You’re riding safely on a two-way trail when a kid on a Raptor 700 comes flying around a blind corner—on your side—and slams into you. Your UTV is totaled ($25,000). Your leg is broken ($40,000).
The kid has no insurance and no money. If you don’t have the right coverage, you’re paying for his mistake.
Key Takeaways
- UM/UIM is Mandatory (Practically): Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays for your vehicle and medical bills when the at-fault rider can’t.
- 50% are Uninsured: On the trails, insurance compliance is incredibly low. Assume everyone else is uninsured.
- Property Damage UM: Some states separate UM for “Bodily Injury” and “Property Damage.” You need both.
- Collision Deductible Waiver: If you have UM and get hit by an uninsured rider, some carriers waive your deductible.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Other Guy” Myth
Riders think, “I’m a safe driver, I don’t need high limits.” But you can’t control the drunk guy on the trail. Without UM coverage, your insurance company fixes your bike (minus deductible) but pays zero for your pain and suffering or lost wages.
The Investigation: The Cost of Protection
I quoted adding UM/UIM to a standard policy.
Geico
- Scenario: Adding
50k/50k/100k UM Bodily Injury and $25k UM Property Damage. - Cost: It added about $40/year to the policy.
- Value: Exceptional. For the price of a tank of gas, you protect yourself against the masses.
Markel
- Observation: They aggressively offer UM. They know the stats. They see the claims where safe riders get destroyed by reckless ones.
Comparison Table: Crash Scenarios
| Scenario | No UM Coverage | With UM Coverage |
| At-Fault Rider has Insurance | Their policy pays | Their policy pays |
| At-Fault Rider has NO Insurance | You pay Medical / Collision pays bike | UM Pays Medical / UM Pays Bike |
| Hit & Run (Unknown Rider) | You pay Medical | UM Pays Everything |
[IMAGE: Graphic showing two ATVs colliding, with one rider labeled “Uninsured” and the other labeled “Protected”]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Limits: Look for “Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury.” If it says “Rejected” or “$0,” change it immediately.
- Match Your Liability: If you carry $100k liability, carry $100k UM. Your life is worth as much as the stranger’s.
- Call the Police/Ranger: In a trail crash, you must get a police report to trigger a UM claim. It proves another vehicle was involved (especially in hit-and-runs).
- Get Witness Info: If the other guy runs, witnesses are your only proof it wasn’t a solo crash.
FAQ
Does my health insurance cover the crash?
Yes, but you will owe copays and deductibles. UM coverage can pay those, plus lost wages and pain/suffering.