Hannibal City Council discusses insurance requirements for UTV permits in town

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The issue of insurance for Hannibal residents who drive UTVs around town was discussed at the Hannibal City Council meeting Tuesday night. 

The council approved for UTVs to be driven on most city streets in July 2021. The vehicles are not allowed on highways and must be inspected by a mechanic licensed in Missouri and operating in the Hannibal city limits. 

They must have lights, turn signals and slow moving vehicle flags with triangle signs. Once requirements are met, the owner of the UTV must get a permit from the city which will be placed on the vehicle.

To receive a Hannibal street permit for the UTV, the owner must show proof of general liability insurance in the minimum of $500,000 or full coverage insurance. 

Councilman Mike Dobson received an email from a local insurance agent expressing concern about the insurance coverage requirement for UTV drivers. The insurance agent suggested the city drop the full coverage requirement–leaving only the $500,000 liability.  

Dobson said he agrees with the insurance agent, and reported that the Missouri minimum full coverage limits are $525,000 bodily injury, $50,000 bodily injury per incident and $25,000 liability per incident. 

Dobson pointed out that UTVs do not offer the same safety features as passenger cars or pick up trucks. UTVs also lack airbags and the rigid side impact bars that are required in passenger vehicles. 

“If involved in an accident, the occupants of a UTV are subject to far greater injuries than if they were in a passenger vehicle. And let us keep in mind if they become Involved in an at fault accident with a higher priced car or pick up truck that $25,000 liability insurance could fall far short of what it might cost for repairs of the vehicle that they were in an accident with,” he said.

Dobson suggested they “take the advice of an insurance professional” and only accept the $500,000 minimum general liability.

Hannibal City Attorney James Lemon recalled when the requirements were first drafted, and said the Hannibal Police Department created them.

Several council members expressed their concern regarding the cost for UTV owners to change policies if necessary. Dobson said if the change was made it would not likely go into effect for some time.

Councilman Stephen Franke asked to table the discussion until the topic can be researched further. The council agreed to discuss the matter at the next meeting.

In other news:

Scott Boehmer was approved for a street closure for Y Mens Club of Hannibal for Down by the River for May 17 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and June 21 at 5 p.m. and Mud Volleyball for July 3-July 7.

A Public Hearing was held to rezone property owners within 185 feet of 574 Clinic Road to rezone from the business district to the Family Residential Business.