $150 and $500 per year, depending on the value of the vehicle, the coverage chosen (civil liability only, or all risk), the driver’s profile and the region. Comparing offers with a certified damage insurance broker is the best way to get the best rate for your situation.
If I rent a snowmobile, am I covered by my personal insurance?
In general, no. Your personal insurance does not cover rented vehicles unless explicitly stated otherwise in your policy. Rental companies impose their own insurance. Before signing, carefully check the applicable deductible, liability limit, and coverage in the event of mechanical breakdown or accident.
Can I cancel the insurance included in my trail sticker?
Yes. The FCMQ and the FQCQ allow you to cancel the insurance portion of the sticker via an official form available on their respective websites, if you already have sufficient personal liability coverage for your off-road vehicles. This avoids unnecessary double insurance.
How do I save on my ATV or snowmobile insurance?
There are several strategies you can use to reduce your premium: bundle your insurance (car, home and ORV) with the same insurer, install a certified lock, take a recognized driving course, store your vehicle indoors during the off-season, adjust your deductible and compare offers each year with the help of a broker.
