Protect Your Bike with Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle riders are rare drivers; they need speed and love feeling the wind in their hair. They are seen as carefree, fun-loving, and maybe a little dangerous. But bikers have responsibilities just like everyone else, and though it may not seem carefree or fun-loving, having the appropriate insurance is one of those responsibilities. Motorcycle riders could face the dangers of the open road if they neglect to insure their bikes and themselves adequately. Although motorcycle insurance isn’t significantly different from typical auto insurance, there are still some key points to consider for the best motorcycle coverage.

Types of Insurance

First, it’s critically important to understand the types of insurance offered to motorcycle riders: collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The first type, collision, is the one many bikers will lean toward for one reason and one reason only – it’s cheaper. But in this case, more affordable may not be better. Collision coverage policies kick in only when a motorcycle rider hits something or someone and pays for the damages up to a certain extent. These policies do not, however, automatically cover injury to the rider and probably will not cover replacement costs for a totaled bike.

On the other hand, comprehensive coverage policies cover collision damage and damage to a bike. This damage can be done by the rider, vandalism, acts of God, or even theft. Because of the totality of coverage offered, these policies are often required if a motorcycle owner takes out a loan to purchase the vehicle.

Insurance Policy With Medical Payments

Motorcycle riders are naturally at greater risk on the road than drivers of cars and SUVs. Because of this, it can be a good idea for motorcycle owners to invest in an insurance policy that also includes medical payments. These policies pay out if a motorcycle driver or rider is injured while on the motorcycle and can save bike owners hefty medical payments should an accident occur.

Insurance With Additional Equipment

Out-of-pocket costs can also be avoided by investing in insurance that covers only additional equipment on motorcycles or anything that is used by a biker while riding. These insurance policies can include helmets, gloves, riding leathers, saddlebags, and most other equipment added to the motorcycle as most traditional insurance policies do not cover damage to these items or offer replacement cost reimbursement, a motorcycle owner can pay thousands to get back on the road if these items are damaged.

Roadside Assistance

For motorcycle riders who love to ride open roads all across the country, there can be peace of mind knowing that they and their bikes will be covered in the event of a breakdown or mechanical problems. Roadside assistance can be added to most insurance policies and can be a lifesaver for bikers who are away from home, stuck in the middle of nowhere, or need a little help in the wee hours of the morning. For anyone who is on the road a great deal, adding roadside assistance to insurance policies is a no-brainer. This is even truer for motorcyclists who often find themselves out in the weather when they have bike troubles.

Rental Reimbursement

Finally, all motorcycle owners should look into policies that offer the addition of rental reimbursement for policyholders. With these policies, if a motorcycle has to be left at a mechanic for repairs after an accident, the insurance company will reimburse the cost of a rental for that time. This type of coverage is essential should a motorcycle be the primary mode of transportation or if out-of-pocket expenses should be avoided by any means possible. This coverage offers another level of protection and peace of mind that any motorcyclist will appreciate.

Insurance requirements and offerings vary by state, so every biker needs to understand their responsibilities for insurance coverage. But whatever those requirements are, finding the right motorcycle coverage can be easy by paying attention to these few simple tips.

What You Need To Know

We all know riding a motorcycle is very different from driving an automobile, which means ensuring your bike is also different. A good insurance policy will protect you and your bike, as well as shield you from careless automobile drivers. Here are the top things you should know about motorcycle insurance:

First of all, there are no set rates. Age, driving history, bike type, and where you ride will all be used to determine your insurance rates. Fortunately, you can find discounts that apply to safe driving records, safety features on your bike, any motorcycle riding courses you’ve completed, and even by combining insurance policies with one company.

Before purchasing insurance, you should know of state laws requiring minimum coverage. A bare minimum policy will provide basic liability coverage for property damage and physical injuries to others if you cause an accident. However, those minimum policies won’t repair or replace your motorcycle.

Motorcycle passengers are often not automatically covered, so if you frequently ride with a passenger, you should consider purchasing that type of coverage.

The best policies offer full Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage will protect you in situations that are beyond your control, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. Collision coverage will pay for repairs if your bike is damaged or totaled in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Be sure to provide enough coverage for uninsured motorists and medical liability costs. Many drivers don’t have insurance, so this is a good option. Motorcycles are smaller than cars but can cause severe damage in an accident, so medical liability coverage should be adequate.