Motorcycle insurance is just as essential to your protection as your safety gear. If you rely on your motorcycle for daily transportation, a good insurance policy is a smart investment. But what is motorcycle insurance and what does it cover? Let’s find out.
By their very nature, motorcycles are much less crash-resistant than enclosed vehicles. They are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians, and are less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. Riding a motorcycle requires a different set of physical and mental skills than riding a four-wheeled vehicle. Motorcyclists are more exposed to weather conditions and road hazards than drivers of enclosed vehicles, making motorcycle insurance a must.
Most states require motorcyclists to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance as part of their motorcycle insurance coverage. There are also a wide variety of optional coverages available, including comprehensive and collision insurance.
To determine the level of motorcycle insurance you need, assess the value of your bike. Then ask yourself if you want coverage for your own injuries and damage to your personal belongings in the event of an accident.
What you will read about
Motorcycle insurance: how does it work?
Like car insurance , a motorcycle insurance policy protects you financially in the event of an accident. It also covers damage to your vehicle while riding. Liability insurance , which pays for damage you cause to others, is included in most motorcycle insurance policies.
However, motorcycle insurance policies may also include coverage for your own bike and injuries. If you own more than one motorcycle, you may want to consider getting a multi-bike policy and save money on your insurance.
If you get into an accident, your liability insurance will usually go with you and act as primary or secondary coverage. However, if you plan to borrow a bike from your friend, your motorcycle insurance may not fully cover you. If you have any questions about what your policy covers while riding a different bike, we recommend speaking with your insurance agent.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
While most states require you to carry a certain amount of liability insurance, other types of coverage are often optional. Check with your insurance agent about the laws that apply in your state. Ask them about all the coverage alternatives available to best meet your needs.
All motorcycle insurance policies include liability coverage. This form of insurance protects other people from bodily injury and property damage caused by you in an accident. However, it does not cover personal injury or damage to the motorcycle. Depending on state law and the company issuing your insurance, you may also be eligible for Guest Passenger Liability, which protects you if a passenger is injured while riding your motorcycle.
If you’re in an accident with another vehicle, your motorcycle collision insurance will cover the damages minus your deductible. Comprehensive motorcycle coverage covers damages caused by things other than collisions, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. Like collision coverage , your insurance provider will pay for the damages minus your deductible and will only cover the book value of the motorcycle.
What is a deductible?
Many comprehensive and collision insurance policies will only cover parts on your motorcycle that come straight from the factory. If you decide to add optional items like chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers, or sidecars, be sure to talk to your insurer about coverage restrictions.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) insurance is optional coverage that pays for losses to you and your property caused by another driver who is uninsured or has inadequate insurance. UM/UIM plans often cover medical treatment, lost wages, and in rare situations, property damage.
Factors that influence the cost of your policy
Just like with car insurance, your age, driving record, and where you live are all factors that affect your insurance rate. It also depends on the type of bike you ride. Sportbikes, like a Ducati, tend to be more expensive to insure than a cruiser, like a Harley-Davidson.
Other factors that can affect your motorcycle insurance rates include the age of your bike, how many miles you ride in a year, and where you store it. Motorcycle insurance coverage differs from insurance to insurance, so be sure to shop around for a policy you’re comfortable with. To learn more about the average cost of motorcycle insurance,
What does two-wheel insurance not cover?
Depending on your policy, certain uses of your motorcycle may or may not be covered. In some scenarios, you may be able to expand your policy coverage with a rider or endorsement, or you may need to purchase a separate policy. Here’s what a typical motorcycle insurance policy doesn’t cover:
Track Days and Competition: Aside from some insurance providers that specialize in track day coverage, most motorcycle insurance policies do not cover your motorcycle when it is on a race track. If you plan to ride your motorcycle on the track or competitively, check with your insurance company to see if these activities are covered.
Otherwise, we recommend purchasing temporary coverage to keep you and your bike financially covered while you tour.
Business Application: If you are a courier or use your motorcycle for business, your personal coverage may not cover you while you are working. If you use your bike for work other than commuting, you should look into a commercial vehicle insurance policy.
