The Start of Motorcycle Season

As the motorcycle season begins, make sure you are properly insured before you set off on your two wheels. Motorcycle fatalities increased 7.1 percent between 2011 and 2012. In addition, 96,600 motorcycles were involved in property only crashes in 2010. With these kind of statistics, it is important to make sure that you have insurance before you set off on your motorcycle this summer.

Just as with typical auto insurance, most states require that you carry liability insurance on your motorcycle. Liability insurance does not cover your motorcycle or your person. Rather, it covers any property damage or bodily injury that you may cause to other people in an accident where you are found to be at fault.

If you want to make sure your motorcycle is covered, regardless of fault, from damage sustained during a collision, you need collision coverage. Collision coverage will cover the resale value of your motorcycle.

Carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can protect you and your motorcycle from uninsured motorists. If someone causes damage to your motorcycle, injures you or causes you to become unable to work, this insurance can cover your damages.

If theft or vandalism is a high risk in your area, you may want to consider purchasing comprehensive coverage for your motorcycle. It pays for damage to your motorcycle that does not occur in a vehicle accident.

If you have updated and improved your motorcycle, talk to your insurance agent to ensure all your upgrades are covered. Some comprehensive and collision coverage only pays to replace factory standard parts on your motorcycle and will not cover custom work. If you have invested in new chrome parts or have a cool sidecar, make sure you discuss with your insurance agent how to cover these details.

If you are worried about being able to afford motorcycle insurance, remember that most insurance companies offer between 10 to 15 percent off your premium for successfully completing a motorcycle safety foundation rider course. Talk to your insurance agent about this and other discounts that you may qualify for.

The most important thing to remember as you start to enjoy your motorcycle this summer is to ride safe and make sure you also have an up-to-date motorcycle insurance policy.

Stay safe on the road. Call La Familia Insurance at (888) 751-7511.