What is Motorcycle Insurance,
and why do I need it?
Motorcycles have much more risk associated with them than with standard automobiles. Unfortunately, the more risk that needs to be insured the more expensive the policy. Luckily, there are many insurance carriers who provide motorcycle coverage, meaning we can shop your insurance with multiple carriers to get the best rate for your coverage.
Motorcycles usually have different insurance requirements from the state. Standard autos are typically required to carry, at the minimal, liability coverage for their passengers. Motorcyclists, in most states, have the option to pay for liability coverage (this is not suggested unless you truly believe you will never have a passenger on your bike).
Beyond legal requirements, carrying personal auto insurance is a smart decision. If you cause an accident or get into one with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be held responsible to cover related expenses, such as vehicle repairs, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, legal fees and more. Without the proper coverage, your financial well-being may be at risk.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), private passengers spent over $163 million dollars in 2016, both in liability and physical damages. The average claim costs for both bodily injury and physical damage was between $1,000 and $3,000 in 2016, with an estimated 2-3 claims per person that year. These statistics climb every year, as do insurance rates to compensate, however in most every case it is less expensive to insure your car than to pay out of pocket for damages caused. This is an important aspect to discuss with an expert in personal auto, they will help you to determine the value of your vehicle and help compare and rate all your coverage options.
What does Motorcycle Insurance Cost?
Motorcycle insurance offers many options and coverages, as well as discounts from many carriers such as multiple bike and safe driver discounts. Pricing an motorcycle policy must be done with great attention to detail. There are some standard factors used in determining rates, such as year and model of your bike(s), your driving record and condition of your bike(s). Some other factors that could affect a motorcycle policy premium include safety and security features; some bikes are safer or harder to steal and therefore cost less to insure.
What are Common Motorcycle Claims?
If you are looking for how to file a claim, please visit our Client Services.
According to III (Insurance Information Institute), almost 5,000 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2015. Motorcyclists are, in fact, near 30 percent more likely than a standard auto to die in a crash, and almost 5 times more likely to be injured (according to 2015 data). These facts alone indicate the high need for safety equipment and reliable insurance coverage.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly half of all motorcycle deaths involve just the motorcycle and no other vehicle. Speeding and alcohol abuse contribute to many of the fatal single-vehicle crashes. In fact, in 2015, 46 percent of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents were caused by speeding and 42 percent by blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 percent or higher.
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
Reducing risks of accidents while on a motorcycle starts with proper care of your motorcycle and by assuring all safety equipment is on board and working. According to III, 40 percent of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2015 were not wearing a helmet. There are training courses to help motorcyclists be safe and defensive drivers, such as at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. There are even a few states that mandate insurance discounts for those who have completed such training.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who does my insurance policy cover?
Most policies will cover you, your passengers and the driver and passengers of a vehicle with which you had an accident. Note that most policies include and most states require, liability coverage, without which only you will be covered in the event of an accident.
- How effective are helmets, really?
Helmets are highly effective in preventing brain injuries, which often require extensive treatment and may result in lifelong disability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely than helmeted riders to suffer traumatic brain injuries, also noting that helmets reduce the likelihood of a crash fatality by 37 percent!
Motorcycle
Non-Standard Auto
Recreational Vehicle
Personal Auto
