Is seasonal coverage available?

Complete Guide to Seasonal Coverage for Powersport Insurance

Why This Question Matters for Colorado and Utah Residents

Powersport vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and jet skis are often used seasonally due to Colorado and Utah's changing weather conditions. Winters can bring heavy snow, hail, and cold temperatures that make riding unsafe or impractical. For many owners, this means their vehicles will be stored during off-seasons, risking weather damage, theft, or vandalism while not in use.

• Local Weather Risks: Northern Colorado and Utah experience severe hailstorms and winter conditions. Hail causes approximately 23% of comprehensive claims on Powersport vehicles in Colorado, while snow and ice increase chances of damage during storage.
• Theft and Vandalism: Seasonal storage can increase vulnerability to theft, especially in unsecured locations. Larimer County and other areas see hundreds of stolen Powersport vehicles annually, highlighting the importance of protection even when not riding.
• Cost Savings Opportunity: Maintaining full coverage year-round can be costly. Seasonal or lay-up coverage allows owners to reduce premiums by only insuring against key risks during storage periods.

What Most People Get Wrong

Many owners assume they must keep full liability and collision coverage all year or risk losing protection. Others mistakenly cancel coverage entirely during the off-season, exposing themselves to major financial loss if theft or weather damage occurs. Some also misunderstand what lay-up coverage includes, expecting liability to remain active when it typically does not.

Understanding the nuances of seasonal coverage is crucial to avoid gaps in protection and optimize premium costs without sacrificing security.

The Complete Picture

Seasonal or lay-up coverage is a specialized insurance option designed for periods when your powersport vehicle is not in use. Typically, this policy maintains comprehensive protection—covering theft, fire, vandalism, and weather-related damage—while suspending collision and liability coverage, which are unnecessary when the vehicle is inactive and not being ridden.

This approach reflects the reality that risks do not disappear when you stop riding, but liability from use is paused. For residents in Colorado and Utah, this means you can safely store your motorcycle or snowmobile during winter months and avoid paying for collision or liability when the vehicle isn’t on the road or trail.

To qualify for lay-up coverage, you usually need to store the vehicle in a secure location, such as a garage or locked storage facility. Insurance companies may require documentation of storage and proof that the vehicle is not being used during this time.

By opting for seasonal coverage, many riders in Northern Colorado and Utah save 30% to 60% on their premiums over the months the vehicle is not used. This can translate to savings of several hundred dollars annually, depending on your vehicle type and coverage limits.

Remember, switching to seasonal coverage should be part of an annual insurance review with your agent to ensure your protection aligns with your current usage patterns and risk profile.

Making the Right Decision for Colorado and Utah Residents

Question 1: When and how often do you use your powersport vehicle?

Understanding your riding schedule helps determine if seasonal coverage fits your needs. If you store your vehicle for multiple months due to winter weather or seasonal access restrictions, seasonal coverage can reduce your insurance costs while maintaining key protections.

• Evaluate the months when your vehicle is actively ridden versus stored.
• Consider whether you use one or multiple powersport vehicles with different seasonal uses.

Question 2: What risks do you need to protect against during storage?

Assess whether your storage location is secure and if theft or weather damage is a concern. If your powersport is stored outdoors or in a less secure area, comprehensive coverage during lay-up is essential.

• Check local trends for theft and weather incidents in your area.
• Ensure your coverage includes comprehensive protections like theft, fire, and vandalism.

Question 3: Are you aware of the coverage limitations during seasonal or lay-up periods?

Know that liability and collision coverage usually do not apply during lay-up. Review your policy details to confirm exactly which coverages remain active and what documentation your insurer requires.

Discuss these details annually with your agent to avoid surprises and ensure your policy matches your needs.