Motorcycle Insurance: Protect Your Ride and the Freedom That Comes With It
There is something special about riding a motorcycle. Whether you enjoy weekend cruises, long-distance road trips, or simply the feeling of taking the scenic route home, your motorcycle is more than transportation. It is part of an experience.
But with that freedom comes responsibility. A motorcycle can be more exposed to road hazards, weather, theft, and accidents than a typical passenger vehicle. That is why having the right motorcycle insurance can help protect both your bike and your financial well-being.
Salt City Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you explore motorcycle insurance coverage and find options designed around the type of motorcycle you own, how you ride, and the protection you want.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
Motorcycle insurance policies can include several different types of coverage. The options available and the specific terms of coverage can vary by insurance company and policy.
- Liability coverage: May help pay for covered bodily injury or property damage you are legally responsible for after an accident.
- Collision coverage: May help pay for damage to your motorcycle resulting from a covered collision, subject to the policy deductible.
- Comprehensive coverage: May help protect against certain non-collision losses, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or covered weather-related damage.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: May provide protection when you are involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no applicable insurance, subject to policy terms.
- Medical payments coverage: May help with certain medical expenses resulting from a covered motorcycle accident.
Not every rider needs every available coverage. Your motorcycle's value, how frequently you ride, where you store it, and your personal circumstances can all affect the coverage you may want to consider.
Your Motorcycle Can Affect Your Insurance
Not all motorcycles present the same insurance considerations. A lightweight commuter bike, touring motorcycle, cruiser, sport bike, or custom motorcycle may have different characteristics that affect coverage and premium calculations.
When getting a motorcycle insurance quote, you may be asked about the motorcycle's make, model, year, engine size, value, usage, and safety features. Your riding history and other rating factors may also be considered.
If you have made modifications to your motorcycle, such as adding custom parts, accessories, upgraded equipment, or specialized components, be sure to discuss them with your insurance professional. Coverage for custom equipment can vary by policy.
Common Motorcycle Insurance Considerations
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle value | The value of your bike can influence the type and amount of physical damage coverage you choose. |
| Riding habits | How often and where you ride can be relevant when evaluating coverage. |
| Storage | Where and how your motorcycle is stored may affect risk and available coverage. |
| Safety equipment | Anti-theft devices and other safety features may be relevant to your insurance options. |
| Custom accessories | Custom parts and equipment may require special consideration when determining coverage. |
Don't Forget About Your Gear
Your motorcycle is not necessarily the only thing you take on the road. Helmets, riding jackets, saddlebags, communications equipment, and other accessories can represent a significant investment.
Ask about motorcycle gear and accessory coverage when reviewing your policy. Depending on the insurance company and policy, certain equipment may be covered differently from the motorcycle itself.
Ways to Think About Your Motorcycle Insurance Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you generally agree to pay toward a covered physical damage claim before your insurance contributes, subject to the policy terms. A higher deductible can sometimes reduce your premium, while a lower deductible may mean paying more for the insurance.
The important question is not simply which deductible is cheapest. Consider what you could comfortably afford to pay out of pocket after a covered loss. Choosing coverage with costs that fit your budget can make your policy more practical when you need it.
Review Your Coverage Before You Ride
Life changes, and so can your motorcycle insurance needs. You may purchase a different motorcycle, add accessories, change how frequently you ride, or decide to take a long-distance trip. These changes can be a good reason to review your coverage.
It is also worth reviewing your policy periodically to make sure your motorcycle information is accurate and the protection you selected still reflects your needs.