How Underinsured Motorcycle Coverage Works

If you had underinsured motorcycle insurance on your policy, it would eliminate the gap between what the guilty driver could pay and the amount you owe. That's what this coverage does: It fills the hole between an underinsured driver's liability limits and the costs incurred by you from an accident.

Without this protection, you'd be stuck paying for the extra expenses. Of course, you could sue the other driver. However, collecting from a successful lawsuit can be difficult, and legal action can drain your time and energy.

Types of Underinsured Motorbike Insurance

Most motorcycle insurers split their underinsured coverage into two categories:

• Bodily Injury: Pays for your hospital bills, doctor's visits, prescription drugs, physical therapy, home-health care, lost wages, and related expenses.

• Property Damage: Covers the cost to repair or replace your property, such as your motorcycle.

Underinsured Motorcycle Insurance Limits

In the example mentioned above, your underinsured driver coverage would pay your remaining expenses―but only up to the limits of your policy.

So, how much underinsured protection do you need?

You'll have to comply with your state's underinsured driver insurance requirements, for starters. That's assuming your state has any requirements about this; most states don't have any guidelines concerning this coverage.

But, beyond that, it's wise to consult with an insurance agent or other qualified financial professional to determine what's an appropriate amount for you to carry. Regardless, you should have more uninsured motorcycle coverage than the minimum limits prescribed by the states, as these limits are inadequate in most cases.

The good news? Relatively speaking, underinsured motorist coverage is inexpensive.

Where To Buy Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Any carrier that provides insurance coverage for motorcyclists should offer underinsured protection.

So, this should give you plenty of options. Take advantage of this and comparison shop (preferably online) between providers to find companies with the best rates and broadest coverages.