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As a motorcycle owner, you have an array of options for insurance. You can choose liability coverage only, or you can also include collision and comprehensive to cover the damages your bike might incur in an accident.
You can also add medical payments coverage to your policy, which can pay for any medical expenses you may incur due to an accident. You can also add uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which pays for any injuries you sustain in an accident caused by another driver who is either uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance.
Liability
There are several different types of coverage for motorcycles, and each one comes with its own set of benefits. It’s important to understand each type of cover and how it works so you can get the best moto insurance policy for your needs.
Liability – The basic type of coverage for most states, liability coverage covers injuries you cause to others in an accident and damages they cause to your vehicle or property. It also covers medical costs for yourself and your passengers if you are in an accident.
Comprehensive – Considered part of a full coverage plan, comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your bike that aren’t caused by an accident, like theft or fire. It also covers damage caused by floods or other natural disasters that occur on the road.
Collision – A collision coverage policy will pay to repair your vehicle or replace it if you are involved in an accident with another driver. It will also cover the costs of any riding apparel, helmets and other items you may need after an incident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – In addition to liability coverage, some states require motorcycle insurance that includes UM/UIM. This type of cover pays for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses if you are injured in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured.
Personal Injury Protection – In 14 states, personal injury protection coverage is required for all motorcycle drivers and riders. It covers medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, for you and your passenger if you are injured in an accident.
This type of coverage can be a bit complicated, but it’s essential to have if you ride a motorcycle regularly. It’s also a good idea to have it if you ride your motorcycle while traveling, borrowing one from a friend or taking it out for a test drive.
It’s a good idea to talk to an independent agent in our network about your options for motorcycle insurance. An agent can help you compare the different types of coverage and explain which ones will work best for you.
Comprehensive
If you own a motorcycle, comprehensive insurance is an essential part of your policy. It covers a number of things that could go wrong, from storm damage to theft and vandalism. It also covers your bike while you’re not riding it, which can be important if you’re keeping your bike locked up at home for any length of time.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, it could cost a lot of money to fix it if you don’t have comprehensive insurance. It’s a good idea to have this coverage because it’s a great way to protect your investment and keep your costs low if you ever need to file a claim.
Many insurance companies offer this type of coverage for a small premium. Besides, you may be eligible for a discount if you don’t make any claims during the first year of your policy.
Another important aspect of a comprehensive policy is that it typically includes a deductible. This deductible is the amount of money that you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts to cover your claim. Some insurers will allow you to choose a higher deductible, which can save you on your premium, but you’ll have to be willing to shell out more money in the event of an accident.
When purchasing comprehensive insurance, be sure to check the declarations page of your auto policy or your insurer’s web portal to see how much the deductible will be before you start paying out of pocket. You should also be sure to compare the deductibles of all the policies you’re considering, as a higher deductible might not be a good deal if you don’t think you’ll have to use it.
You should also ask your insurance agent about the non-collision coverage that’s available for you. It’s usually an option on most motorcycle insurance policies, and it can help you limit your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a collision.
Personal accident coverage is also an important consideration. It can help you recover medical costs and lost wages in the event of an accident. It can also help compensate your family if you die in an accident.
Collision
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new rider, collision coverage can help you repair your motorcycle after an accident. This is important for a variety of reasons, including protecting your bike’s cash value and allowing you to replace it without a down payment.
Collision insurance will also help you pay for any property damage you cause to others or their vehicles in an accident, as well as medical bills for anyone injured in the accident. This type of coverage is often sold as a separate endorsement on your liability policy, or as an option on a full-coverage motorcycle policy.
Comprehensive coverage picks up where collision leaves off, covering other types of issues that could result in damages to your motorcycle — like fire, flood or theft. You can also add a deductible to comprehensive to lower the amount you have to pay out if you file a claim.
You can also include additional coverage on your comprehensive policy that will protect the custom parts and accessories you’ve added to your motorcycle, like a paint job, graphics or even trailers or sidecars. You’ll want to speak with your agent about the coverage options available for these kinds of customizations, as some are limited or excluded from standard comprehensive and collision policies.
Liability insurance is a key part of any motorcycle insurance policy, and it’s required by most states. It covers bodily injury and property damage that you might cause to other drivers, pedestrians and bystanders in an accident, up to your policy’s limits.
In addition, liability coverage can help cover legal costs and compensation in the event that you’re found to be at fault for an accident. These costs are usually based on how much your state requires you to carry, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best liability coverage and an insurer with whom you feel comfortable.
Another coverage that’s often included on a standard moto policy is medical payments (MedPay). This can be very beneficial for motorcycle riders who regularly travel, especially when traveling with passengers. MedPay is also sometimes referred to as “no-fault” insurance, meaning that it will help cover medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
Roadside & Towing
Roadside & towing coverage is a useful way to cover unexpected costs if you’re traveling or stuck in a roadside emergency. It helps pay for the cost of towing, lockouts, and battery jump-starts.
Some companies offer standalone roadside assistance programs, while others include it as part of their motorcycle insurance policies. Regardless of what you choose, it’s important to know the cost and benefits of each service before purchasing it.
Many insurance providers also offer optional towing or lockout coverage that you can add to your policy at a minimal cost. The benefits of this type of service can be worth it, especially if you have an older car that has more mechanical issues than a newer model.
When you’re stranded on the side of the road, a tow truck will come to your rescue and help you get back on the road again. However, keep in mind that towing services have annual limits and may charge extra if you drive outside of a designated area.
Another service offered by RSA is flat tire help, which provides you with a replacement tire and a tow to a repair shop. This can be very helpful if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar place and don’t have any spares.
Other services available through RSA are tire changes, a battery service, and fuel delivery. They will provide these services within a defined distance, usually 20 miles.
These services are typically available 24 hours a day, and the providers will send a technician to your location if you’re unable to make it yourself. This includes lockouts and broken keys, too.
In addition, some roadside assistance plans will provide a bond for your vehicle, which will post up to a certain amount on your behalf if you’re arrested while driving. This is a great feature to have if you’re planning a trip and don’t want to be without your bike.
Most riders use their roadside assistance services infrequently, and the cost shouldn’t be a factor in your premiums. But if you frequently need roadside assistance, then this can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
