What to know about Motorcycle Insurance

What to know about Motorcycle Insurance.

Hitting the open road on a motorcycle for a day of adventure, either alone or with friends, is a feeling like no other. Whether you’re going for a road trip on a touring bike or just tooling around town on a scooter, motorcycling is inherently risky. Motorcycle insurance can help protect you and others should you have an accident while riding. Many of the coverages available on a Motorcycle policy are similar to those on an Auto policy (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, etc). But there are also some coverages specific to Motorcycle insurance that are worth considering:

• Accessories coverage is intended to protect any of the custom parts and equipment which are added to the bike, either by the dealer or by the owner. Many riders can’t tell the difference between a stock part and a customized part, especially when buying a used motorcycle. So many insurance carriers include a set amount (usually approximately $3,000) of Accessory coverage for free when purchasing Comprehensive and/or Collision coverage. And then additional Accessories coverage can be purchased, usually with a maximum allowable limit of $30,000.
• Roadside Assistance coverage provides the peace of mind that help is just a phone call away if your bike becomes inoperable. Most insurance companies provide this coverage both if the motorcycle breaks down due to a mechanical issue and as a result of an accident. Roadside Assistance will help with delivering gas, jumping a dead battery, or towing the vehicle to the closest licensed repair facility.
• Uninsured Motorist coverage, also known as UM/UIM coverage, pays for your injuries if the person responsible for the accident either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical expenses. Oftentimes this is an expensive coverage for motorcyclists because the rider’s injuries can be severe and the resulting medical bills can be expensive. But this coverage will prevent you from having to pay those bills out of your own pocket.

Do I Need To Wear A Helmet When Riding A Motorcycle?

Mandatory helmet laws vary by state. But even in states where it isn’t required, helmets are highly recommended as they are proven to significantly reduce the severity of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.  And this holds true for whether you’re riding a sport bike or a scooter.

Is Motorcycle Insurance Expensive?

Many different factors play a role when determining the cost of motorcycle insurance: where you live, your driving record, your age and marital status, what type of motorcycle you own, whether you own a home, even your credit score can all have an impact on how much you’ll pay for insurance. The best way to find out what your premium will be is to ask a licensed agent in our office to provide you with some quotes from several of the top insurance companies.