Motorcycle Insurance

In this day and age of litigation, you simply cannot ride safely without motorcycle insurance. In many states, it is illegal to even be on a public road unless you have the minimum amount of insurance required by the state. Each state legislates what that minimum amount is, and it is in your best interest to always maintain at least that amount of coverage.

As a service to our readers, All About Bikes is providing a brief summary of the types of insurance commonly available. It is up to you, however, to check with your local authorities to get the most up-do-date and relevant information for your locale.

Liability Insurance:

Liability insurance is usually mandatory because it covers bodily injury and property damage to other people. It does not, however, cover you or your bike. When you purchase this type of insurance always ask if it also includes guest passenger liability. This protects anyone who may be riding with you as a passenger on your motorcycle. Even if this added protection is not included in the standard liability insurance that you are required to have, it is a good investment to go ahead and get it.

Collision coverage:

Most people will also buy what is called collision insurance. This insurance covers damages to your bike should you be in an accident. When you have this type of insurance, your insurance carrier will pay for damages to your motorcycle, minus your deductible, as long as the damages were caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. Generally speaking, collision insurance covers the current book value of the motorcycle before the accident occurred.

Comprehensive coverage:

This type of insurance is usually not required by any state law, but it may be required by the company that is financing your motorcycle. Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for most damages caused by something other than an accident. This might include events such as theft, fire, vandalism or flood. If the insurance company approves your claim it will pay damages, minus the amount of your deductible, and it will only cover the current book value of your bike.

One side note to both collision and comprehensive coverage: most insurance companies will price the value of what they will pay based on the standard parts of the motorcycle as it came from the factory. If you have customized your bike with other parts, such as chrome or custom paint work, side cars, etc; you will need to get added coverage in order to make up the difference.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of insurance protects you and your bike in the event you are hit by someone who either does not have any insurance or who has too little insurance. Generally, this type of coverage only pays for medical costs, any lost wages you might lose, and some other damages. Make sure that you get this form of insurance with the property damage rider which will pay for any damages to your bike as well. You can ask your insurance agent if property damage is included in your policy or not.