Insuring Your Winter Toys: Snowmobiles, Ice Shanties, and Fat Bikes

Living in Minnesota brings a plethora of amazing outdoor opportunities, all year round. Come winter, the Land of 10,000 Lakes puts away its speed boats, jet skis, and mountain bikes and breaks out the snowmobiles, ice shanties, and fat bikes.

But, just like our summer toys , which require intentional insurance coverage, your winter toys need protective coverage to be sure your investment is safe. Let’s explore some of the questions many clients have had!

Liability insurance for your snowmobile is not legally required if you are using it on private property. However, we highly recommend that you purchase liability insurance for your snowmobile, to protect yourself from any legal liability that you might incur from an accident.

Liability insurance is important because snowmobile accidents happen. The Minnesota DNR tracks snowmobile accidents and fatalities, and in 2023/2024 , there were 15 accidents across the state that resulted in two fatalities, 11 personal injuries, and two property damage incidents.

If you ice fish, you know that an ice shanty makes the experience more practical and enjoyable. Not only can you reserve and preserve your fishing spot, but the huts keep you warm and protected from the elements while you enjoy your hobby.

Did you know you can get insurance for your fishing hut? In some cases – you can! 

Your auto insurance’s liability coverage will automatically extend from the vehicle while your ice shanty is being towed. There is never any physical damage coverage extended from the auto policy to a trailer; only liability coverage is extended. 

So, for example, if you are towing a camper, fish house, trailer, etc. and you get into an accident without having an individual policy on that trailer, there is zero coverage for that trailer. But if the trailer unhooks and hits something, there is liability coverage (extended from your auto policy) for the damage the trailer causes to people or property. 

Also, as soon as you park and unhook your ice structure, there is zero coverage for that unit (which could be worth thousands of dollars) through your auto insurance policy. 

If you want your shanty covered in case of damage, you will need an individual policy to cover it. 

Keep in mind that homemade fish houses are typically not insurable, since most insurance companies require them to be made by a manufacturer with a VIN number to meet underwriting requirements. 

Much like today’s electric scooters and other fun transportation gear, fat bikes have become a popular mode of winter transportation in Minnesota. If you have one of your own, you know just how fun they can be. 

From rental spots to owning their own, these wide-tired cycles often give winter riders more traction with more snow-capable wheel treads. If you have purchased your own, you might know what I’m going to say next: These bikes are not cheap.

While you are not held to a motor vehicle standard when it comes to insuring your fat bike, it is smart to be sure your purchase is protected. Check with your homeowner’s policy (or renter’s policy) to see if your fat bike is covered under your personal property. If not, talk to your agent to add it on. 

The best way to be sure you have your expensive winter toys protected with smart insurance policies is to work with a trusted agent. As an independent insurance agent, I can shop around to find the policy that fits you best. And, when it comes to the unique toys and equipment of Minnesota, you want someone who knows, lives in, and enjoys some of the same winter fun that you do!

It can sometimes take a unique approach to find the particular insurance protections for unusual winter toys, but I’m here to make that search my job. I can prepare a no-obligation quote, and we can discuss together how to best protect your winter hobbies. Click here to get started.