Motorcycle Insurance: What You Need To Know

what is motorcycle insurance called

Motorcycle insurance is a financial safety net for motorbike owners, offering protection in the event of a collision or unexpected loss. It is similar to car insurance, but a standard auto insurance plan won't cover your motorcycle, so a separate plan is required. This insurance covers bodily injury and property damage, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and other situations. Most states require motorcycle insurance by law, and riding a motorbike without it can result in fines and other penalties. The cost of insurance depends on various factors, such as the type of motorcycle, the rider's driving record, and the chosen coverage.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Financial protection after a collision or unexpected loss
Coverage Bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, theft, fire, vandalism, and other situations
Customization Policies can be customized to meet personal requirements, including coverage for custom parts
Multi-bike policies Available for those with more than one motorcycle, often resulting in a discount
Commercial use May not be covered by individual policies; consider a commercial vehicle insurance policy
State requirements Required by most states; riding without insurance can result in fines, license suspension, etc.
Cost factors Location, driving record, type of motorcycle, replacement cost, and selected coverage
Discounts Training course, multi-bike, multi-policy, organization membership, and mature rider discounts may be available

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Liability insurance

Motorcycle insurance is a requirement in nearly every state to ride legally. While some motorcyclists opt for comprehensive insurance, others choose to purchase only liability insurance. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused to other people involved in an accident. It does not cover injury to the policyholder or damage to their motorcycle.

State Requirements

While liability insurance is a requirement in nearly every state, the specific circumstances that would provide coverage vary depending on the state and the policy. For example, in New York, all motorcycle riders must carry Bodily Injury Coverage for $25,000 per person and $50,000 per insurance incident. In contrast, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills for the policyholder or their passenger, lost wages, disability, rehab, and funeral expenses.

Discounts

Some insurers offer driver discounts and other ways to save money on motorcycle insurance policies. For example, training course discounts are offered to graduates of classes such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Multi-bike discounts are available for riders insuring more than one motorcycle, and mature rider discounts can help experienced riders save money.

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Collision insurance

Motorcycle collision insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing a motorcycle in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. It covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance pays for your bike's repairs, minus your deductible, if it is damaged in a collision. If the repairs will cost more than a certain percentage of the bike's worth, collision insurance reimburses you for the actual cash value of the bike, minus the deductible. Collision insurance will also help pay for repairs if your bike is damaged due to reasons other than a collision, such as a fire or theft.

Motorcycle collision insurance is typically offered as an optional coverage by insurance companies. However, a lender or leasing company usually requires collision coverage if you finance or lease a bike. Collision coverage can also be included in a comprehensive insurance policy, which covers a wider range of risks, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. It's important to note that collision insurance usually does not cover customizations or modifications made to the motorcycle. For this, you may need to purchase additional coverage, such as motorcycle accessory coverage, which covers damage to upgrades and equipment.

When purchasing collision insurance, it's important to consider your risk tolerance and ability to pay for repairs or a new motorcycle out of pocket. The decision to buy collision coverage depends on how comfortable you are with taking on the financial risk of an accident and your capacity to cover the costs yourself. Additionally, consider your motorcycle's value, as the more expensive it is, the higher the potential costs of repairs or replacement could be. Collision insurance can provide peace of mind by protecting you from these potential expenses.

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Comprehensive insurance

Motorcycle insurance is a requirement in most states, and while comprehensive insurance is not mandated by law, it is a good idea to protect your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is an optional add-on to your motorcycle insurance policy, which covers losses other than collision. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, glass breakage, and weather-related issues. It also covers damage caused by colliding with an animal. If you accidentally knock your bike over, comprehensive insurance will not cover the cost of repairs.

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Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

UM/UIM coverage typically includes protection for medical treatment and lost wages resulting from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In some cases, it may also cover property damage, depending on the state and the specific policy. It's worth noting that UM/UIM coverage only applies to damages and injuries sustained by the policyholder and does not extend to others who borrow your motorcycle.

When purchasing motorcycle insurance, it's essential to understand the different types of coverage available and choose a policy that fits your needs and budget. In addition to UM/UIM coverage, other common types of motorcycle insurance include liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and guest passenger liability coverage. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the policyholder to others in an accident, while collision insurance covers damages to the policyholder's motorcycle in a collision. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, protects against damages caused by events other than collisions, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. Guest passenger liability coverage provides protection if a passenger is injured on the policyholder's motorcycle.

It's also worth noting that various discounts may be available for motorcycle insurance policies, depending on the insurer and the state. For example, training course discounts are often offered to graduates of rider safety courses, and multi-bike discounts are available for insuring multiple motorcycles. Exploring these discounts can help keep insurance costs within your budget.

Overall, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is a crucial aspect of motorcycle insurance, providing financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. By understanding the different types of coverage available and selecting the right policy, motorcyclists can ensure they have the necessary protection while enjoying their riding experiences.

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Commercial vehicle insurance

Commercial auto insurance policies typically offer higher coverage limits than personal policies as business vehicles require greater protection in the event of accidents. The policy limit can vary based on the vehicle type and the specific needs of the business. It is important to note that commercial vehicle insurance is required for any vehicles owned, leased, or rented by a business or its employees and used for business purposes.

A typical commercial auto policy may include auto liability coverage, which protects the business from bodily injury or property damage claims resulting from an accident. It also includes medical payments coverage, which takes care of medical expenses for the business's employees and passengers, regardless of who is at fault.

In addition to the standard coverage, businesses can customize their commercial vehicle insurance policies to suit their unique needs. For example, businesses can opt for extra protection, such as dashcams for their trucks or fleet efficiency monitoring through an OBD plug-in. By understanding the specific requirements of their operations, businesses can ensure they have adequate coverage while also managing their insurance costs effectively.

Overall, commercial vehicle insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses from potential financial losses and disruptions caused by accidents or liabilities involving their vehicles. By obtaining this type of insurance, businesses can protect their assets, reputation, and operations while staying compliant with legal requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Motorcycle insurance is similar to car insurance, providing you with financial protection for injuries or damages incurred while driving your vehicle.

A typical motorcycle insurance policy includes liability insurance, which pays for any damages you cause to others, but it can also include coverage for your own bike and injuries. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your motorcycle from events other than a collision, like fire, theft, or a falling tree limb.

You will need a separate plan from your car insurance. Insurance providers set premiums based on information about you, your motorcycle, and your driving history. You can get a quote from providers like GEICO or State Farm.

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