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Off-roading Utah: What you need to know about insurance and popular fall trails

Off-roading Utah: What you need to know about insurance and popular fall trails

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Ripping and roaring through Utah's winding mountain trails and dusty desert paths on your all-terrain vehicle, four-wheeler or dirtbike is one of life's greatest pleasures for many people. But that off-road bliss can quickly turn to pain and regret if they neglect one very important thing before they head out: insurance.

ATV insurance requirements vary by state. In Utah, certain ATVs require liability coverage, but given the stats, further coverage may be a good idea. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 112,300 injuries associated with off-highway vehicles were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 2020.

Because ATV accidents are more common than you might think, here's what you need to know to ensure maximum safety — and fun — on Utah's off-road trails.

First: Get the right insurance coverage

Before you hop on your ATV or UTV and hit the dirt road, here's what the Utah Insurance Department wants you to remember about insurance coverage.

First, your most expensive financial risk may be before you even start riding. Towing tens of thousands of dollars worth of recreational vehicles behind your car is not something you should take lightly.

"Unless you have specific coverage for these units, they will not be covered if you are involved in an accident, not to mention the cost of the trailer or other unit you are using to transport the units," the department states.

You'll want to make sure you're properly covered for rented or borrowed units as well. Read your rental contract carefully so that you understand what you'll be responsible for in the event of an accident.

Also keep in mind that you could be held liable for bodily injury, property damage and medical bills if you get into an accident with other riders. Even if you do have mandatory liability coverage, it won't protect you from personal property damage.

The department recommends checking with your local agent to make sure you have adequate coverage for whatever risk exposure you might face.

Next: Enjoy the ride!

Once you're covered and have followed all the necessary safety precautions, it's time to go riding! Fall offers some spectacular scenery in Utah's backcountry and for many cooler temps (we hope) and vivid colors make it the best season of the year for off-road adventures. Here are some popular Utah trails to check out on your next excursion.

Off-roading Utah: What you need to know about insurance and popular fall trails
Photo: LHBLLC/Shutterstock.com

Paiute Trail

If you want a trail that's highly rated among OHV enthusiasts, here's one you can't miss. Located in south-central Utah, the 275-mile-long Paiute Trail attracts riders from all over and was listed as one of the "Top 10 Places to Ride in the USA" by Dirt Wheels magazine.

You could easily spend three to four days exploring just the main loop of the trail, which spans 275 miles. Add the 1,000 more miles of side trails and you could enjoy weeks of endless off-road adventures. Dense forests and panoramic vistas await you on this popular OHV destination.

Arapeen Trail

The Arapeen Trail in Sanpete County is another off-road playground that offers hundreds of miles for riders of all abilities to explore. The area is well maintained with a beautiful forest backdrop, so you can while away several hours of scenic, four-wheeling bliss. Due to its popularity, you may run into an ATV jamboree while you're riding around this trail system.

Off-roading Utah: What you need to know about insurance and popular fall trails
Photo: Jason Finn/Shutterstock.com

Hell's Revenge

Don't let the name dissuade you — Hell's Revenge in Moab is a heavenly retreat for off-road, white-knuckle thrill seekers! This expert-level trail is designed to get your heart pumping as you climb steep slopes and navigate gnarly twists and turns. You might wonder what you were thinking halfway through, but by the end of the ride you'll be itching to test it out again.

Fins & Things OHV Trail

If you prefer something a little tamer in Moab, be sure to check out the Fins & Things OHV Trail. With a 4.8-star average rating and nearly 1,000 reviews on AllTrails, this moderately challenging route promises to leave a smile on your face. The slickrock obstacles will build your confidence to tackle tougher terrains like Hell's Revenge if that's on your bucket list.

Fivemile Pass Recreation Area

Fivemile Pass Recreation Area in Utah County beckons off-roaders to come and ride through 50 miles of trails, drop-offs and hills surrounded by juniper bushes, pinion pines and sagebrush. For maximum enjoyment, set up camp and enjoy an evening full of stars thanks to the minimal light pollution.

Moab Rim Trail

By now, you'll have noticed that there's no shortage of off-road recreational fun to be had in Moab and the Moab Rim Trail is no exception — especially if you have a Jeep. With a high technical rating, this difficult trail is not one for novice riders, so be careful!

Be safe out there

If you are new to the UTV scene or you just want to hang out and learn from other off-road enthusiasts, consider joining UTVUtah or the Facebook group UTVUtah. With more than 40,000 members, there are plenty of members willing to share their knowledge and advice.

Anytime you test the limits of a vehicle — whether on the road or off — you run the risk of an accident or a serious injury. After you've insured your vehicle, it's important to ensure your safety. Wear your helmet, buckle your seatbelt and stick to trails that match your skill level.

If an accident does happen, be sure to get the legal help you need right away so you can get back on the road to financial and physical recovery as soon as possible. Contact the offices of Brad DeBry Law if you or a loved one is injured in an off-roading accident. They can help you get the settlement you deserve—without you having to deal with insurance companies.

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