Auto Owners Insurance: Test-Driving A Motorcycle, What's Covered?

If you're thinking of test-driving a motorcycle, it's important to know whether your auto insurance will cover you. The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on various factors. Firstly, it's crucial to understand that motorcycle insurance is distinct from car insurance and homeowners insurance. Motorcycles come with their own set of risks, including higher chances of rider injuries and greater damage to the bike in accidents. As a result, motorcycle insurance policies are specifically tailored to cover these unique risks. While some dealerships may offer test drives, most don't due to the high cost of insurance coverage required. Private sellers are more likely to allow test rides, but it's essential to confirm their insurance coverage before taking one.

When it comes to your auto insurance, it typically won't cover test-driving a motorcycle. Auto-Owners Insurance, for example, offers comprehensive coverage for motorcycle owners, including repairs or replacements after accidents, damage caused by factors other than collisions, and bodily injury liability. However, their policies are designed for motorcycles licensed and approved for public roads, and test-driving a motorcycle usually occurs on a private lot or controlled route. Therefore, it's unlikely that your auto insurance will extend to test drives.

Auto-Owners Insurance offers industry-leading claims services and coverages for motorcycle owners

Auto-Owners Insurance provides industry-leading claims services and comprehensive coverage options tailored to meet the unique needs of motorcycle owners. Their program is designed to offer protection for a wide range of motorcycles, including those licensed for public roads and highways, as well as off-road motorcycles, motor scooters, motorized bicycles, and trail bikes.

One of the standout features of Auto-Owners Insurance is their competitive rates and extensive coverage. They cover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle in the event of an accident. Additionally, they provide coverage for damages caused by factors other than collisions, such as fire, vandalism, weather events, theft, and accidents involving animals. This gives motorcycle owners peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected against a wide range of potential risks.

The company also offers bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, ensuring that you are financially protected if you are held responsible for injuries or property damage to others. This coverage also includes legal defense services if you are sued as a result of an accident. Recognizing the challenges faced by motorcyclists on the road, Auto-Owners Insurance provides uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, ensuring that you are protected even if the other party involved does not have sufficient insurance.

Auto-Owners Insurance understands the importance of quick assistance when you're stranded on the road. Their Road Trouble Service is available 24/7, providing support for issues like flat tires, minor mechanical malfunctions, or a dead battery. They also offer rental motorcycle coverage, so you're not left stranded when your bike is being repaired.

Safety is a top priority for Auto-Owners Insurance. Their coverage includes protection for safety riding apparel, such as helmets, gloves, and boots, ensuring that you are financially covered for these essential items in the event of an accident.

In addition to their comprehensive coverage options, Auto-Owners Insurance offers a range of discounts to make their policies more affordable. These include multi-policy discounts, life multi-policy discounts, paid-in-full discounts, paperless billing discounts, and multi-vehicle discounts. They also reward customers with safe riding habits and favourable loss history, providing lower premiums for those who practice safe riding.

With their commitment to protecting motorcycle owners, Auto-Owners Insurance stands out as a leading choice for comprehensive coverage and exceptional claims services. Their range of coverage options and dedication to safety ensures that motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy their rides with the peace of mind that they deserve.

Dealerships must carry insurance on vehicles available for testing

Dealerships are legally required to insure their inventory of vehicles. This insurance typically takes the form of a blanket policy that covers accidents and any damage to their cars that might occur during test drives. This special coverage is known as garage liability insurance, and it is designed for commercial sellers, including new and used automotive dealers. It covers customers as well as the dealer's employees.

If you are test-driving a car, it is usually the dealership's responsibility to cover any damages. However, having your own car insurance is always a good idea, as there are some instances where a dealership could hold you liable. For example, if you are deemed responsible for an accident during a test drive due to reckless driving, the dealership may initially pay to repair the car, but they could then subrogate and try to collect from you or your insurer.

In some cases, dealerships may ask you to sign a "loaner/demo" agreement before a test drive. This usually happens when you will be driving for an extended time or if the salesperson is not present. By signing this waiver, you are accepting liability to pay for any repairs required due to damage caused during the test drive. Therefore, it is important to check with your insurance agent to verify that your personal car insurance policy will cover you in such instances.

If you are test-driving a motorcycle, the situation may be different. Most dealerships won't let you test drive a motorcycle in the same way you would test drive a car, due to the high cost of insurance coverage. However, some dealerships may offer demo days or have dedicated demo bikes available for test rides. If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle, your best option for a proper test is to rent one for a few days to see if it suits you.

A license is required to test drive a motorcycle in almost all states

If you're looking to test drive a motorcycle, it's important to note that, in almost all states, you'll need a license to do so. While the specific requirements for test-driving a motorcycle may vary between dealerships and states, a license is typically necessary for operating a motorcycle, even for a quick spin around the block.

