4X4 insurance is important. With the growing demand for 4x4s, the insurance policies and types specific to them have also risen.
4X4 Insurance: Evolution
4x4s or SUVs (sports utility vehicles) were originally created for off-road, utility or war applications. After World War II, these vehicles evolved into the consumer market as rural, hunting, farming or wilderness recreation vehicles. Hunters, loggers, campers, hikers, and outdoorsmen used them (and still do) for work and play in rugged terrain.
In the late 1980s, SUVs became increasingly popular with daily drivers. They were used in the city, while also being able to tackle mud, dirt, snow, ice and other challenging terrain. Currently, in urban use, most of them never see any off-road conditions. However, due to their large size and imposing presence on the road, 4x4 insurance can differ from insurance for other vehicles.
4X4s: Makes and Models
There is a wide range of makes and models of 4x4s, which vary depending on country or region. Some of the most well-known, classic 4x4s are the Willys Jeep Wagon, Jeep CJ5 and CJ7, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Comanche, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Commander, Toyota 4-Runner, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, International Harvester Scout, GMC Jimmy, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Isuzu Trooper, and of course the HMMWV, Hummer H1, Hummer H2, and Hummer H3.
Many of the more luxurious SUVs that are also 4x4s include the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW X6, Mercedes GLK, Mercedes M Class, Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Freelander, Honda Passport, Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Porsche Cayenne.
All of these require 4x4 insurance specially-tailored to off-road, four-wheel-drive, or SUVs.
How 4X4 Insurance Differs from General Auto Insurance
Although a 4X4 can be covered via a traditional auto insurance policy, there are benefits of purchasing a 4X4 insurance policy. In contrast to general auto insurance, a 4X4 insurance policy provides cover for:
Both on- and off-road use of the vehicle
Additional accessories loaded into the vehicle