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9 Tips to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance

9 Tips to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance

According to 2011 data from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, there are approximately 8.4 million motorcycles on the road in the U.S. In 2011, 81,000 motorcycle riders and passengers suffered injuries. With statistics like that, it’s clear how important it is to have the best motorcycle insurance for you.

Fortunately, insuring your motorcycle doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Let’s look at some of the most effective ways to get cheap motorcycle insurance.

1) Enroll in a Training Course

You may be able to get a discount on your motorcycle insurance by completing training courses aimed at helping you become a safer rider.

Motorcycle training courses are an especially good choice for riders who’ve had an accident or who are new to riding.

NOTE: Most insurers limit how often this discount can be applied, typically once every 3 to 5 years, meaning you typically can’t take a course every year for a discount.

2) Become a “Preferred Operator”

Preferred operators are motorcycle riders with clean driving records. A clean driving record is one with no or very few accidents, tickets, or other violations.

The definition of clean driving record may vary by insurance company. Make sure you know what’s on your driving record and discuss with your provider whether you qualify.

Most insurance companies offer significant discounts to preferred motorcycle operators.

3) Tailor Your Coverage

Make sure you buy motorcycle insurance that reflects the ways you actually use your bike.

For example, if you only take your bike out on occasional sunny weekends, your motorcycle insurance could be a much cheaper than it would be for someone who rides many miles to work every day.

Be sure your insurer knows about your riding habits so you get the right coverage for you.

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If you store your bike during the winter, ask about "lay-up policies" that remove all but basic comprehensive coverage during those months you won't be riding.

4) Tap Into Your Network

If you belong to any motorcycle associations or organizations, you could score a discount of 10% or more on some motorcycle insurance costs.

Associations that may qualify or discounts include:

  • American Motorcycle Association.
  • Honda Riders Club of America.
  • Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
  • Harley Owners Group.
  • Gold Wing Riders Association.
  • Motorcycle Touring Association.
  • BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.

Many companies that sell motorcycle insurance offer lower rates for more mature riders, especially when those riders have a history of safe riding.

Some discounts can kick in when riders are relatively young (late 20s), while others won't kick in until around middle age.

6) Adjust Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket after an accident. Higher deductibles mean the insurance company assumes less risk, which allows you to lower the premium on your motorcycle insurance policy.

If you can afford it, consider a higher deductible, but make sure you have funds put away to cover your costs in the event of an accident.

7) Choose the Right Bike

Some motorcycles are perceived as being riskier when it comes time to write an insurance policy. Sport and supersport styles typically command significantly higher rates.

Unless your heart is set on one of the “riskier” models, choose a cruising bike or other style that insurance companies favor.

8) Shop Around

It used to be that only a few major insurance carriers offered motorcycle insurance, but today, it’s a buyer’s market.

If you haven’t comparison-shopped, now is the time to do it. Pick up the phone or poke around the Internet for online quotes. Just be sure you’re comparing similar products when looking at cost differences.

9) Check Your Credit Score

Bad credit doesn’t just affect your ability to get a loan; it can also have an impact on your insurance premiums.

If you haven’t looked at your credit report recently, consider doing so. If you find your credit score is low, work to raise it and monitor your status regularly. As your score rises, you may find your premiums lower.

Opportunities to lower your motorcycle insurance costs are all around you. Taking just a little time now to research the cost-cutting options that are available can yield big savings down the road.

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