Motorcycle insurance is 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 significantly less crash-worthy than closed vehicles. They’re also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians, and they’re less stable than four-wheelers. Operating a motorbike necessitates a distinct set of physical and mental abilities than driving a four-wheeler. Motorcyclists are more exposed to weather and road risks than drivers in enclosed vehicles, making motorcycle insurance a must-have.
Most states require motorcyclists to obtain bodily injury and property damage liability insurance as part of their motorcycle insurance coverage. There is also a wide variety of optional coverages available, including comprehensive and collision insurance.Â
To determine the level of motorcycle insurance you require, 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.
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 driving. Liability insurance, which pays for damages you cause to others, is included in most motorcycle insurance policies.Â
However, motorcycle insurance policies can 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’re in an accident, your liability insurance will usually accompany you and operate as either primary or secondary coverage. However, if you plan on borrowing a bike from your friend, your motorcycle insurance may not fully cover you. If you have any queries about what your policy covers while riding a different bike, we recommend speaking to your insurance agent.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
While most states require that you have a certain amount of liability insurance, other types of coverage are frequently optional. Enquire with your insurance agent about the laws that apply in your state. Ask them about all of the available coverage alternatives 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 motorbike damage. Depending on state legislation and the business issuing your insurance, you may also be eligible for Guest Passenger Liability, which protects you if a passenger gets harmed while riding your motorcycle.
If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, your motorbike collision insurance will cover the damage minus your deductible. Comprehensive motorcycle coverage covers damages caused by things other than collisions, like fire, theft, or vandalism. Like collision coverage, your insurance provider will pay for damages minus your deductible and only cover the motorcycle’s book value.
What is a deductible? Find out here.
Many comprehensive and collision insurance policies will only cover parts on your motorcycle that came right from the factory. If you decide to add optional items like chrome pieces, a custom paint job, trailers, or sidecars, be sure you speak with your insurer about the coverage restrictions.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance is an 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
Like in 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 your ride. Sports bikes, like a Ducati, tend to be more expensive to insure than a cruiser, such as a Harley-Davidson.
Other factors that may 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 one insure to the next. So be sure to shop around for a policy that you feel comfortable with. To know more about the average cost of motorcycle insurance, head here.
What does two-wheeler insurance not cover?
Depending on your policy, certain use of your motorcycle may or may not be covered. In some scenarios, you may be able to extend your policy’s coverage with a rider or endorsement, or you may need to acquire a separate policy. Here’s what a typical motorcycle insurance policy does not cover:
Track days & competition: Apart from a few insurance providers specializing in track day coverage, most motorcycle insurance policies do not cover your bike when it’s at a race track. If you want to ride your motorbike on the track or competitively, check with your insurance company to see if these activities are covered.Â
Otherwise, we recommend purchasing temporary coverage to keep you and your bike financially covered while riding on a course.
Business application: If you’re a courier or otherwise utilize your motorcycle for business, your personal coverage may not cover you while on the job. If you use your bike for work other than commuting, you should look into a commercial vehicle insurance policy.
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