November, 1999

Rules to remember this snowmobile season

This snowmobile season, SGI is reminding snowmobilers there are changes to insurance coverage and "rules of the road" to keep in mind.

The basic insurance coverage that comes with your snowmobile licence plate has changed. The Auto Fund is now providing liability-only coverage, which remains at $200,000. Vehicle damage insurance and personal injury coverage has been removed.

"The change was necessary to deal with high losses on snowmobiles in recent years," said Alan Cockman, Vice President, SGI Auto Fund. "The Auto Fund has been paying close to $3 in claims for every dollar of premiums taken in. Basically, other motorists have been subsidizing the snowmobile class. The move to liability-only coverage will enhance fairness in the Auto Fund."

The insurance premium for liability-only coverage is $95 annually for a snowmobile with an engine capacity of 450 cc or less, and $131 annually for a machine over 450 cc. Current snowmobile premiums range from $95 to $522 for all licence plate insurance coverages. The registration fee will remain at $9 per year.

Snowmobile owners should not assume the coverage change means other insurance isn’t necessary. Physical damage and additional liability coverage is still available from other insurance companies, including SGI CANADA. Personal injury coverage is available from life insurers.

The second big change that will affect snowmobilers, is a change to legislation. Effective this season, snowmobilers who use the trail system are required to purchase a trail permit. The permits cost $45 each and are available from local snowmobile clubs or from the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association.

The designated trails are located on highway rights of way (roads or ditches) or on private land. Permits are not required on trails located in provincial parks or on other Crown lands. While on a designated trail, a snowmobile owner must be licensed, as well as display a permanently attached trail permit on his/her machine. This does not apply to land owners or their immediate family members when the trail is situated on their private land.

The money from the permits will go into a fund, managed by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, that will help snowmobile clubs around the province build and maintain the trail system for the benefit of all snowmobilers in Saskatchewan. A percentage of the fund will also be used to support snowmobile safety programs in the province.

Of course, it's always important for sledders to keep safety in mind, no matter where they choose to ride. In January 1998, it became mandatory for all snowmobile operators to wear helmets. As well, children between the ages of 12 and 15 are now required to complete a safety course before they operate a machine in public areas and must be supervised while sledding.

The Snowmobile Safety Program is offered through the Saskatchewan Safety Council and teaches young people how to ride safely, and provides strategies to prevent snowmobile collisions. The course is not just for young people. SGI encourages snowmobilers of all ages to take the course, to help prepare for a safe, enjoyable season.

For media inquiries only, contact:
Julianne Jack
SGI Communications
Regina
(306) 775-6907

For all other inquiries, call 1-800-667-8015.

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