Do you like your holidays with a slice of adventure? Whether it’s slicing up sand dunes, getting around on farm fields or touring Greek islands, quad biking can be a thrilling adventure. But if you’re planning to ride a quad bike on your next trip, it’s important to ensure that you understand whether you’re covered by your travel insurance before settling in the saddle.
Not all Australian travel insurers cover quad biking as standard. There are many conditions to be aware of before you get behind the wheel of an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle).
If your insurer does offer cover, the following terms are likely to apply:
- you may need to pay extra to cover the activity by way of an adventure pack add-on.
- you may only be covered if you booked through a legitimate operator.
- you must wear a helmet at all times.
- age limits and destination exclusions can also apply.
- a higher excess sometimes applies for riskier activities, so check whether a different excess may apply.
So where can you find quad biking travel insurance? Saddle up and find out right here…
Which travel insurers cover quad biking?
Please note: An additional premium or adventure pack may be required in order to be sufficiently covered. Click on the ticks and crosses for more information.
| Insurer | Underwriter | Cover for Quad Biking | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 | HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia | ||
 | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | ||
 | Allianz Australia Insurance | ||
| Limited,yes - , | |||
 | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | ||
 | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | ||
 | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | ||
 | Certain underwriters at Lloyd's | ||
 | Certain underwriters at | ||
| LLoyd's,yes - , | |||
 | Chase Underwriting | ||
 | Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited | ||
 | Southern Cross | ||
 | Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited | ||
 | Pacific International Insurance | ||
 | Pacific International Insurance | ||
 | Chase Underwriting | ||
 | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | ||
 | Pacific International Insurance | ||
 | Allianz Australia Insurance | ||
| Limited,yes - , | |||
 | HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia | ||
 | Allianz Australia Insurance | ||
 | Chubb Insurance Australia Limited | ||
 | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | ||
 | Allianz Australia Insurance Limited | ||
 | AIG Australia Limited | ||
 | Zurich Australian Insurance Limited | ||
 | nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd |
Get on track
Some insurers such as 1Cover, Travel Insurance Direct, InsureandGo & Zoom travel insurance will not cover quad biking at all as they consider it too risky to insure.
Rise in quad biking accidents
A significant number of Australians are injured or killed in quad bike accidents every year. This has raised concerns for the those participating in the activity overseas, where holiday adrenaline runs high, and safety standards can be low!
Australians regularly die in overseas accidents. Young inexperienced travellers are taking part in activities they typically wouldn’t do at home. Often with little regard to the safety standards of the providers they choose and failing to appreciate just how risky their actions may be.
From a travel insurance perspective, you are very unlikely to be covered for deliberately putting yourself in harms way, or for acts of ‘recklessness’. This can include participating in high-risk sports and activities such as quad bike riding. It’s your responsibility to act wisely and take all required safety precautions when travelling overseas, as well as making sure you’re covered by your travel insurance policy.
Quad bike safety tips:
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Wear a helmet: Your brain is important, so protect it. The most common accident occurs when the bike flips over on top of you, so, at a minimum, a helmet can reduce your risk of a serious brain injury. High quality quad bike provides will require helmets be worn but whether it’s compulsory or not, make sure you wear a helmet.
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Go with a pro: Don’t just hire a quad bike from anyone. Rent from a reputable, licenced commercial operator who will be required to complete relevant safety checks and provide appropriate training.
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Be sensible: You may consider yourself a whizz on wheels, but the injury statistics say it all. Consider the repercussions of your actions when engaging in risky behaviour abroad. Quad biking is a dangerous activity, plus, while travelling, you’re on unfamiliar terrain so be extra careful.
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Know the rules: Whether you’re hiring a quad bike or a car overseas, remember that road rules differ greatly around the globe. Be vigilant when riding or driving in an unknown area to avoid dangers like other risky-riders and dangerous terrain.
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Have the right licence: You wouldn’t drive without a licence back home, so why risk it on holidays? To ride legally overseas you may need a licence valid for the same class of vehicle you’re intending to hire, sometimes accompanied with an international driver’s permit.
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Get travel insurance: Don’t assume that your policy covers you for riding a quad bike, moped or motorbike automatically. Do your research and buy a policy that adequately covers your planned adventure activities. Compare travel insurance for your action-packed adventure today. Quad biking is not for the faint-hearted, before you saddle up, make sure you’ve got adequate protection to cover the most important thing on your holiday - you!
