Motorcycle Insurance FAQs
Motorcycle Insurance FAQs
Motorcycle insurance provides for anything from a moped to a chopper, but knowing what types of coverage to purchase can be confusing. Here, we’ll walk you through answers to some common questions about motorcycle insurance.
What kind of coverage is legally required for a motorcycle?
The answer depends on the type of bike and your state’s minimum requirements. Generally, a minimum amount of liability insurance to pay for damages and/or injury to a driver in an accident you cause is required, just as it is for a car. However, required coverage limits vary.
Is more coverage than the legal limit the smart choice?
More motorcycle insurance coverage will obviously cost you more, but it does lower your financial risk. If you are willing to shoulder a heavier financial load after an accident, you can stick to the legal limit. However, if you want peace of mind, consider opting for additional coverage.
Is motorcycle insurance the same as car insurance?
Yes, motorcycle insurance and car insurance work the same way. You pay a set premium and file a claim in the event of an incident. The insurance company will pay up to the limits you’ve elected, after you’ve paid your deductible.
Do I really need motorcycle insurance?
Like auto insurance, liability coverage is the law. Also, you are more likely to get into an accident on a motorcycle than in a car (and you are likely to suffer greater injury), so it is in your best interest to have proper coverage.
What type of coverage do I need?
The type of insurance coverage you need for your motorcycle depends on how secure you want to feel while riding the bike, and how much you want to be protected in the event of an accident. For older models with little resale value, liability may be enough. If you have a brand new bike, however, you might want to consider comprehensive coverage to protect against theft or other non accident-related damages.
Remember, liability insurance only covers the costs to the other party after an accident, so you might look into additional insurance to pay for your damages and injuries if you’re at fault, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, or medical payments coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage can also come in very handy if you get hit by a driver who has no insurance to cover your costs.
Finally, you might consider additional coverages such as towing and labor if you get stranded, or rental reimbursement coverage if your motorcycle is your only vehicle.
For more information, visit our Motorcycle Coverages section.
How do I get cheap insurance coverage for my motorcycle?
Just like any insurance, there are a number of factors that affect your rates. For example, how much coverage you want and the deductible you choose will both affect how much you pay.
Additionally, depending on your insurance company, various motorcycle insurance discounts are often available to help you lower your costs. For example, you may be able to save by bundling different insurance policies together, such as your home, car, and motorcycle policies. You may also be able to lower your rates by taking a motorcycle safety course.
Will my rates go up if I have an accident?
Your accident history certainly is a factor in risk assessment, meaning a claim is likely to raise your rates; however, some motorcycle insurance providers do offer accident forgiveness if you have a good record overall.
What coverages will pay for damage to my custom parts?
Comprehensive coverage typically pays for theft; however, you may wish to look into custom parts and equipment coverage to ensure that all your special equipment is paid for if it gets damaged or stolen. This is especially important if you’ve made a lot of upgrades to your bike.
Are passengers and other riders covered on my policy?
This is an important question to ask, as it will depend on the your coverage. Your agent can fill you in on the particulars of your policy.
What do I do if I have a racing bike?
Not all insurance companies cover a bike if it is ridden on a racetrack. Some, however, may cover the same bike if used only on the road. Speak to your motorcycle insurance agent to discuss coverage for your racing bike.
Do all motorcycle insurance policies cover theft?
Your policy must include the right coverage to pay for theft. If you only choose to purchase the required liability insurance, you will only have coverage for someone else’s costs after a collision. If you elect to add comprehensive coverage, however, you should be protected in the event of a theft.
Choosing Your Motorcycle Coverage
When you’re choosing your motorcycle coverage, think carefully about what your needs are and how much risk you can live with. If you aren’t worried about paying for damages, you can opt for the minimum coverage limits; however, if you want to feel like you’ll be very well covered should something happen, you’ll likely want to consider more types of coverage and higher limits.
Be sure to speak with your motorcycle insurance agent to discuss which motorcycle coverages might best fit your personal needs, and how you can get the lowest possible rates.
