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Motorcycle Insurance
Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right bike. You want it to fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, while other types of coverage are usually optional. Always ask your Glenn Insurance representative about which laws apply in your state.
The key to finding which coverage is best for you involves learning about the available options:
Liability Coverage
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn’t cover you or your motorcycle. Find out if your coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. Whether or not this is included depends on the laws of your state and the company issuing the policy.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Your insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. However, just like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and cover only the book value of the motorcycle.
Keep in mind, most comprehensive and collision coverages only cover the factory standard parts on your bike. If you decide to add optional accessories, such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers, or sidecars, you should acquire additional equipment coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages if a driver who has no insurance hits you. If your uninsured motorist coverage includes property damage, then your bike would also be covered under the same circumstances. Check with your insurance professional to see if property damage is included or needs to be purchased separately.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage is similar to uninsured motorist coverage, except it applies when the other party has lower coverage limits than you do, and damages exceed the other party’s limits.
Tips for the Cost-Conscious Rider
Many factors play a role in determining insurance costs, such as being a graduate of a rider-training course, your age, driving record, where you live, and the type of motorcycle you own.
Many companies offer discounts of 10% to 15% on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Riders under the age of 25, who are usually considered a higher risk, may see some savings by taking this course. It’s also a good idea for cyclists who have already had accidents.
- Maintaining a good driving record with no violations will help reduce your premiums.
- In many northern states, riders may save money by buying a “lay-up” policy. With a lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.
- Find out what discounts your insurance representative offers. Multi-bike discounts for those insuring more than one bike; organization discounts, if you’re a member of a motorcycle association; and mature rider discounts for experienced riders are just a few possibilities. Discounts range from 10% to 20%, depending on the company and your state. Availability and qualifications for discounts vary from company to company and state to state.
- Keep in mind that the type, style (such as a sports bike vs. a cruiser), age of the motorcycle, number of miles you drive a year, and where you store your bike may also affect your premium.