Heading out this Memorial Day weekend? Here's what your auto insurance won't cover — and what UPIX can
The long weekend is here — and so is the risk
Memorial Day weekend is one of the most active weekends of the year across New Jersey — and for good reason. The weather is finally right, the boats are back in the water, the ATVs are coming out of storage, and thousands of families are loading up the RV for the first road trip of the summer.
It's also one of the most common weekends for recreational vehicle accidents, theft, and damage claims. And the hard truth is that most people heading out this weekend are not properly insured for what they're about to do.
Why your regular auto insurance isn't enough
This is the misconception we hear most often at UPIX: "My car is insured, so my boat must be covered too." It isn't. Personal auto insurance policies are written specifically for licensed road vehicles. Recreational vehicles operate in different environments, carry different risks, and require their own dedicated policies. Here's how the gaps break down:
Boats and jet skis — almost never covered under standard auto or homeowners policies beyond a small dollar threshold. Damage, liability on the water, and theft all require a separate watercraft policy.
ATVs and off-road vehicles — excluded from auto policies entirely when operated off public roads. You need ATV-specific coverage for liability, collision, and comprehensive protection.
RVs and motorhomes — auto coverage typically applies only while the vehicle is in motion on a public road. When you're parked at a campsite, using it as a living space, or your personal belongings inside are damaged or stolen, you're on your own without RV insurance.
How much does recreational insurance actually cost?
A lot less than most people expect — which is exactly why there's no good reason to go without it. Basic boat insurance for smaller watercraft can start around $150 to $300 per year. ATV coverage often runs under $200 annually for basic liability and collision. RV insurance varies more depending on the vehicle's value and how often it's used, but UPIX compares multiple carriers to find the most competitive option for your situation.
Better yet, bundling recreational coverage with your existing UPIX auto or home policy typically unlocks a multi-policy discount that makes the added cost even easier to absorb.
Get covered before you head out
If you're planning to take the boat, ATV, or RV out this Memorial Day weekend and you're not sure whether you're covered, the answer is probably no. But it doesn't have to stay that way. UPIX Insurance in Elizabeth, NJ can get a recreational insurance quote together for you quickly — in English or Spanish — so you can head into the weekend with confidence instead of crossed fingers.
Click the button for a FREE recreational insurance quote before the weekend is over. Fast, affordable, and bundleable with what you already have at UPIX.
