The Business Owner’s Guide to Off-Road Vehicle Rental Insurance

Written by Leah Bright—Insurance Agent

March 7, 2025 · 4 minute read

Blog The Business Owner’s Guide to Off-Road Vehicle Rental Insurance

Owning an ATV or off-road vehicle rental business is about providing adventure. Riders come to you for excitement—whether it’s powering through rugged trails, kicking up sand dunes, or exploring snowy terrain. But with that thrill comes risk, and as a business owner, those risks fall on you.

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One accident, unexpected rollover, or reckless rider can leave you facing damaged equipment, medical bills, or even lawsuits. And here’s the kicker—standard business insurance doesn’t cover many of the risks unique to off-road rentals.

That’s why tailored off-road vehicle rental insurance exists—to protect your business from the unexpected so you can focus on keeping the adventure going.

What makes off-road rental insurance different?

It’s a common mistake many rental business owners make. They assume their general commercial policy or a basic auto insurance plan will cover the off-road vehicles they rent out. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Unlike standard insurance policies, off-road rental insurance is specifically designed to protect against:

  • Liability from customer accidents – You could be held responsible if a rider crashes and gets injured.
  • Damage to rental vehicles – Even experienced riders hit obstacles, tip over, or return equipment in worse shape than when they took it out.
  • Business interruptions due to claims – A single uncovered accident could halt operations or lead to legal trouble.

A generic insurance policy may provide some coverage, but it’s full of gaps that could leave you exposed to risks. Specialized off-road rental insurance closes those gaps by addressing your business’s everyday risks.

What are the risks of running an off-road vehicle rental business?

Running an off-road vehicle rental business means carefully balancing thrill with responsibility. From unpredictable riders to rough terrain and legal liabilities, the potential for financial loss is always present. Without proper protection, a single accident could have serious consequences for your business.

Inexperienced or Overconfident Riders

Many customers renting an ATV or UTV are first-time riders. Some take things slow, but others push limits, underestimating how easy it is to flip a vehicle or lose control.

Unpredictable Terrain

Off-road conditions are constantly changing. A smooth trail one day could be riddled with hazards the next, increasing the chances of rollovers or vehicle damage.

Speeding, Overloading, and Unauthorized Use

Riders sometimes push machines beyond their limits, ignoring safety guidelines or taking passengers where they shouldn't. Without safeguards, these actions can quickly lead to injuries, property damage, or liability claims against your business.

Legal & Financial Consequences

Even with signed waivers, you could still face lawsuits if a rider is hurt. Medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and legal fees add up fast—and without the proper insurance, you could be covering those costs out of pocket.

What Vehicles Are Covered?

Whether you rent out a fleet of ATVs or offer a variety of adventure vehicles, insurance can be tailored to cover the following:

  • ATVs & UTVs
  • Slingshots & Spyders
  • Snowmobiles
  • Dune Buggies & Sand Rails
  • Gem Cars & Low-Speed Electric Vehicles

Each vehicle comes with unique risks, from rollover potential to liability concerns. Having the right coverage ensures that your business is protected from financial loss in the event of an accident or damage, no matter what you rent out,

Essential coverages for ATV and off-road rental businesses

The right insurance isn’t a simple formula; more important is ensuring your business can handle unexpected risks without major financial setbacks. The right coverage provides protection where it matters most:

  • Rental Liability Insurance: Covers damages if a customer crashes or misuses a vehicle.
  • Fleet Insurance: Protects multiple vehicles under one policy, saving you time and money.
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Provides liability and physical damage coverage for business-owned vehicles.
  • General Liability Insurance: Shields your business from third-party injury or property damage claims.
  • Property Damage Coverage: Pays for property damage caused by your rental vehicles.
  • Umbrella Insurance: Extends coverage beyond standard policy limits for significant claims.

The right insurance isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about protecting your business, vehicles, and peace of mind. At Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, we have years of experience helping off-road rental companies to tailor coverage that fits their needs.

Let’s explore what “proper protection” looks like for your business.

Start your quote today!

Have questions? Contact:

Leah Bright

Leah Bright

Insurance Agent

Call: (800) 525-2060
Book an Appointment»

Leah Bright was born and raised in Wiggins, Mississippi, and graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson with a degree in business administration. She was the captain of the lacrosse team and recognized by the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society for being in the 10% of the undergraduate class in the business school.

After school, Leah lived abroad for a year teaching English in a private language school on the southern coast of Spain. In her spare time, she enjoyed taking Spanish horseback riding lessons. Upon returning to the United States, Leah became a wrangler at a famous guest ranch in Wyoming where she learned the ins and outs of the guest ranch industry. This helped her in her next role in helping run the executive office of the Dude Ranchers’ Association and annual convention where she worked with and visited many ranches across the West.

Today Leah is a professional insurance agent for Leavitt Group Insurance, focusing on unique risk management solutions tailored to the outdoor and recreation industry, specifically ranches and lodges throughout the West. If you are looking for someone who knows the potential liability risks of your ranch or lodge, Leah will put together a comprehensive program for you. Leah and her team understand the importance of getting you the right coverage at a great price.

Leah currently lives in Cody, Wyoming with her family and enjoys raising her young daughter, Millie, in Western fashion. They enjoy horseback riding, camping, fishing and hunting throughout the West.

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