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A law that’s been in effect since July 1999 has homeowners insurers viewing certain off-road vehicles a little differently these days, according to information from Nationwide. The law requires that some all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) be registered as motor vehicles, which changes the way homeowners coverage may apply.

The law makes several changes in titling, registration and operation; registration of an ATV is now required unless the use of the vehicle falls within one of three specific situations:

• If the ATV is operated exclusively upon lands owned by the owner of the vehicle.
• If the ATV is owned and used in Ohio by a nonresident where the nonresident’s home state has a similar registration law in effect and the vehicle is properly registered in that state.
• If the vehicle is owned by the United States or another political subdivision.

So how will this impact me, you may ask? Check your homeowners policy and talk with your agent, because before Ohio enacted this law, insureds were able to present claims under two sections of their Nationwide homeowners policies – personal property and liability coverage.

In many instances, the ATV owner who rides exclusively on his property may have to cross a road or highway to get to another portion of his land. In that case, the ATV must be registered and would not be covered according to language in Nationwide’s Homeowners Policy.

If you own an ATV that must be registered, you may want to talk with your insurance agent about a recreational vehicle policy to cover those items for loss or for any third party liability.

For more information, contact your insurance agent.