Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance Information
There several different types of motorcycle insurance coverages. Some may be required by law. Others are optional. The main coverages are:
-
Accessory Coverage - Covers loss, theft, or damage to motorcycle accessories like saddlebags, custom handlebars, and OEM electronics.
-
Comprehensive Physical Damage Coverage - Covers physical damage or loss of the motorcycle that is not the direct result of a moving vehicle collision.
-
Collision Coverage - Pays for damage to an insured motorcycle when it hits or is hit by another car or object, or if the motorcycle overturns.
-
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage - Pays damages for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and provides you with a legal defense. This includes passengers riding on your motorcycle.
-
Property Damage Liability Coverage - Pays damages for physical damage resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and provides you with a legal defense.
-
Medical Payments Coverage - Pays medical expenses of the parties riding on the motorcycle involved in a motorcycle accident.
-
Personal Injury Protection Coverage - This is an extension of motorcycle insurance available in some states that covers medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages. PIP is designed to be paid without regard to legal liability.
-
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage - Provides for a motorcycle operator to receive damages for any injury he or she receives from an uninsured, negligent driver. The coverage pays the difference between what the uninsured or underinsured driver can pay and what the injured operator would be entitled to as if the uninsured motorist had proper insurance
-
Motorcycle Roadside Assistance Coverage - Roadside assistance and breakdown coverage assist operators whose motorcycle has suffered a mechanical failure that leaves the operator stranded.
Things To Consider And Questions To Ask Your Agent
Your Independent Agent is an advocate for finding insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion:
01
How much can I afford to pay if my motorcycle is in an accident, damaged or stolen? (Ask your agent what your cost savings would be if you raised your deductible.)
02
What discounts and programs are available? (Ask about discounts for taking safety classes or having multiple policies. You may also save money if your motorcycle is stored in a garage or if you belong to a motorcycle association.)
03
How much medical and liability coverage should I have?
04
Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly?
05
What's the process for filing and settling a claim?
Tips For The Cost-Conscious Rider
Many factors can play a role in determining what your insurance costs will be such as your age, your driving record, where you live and the type of motorcycle you own, or being a graduate of a rider-training course.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course
Many companies offer discounts from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Riders under the age of 25, usually considered a higher risk, may see some savings by taking this course. It's also a good idea for cyclists who have already had accidents.
Discounts
Find out what discounts your insurance representative offers. Multibike discounts for those insuring more than one bike, organization discounts, if you're a member of a motorcycle association, and mature rider discounts for experienced riders, are just a few possibilities. Discounts can range anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent, depending on the company and your state. Availability and qualifications for discounts vary from company to company and state to state.