Specialty Vehicle Insurance

Golf carts, snow vehicles, snowmobiles and ATVs require custom coverage to protect you from financial loss and liability. Get the right coverage for your off-road and non-standard vehicle.

Thinking about getting an off-road vehicle?

At Reliance, we understand the thrill of off-road adventures! ICBC classifies off-road vehicles (ORVs) and other non-standard vehicles as “specialty vehicles.” This means they need special registration and insurance. If you plan to take your specialty vehicle on the road, you’ll need basic insurance. Remember, you must be 16 to drive it.

Want extra protection? Consider liability coverage. This can help cover damages if you’re involved in an accident. And if your special vehicle gets into an accident or it’s stolen, comprehensive coverage can be a lifesaver. At Reliance, we offer tailored insurance solutions to keep you covered.

Off-road vehicles

ORV registration with a number plate is mandatory for vehicles operating on Crown land (Public Land), including resource roads (gravel roads used to access natural resources, such as logging roads). Off-road vehicles aren’t designed for highway use, and you will be required to be registered, plated and insured if you want to operate it on a highway.

The following are the eligible ORV vehicle types:

• Golf carts
• Snow vehicles
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATV)
• Trucksters
• Restricted use motorcycles (RUMs)
• U-bilt vehicles and trailers
• Farm trucks

You will also require a valid drivers license to operate an off-road vehicle on public roads, highways and forest service roads.

BC ORV registration

• Vehicles purchased in BC will require a Fully completed Tax Transfer Form (APV9T), and either New Vehicle Information Statement (Nvis), or a Certificate of Origin if the vehicle is a Quad, restricted motorcycle or snow mobile.
• ORVs purchased out of province will also require a Transfer form Nvis or Certificate of Origin and a bill of sale.
• If the ORV is coming from the U.S., it will also require a Form 1 or RIV form, as well as one of the following; a B15, B3, or B4E form from the border.

If you operate an ORV on a highway, you will be required to have Basic ICBC Insurance, and if you operate an ORV on forest roads, you will need $200,000 in Third Party Liability Insurance. On all other crown land, liability insurance is not required but highly recommended.

Ubilt vehicles and trailers

These vehicles can be newly licensed and insured if they meet B.C. registration requirements.

Trailers

• Ubilt trailers must have a GVW under 1400 kgs.
• Original documents for each major component are required; typically this includes a bill of sale, manufacturer’s statement of origin, or a vehicle registration document.
• If the vehicle documents are missing, you must complete a declaration form and have it notarized to register the vehicle.
• VIN numbers are not required for these types of trailers, but you can apply for one.

Vehicles

• Passenger and light commercial vehicles must have a GVW under 5000 kgs.
• The vehicle must meet the equipment standards set by the BC Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.
• Ubilt Vehicles also require an original document for each major component, including the bill of sale, and manufacturer’s statement of origin. Otherwise, a vehicle declaration form must be signed and notarized prior to registration.
• Cars and trucks must have a BC assigned Vin from ICBC, and passed a vehicle inspection report.

 

Farm trucks

Your farm vehicle may qualify for farm truck plates; these plates are available for farmers to use on commercial vehicles, such as pickup trucks and flatbed trucks if the vehicle is going to be used for farming or driven by a farmer for pleasure use.

Floater Farm plates are available for farm and industrial vehicles that primarily operate off-highway but may need a plate for occasional highway use, such as picking up equipment, scheduled service, and delivering goods. This policy provides Off-Highway Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive coverage, and it includes Highway Liability when the heaviest listed truck on the policy is plated with a Farm plate. This policy is crucial because the lawsuit ban in B.C. does not apply to farm vehicles operating off-highway.

Many farmers have unlicensed farm tractors and equipment that occasionally need to cross a highway, such as when moving between two farms or plowing fields on both sides of a highway. The Unlicensed Farm Vehicles policy provides Highway Liability coverage for all listed farm tractors and powered farm vehicles, as well as unlisted non-powered vehicles.”

For all your off-road vehicle needs, trust Reliance to provide the best insurance and registration services. Contact us today to learn more!