What is carried contents coverage?

Complete Guide to Carried Contents Coverage for Powersport Vehicles

Why This Question Matters for Colorado and Utah Residents

If you own a powersport vehicle such as a motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile, or personal watercraft in Colorado or Utah, understanding carried contents coverage is essential to protecting more than just your vehicle. Both states’ diverse terrains and weather conditions, along with high theft rates in recreational areas, make your personal gear vulnerable.

• Protection for valuable gear: Riding in mountainous areas or on trails in Fort Collins, Boulder, or Park City often means carrying essential and costly items like helmets, GPS devices, or cameras that aren’t covered by standard vehicle insurance.
• Theft risks: Colorado’s I-25 corridor and Utah’s Salt Lake City suburbs experience notable theft occurrences involving powersport vehicles and accessories, increasing the importance of additional coverage.
• Peace of mind during outdoor adventures: Weather and terrain risks such as hailstorms or remote storage elevate the chances of damage or losses to your personal belongings carried with your vehicle.

What Most People Get Wrong

Many riders mistakenly believe their standard powersport insurance automatically covers personal items like boots, backpacks, or electronics. In reality, carried contents coverage is separate and often optional, so belongings can be left unprotected.

Another common misunderstanding is underestimating the value of carried gear or assuming low theft risk in rural trail areas, despite data showing significant losses and theft along popular Colorado and Utah trails.

The Complete Picture

Carried contents coverage is an optional insurance add-on that protects your personal belongings carried on or alongside your powersport vehicle. Unlike the standard policy that covers damage to your vehicle itself, this coverage helps replace lost, stolen, or damaged items such as helmets, protective clothing, GPS units, and personal electronics.

In Northern Colorado, for instance, theft claims for powersport accessories have contributed to over $200,000 in recoveries within Larimer County alone. This underscores how valuable and vulnerable these personal items can be.

Coverage limits, deductibles, and specific terms vary by insurer and policy, so riders should carefully review what personal items are eligible, any caps per item or total, and exclusions such as damage during off-trail use unless endorsed. It is especially important for those who use their vehicle frequently in areas known for theft or harsh weather—common in Utah’s Park City or Colorado Springs.

Investing in carried contents coverage can mean the difference between recovering your full financial loss or bearing expensive out-of-pocket costs. For example, replacing a stolen GPS or helmet could cost $300 to $1,000 or more.

Making the Right Decision for Colorado and Utah Residents

Question 1: What personal items do I typically take on my rides and what are their values?

Inventory your gear carefully. Consider items like helmets, gloves, GPS devices, smartphones, cameras, and backpacks. Assess their replacement costs to gauge how much coverage you might need.

• List items and keep receipts or photos to document value.
• Include aftermarket accessories and protective equipment.

Question 2: How often and where do you ride your powersport vehicle?

Consider whether your rides occur primarily on private land with lower theft risk or public trails known for higher incidents. Frequent trail riders or those storing vehicles in open or unsecured locations should lean towards stronger coverage.

Question 3: Are there seasonal or storage factors that increase risk?

In Colorado and Utah, off-season storage in garages or external sheds can expose carried items to hail or theft. Decide if seasonal policies or endorsements can better protect your gear during these times.