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Snowmobiling is a true national sport for some of us. And its paradise can be found somewhere in Abitibi-Témiscamingue! Here’s how to make the most of your time on the trails.
In winter, it’s off to the trails! Every year, Abitibi-Témiscamingue welcomes more than 40,000 snowmobilers. They come from Quebec, but also from the United States and Europe.
The quality of the trails, the warmth of the welcome and the abundance of package deals for even the most demanding visitor have transformed the region into a true paradise for this winter sport. What’s more, it generates locally more than 600 jobs and over $50 million in economic benefits.
Snowmobiling is not just for individuals. Far from it! Package deals in Abitibi-Témiscamingue include family activities, accommodation and even snowmobile rentals if you don’t have your own.
Why join a snowmobile club?
Before you set off for your next adventure on your speedy snowmobile, it’s important to take a few precautions. Snowmobiling requires much more than just choosing a machine or buying warm clothes.
In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, there are 11 snowmobile clubs in all parts of the region. By joining one of them, snowmobilers get a card from the FCMQ (Quebec federation of snowmobiling clubs), which gives them unlimited access to the best-maintained trails in North America (Abitibi is entitled to brag!). However, to join a club, you need to get a trail permit. As of this year, trail permits can only be purchased online; it’s no longer possible to do so at a dealership. Did you know that most of the trail permit fees go directly to the clubs for trail maintenance? That’s how everyone benefits!1
There are other advantages to the FCMQ card. In Quebec, a minimum of $500,000 in civil liability insurance is mandatory for anyone using marked trails. The FCMQ card makes the holder eligible for $1,000,000 in liability insurance for their snowmobile. And for the modest sum of $22 a year, you can literally double that protection. With the card expiring on December 31 each year, it’s essential to renew it at least a month before year-end to maintain the protection.
Why supplement liability insurance
Still, liability insurance through snowmobile club membership has its limits: it only covers property or personal damage caused to third parties, but it does not include any coverage for the snowmobile or its driver. In other words, it does not cover any material damage to the vehicle. Moreover, even though snowmobiles are motor vehicles, the SAAQ (Quebec automobile insurance corporation) does not cover personal injury as a result of a snowmobile accident.
What if you already have liability insurance, but you don’t want a snowmobile accident to end your season early or cost you a fortune in repairs? A snowmobile insurance policy will let you head off for the trails with peace of mind. Ask your broker for an insurance quote, they will give you all the details.
Other benefits with Intact Insurance
In addition to covering your vehicle, Intact snowmobile insurance offers a range of indispensable coverage for all snowmobilers, especially those who like to travel long distances.
This insurance includes roadside assistance within a 100-kilometre radius:
- Out of fuel? No worries, we’ll deliver enough for you to join the next relay!
- Trouble starting? The battery boost service will get you back on the trails in no time.
- Even in the event of a more serious mechanical breakdown, roadside assistance will tow your snowmobile to the nearest repair shop.
In Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this service is available free of charge to all Intact snowmobile policy holders.
Holders can also use the services of an advisor who can help them map out a detailed itinerary of their next snowmobiling adventure.
So, to make the most of winter, be sure to check in with one of our brokers!