The reason for this requirement is simple: motorcycle accidents can be costly. Riders are more susceptible to sustaining serious injuries, and the bike itself is more likely to sustain significant damage compared to a car. As such, dealerships that permit test drives must carry insurance on the vehicles available for testing. The insurance coverage required for motorcycles can be prohibitively expensive, which is why most dealerships don't offer test drives.

However, some dealerships may offer demo days or have dedicated demo bikes for potential customers to try out. These dealerships will typically accompany you on a pre-selected route lasting around 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, private parties selling a motorcycle are more likely to allow a test ride, but it's essential to confirm that they have valid insurance coverage before taking the bike out.

If you're interested in test-driving a motorcycle, it's recommended that you first identify the type of motorcycle you want. Once you've narrowed down your preferences, consider renting a motorcycle for a few days to get a better sense of whether that particular model suits your needs and riding style. Motorcycle rental agencies, similar to rental car agencies, are available in some cities. Additionally, you can explore motorcycle-sharing programs or websites and apps that allow you to rent motorcycles directly from other riders.

Remember, while the requirement for a license during a test drive may vary by state, it's always essential to prioritize safety and adhere to the law.

Private sellers' insurance should cover injuries but may not cover damages

When it comes to test-driving a motorcycle or car, it's essential to understand the insurance implications, especially when dealing with private sellers. While a private seller's insurance typically covers injuries sustained during a test drive, it may not always cover damages.

In the case of private sellers, their insurance policy usually includes the test driver as an incidental driver. This means that if the test driver sustains injuries during the test drive, the seller's insurance should cover the medical expenses. However, it's crucial to confirm that the private seller has valid insurance coverage before allowing the test drive.

On the other hand, when it comes to damages caused during the test drive, the situation can be more complex. In some cases, the private seller's insurance may not cover the cost of repairs or damages. This can leave the test driver financially responsible for any damage they cause to the vehicle. Therefore, it is recommended to have your own insurance coverage before test-driving a vehicle from a private seller.

Additionally, it's worth noting that dealerships have different insurance requirements. Dealers are legally required to carry insurance on their inventory, including vehicles available for test drives. This insurance, known as garage liability insurance, typically covers accidents, injuries, and damage to their cars during test drives. So, if you're test-driving from a dealership, their insurance usually covers both injuries and damages.

Furthermore, when test-driving a motorcycle, it's important to remember that accidents can be more costly due to the higher likelihood of serious injuries and bike damage. Therefore, it is always advisable to have adequate insurance coverage, whether you're test-driving from a private seller or a dealership.

Motorcycle insurance is not covered under your car insurance or homeowners policy

Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need to Know

If you're thinking of buying a motorcycle, it's important to understand the ins and outs of insurance. While you may think your car insurance or homeowners policy will cover your new bike, that's usually not the case. Here's everything you need to know about why motorcycle insurance is a separate policy and what it entails.

Motorcycle Insurance: A Separate Entity

Motorcycle insurance is a distinct type of coverage that is not included in your car insurance or homeowners policy. This separation is due to the unique risks and considerations associated with riding a motorcycle. These vehicles are more exposed and offer less protection to the rider in the event of a crash, often resulting in more severe injuries and damage to the bike. Therefore, it is crucial to have dedicated motorcycle insurance to ensure adequate financial protection.

Understanding the Risks

The risks associated with motorcycle riding are significant. Even with proper safety gear, such as a helmet and riding attire, your body is more vulnerable on a motorcycle compared to a car. Additionally, the high speeds involved in motorcycle riding can lead to extensive damage to the bike in accidents. These accidents can be costly, as repairs and medical treatment expenses add up quickly.

The Cost of Motorcycle Insurance

The good news is that motorcycle insurance is relatively affordable. On average, it costs around $60 per month, which is comparable to car insurance prices. The cost will depend on various factors, including your age, driving experience, the type of bike, and your location. By comparing quotes from different providers, you can find the best rates and ensure you're getting the coverage you need.

What Motorcycle Insurance Covers

Motorcycle insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident. It covers injuries to other drivers or riders if you are at fault, damage to other vehicles, and damage to your own motorcycle, regardless of fault. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and liability coverage. You can also add endorsements to cover your gear, accessories, and custom parts.

Test-Driving a Motorcycle

When it comes to test-driving a motorcycle, dealerships and private sellers have different approaches. Dealerships rarely allow traditional test drives but may offer demo days or dedicated demo bikes. Private sellers are more likely to permit test rides but may require proof of a valid license. Remember, a license is necessary for test rides in almost all states. During a test drive, the dealer's or seller's insurance typically covers any accidents or injuries, but it's always a good idea to confirm their insurance coverage beforehand.

Frequently asked questions