Insurance requirements for ORV vehicles in BC
If you operate an ORV on or across highways, you're required to obtain ICBC’s Basic Insurance. If you operate an ORV on forest service roads, you'll need $200,000 in third-party liability insurance. This may be obtained from ICBC or other insurers.
For full comprehensive coverage (theft, damage), specialized private insurance is recommended.
Register all off-road vehicles (ORV)
You complete the transfer of ownership transactions at any ICBC Autoplan broker.
ORV registration with a number plate display is mandatory on Crown land, including resource roads. An off-road vehicle is designed for off-highway use and does not meet safety standards for on-highway use. In the event that you want to operate your off-road vehicle on a highway, you will need to register, get a plate, a licence and insurance.
Key ICBC ORV Insurance Details:
Requirements: Registration is required to operate on Crown land, and a valid driver's license is needed for forest service roads.
Coverage Limitations: Basic ICBC coverage is primarily for liability when crossing or using designated roads. It often does not cover damage to your own machine or theft.
Forest Service Roads (FSRs): When riding on FSRs, you must have at least $200,000 in third-party liability insurance, which can be provided by ICBC.
Private Coverage: Many owners purchase additional private insurance for collision, fire, theft, and vandalism, which offers broader protection than the ICBC basic policy.
Fraudulent Misrepresentation
Providing false information on an application to secure lower premiums. This means intentionally and knowingly making a false statement that misleads an insurance company into entering a contract under false pretenses. Since the person intended to deceive, the consequences of lying can be severe — and be treated as a felony.
What happens if insurance finds out you lied?
If an insurance company discovers that you've lied on your application, they may deny your coverage altogether. This means that in the event of an accident or claim, you would be left without insurance and responsible for any damages out of pocket. This could have devastating financial implications. You may have to pay the actual cost of the premiums that were due before any coverage is paid out.
Don’t be that person!
Join a club and legally save on your insurance premiums!
ORV Registration and Insurance - ATVBC