If you have a car and are thinking of getting a motorcycle, you will of course have to purchase a separate policy for the motorcycle, though bundling discounts might be available. Although there are any similarities between car and motorcycle insurance policies, there are some important differences every motorcycle owner (or would-be owner) should be aware of:
- Just because motorcycles are generally less expensive than cars, don’t expect your motorcycle insurance to be cheaper as well. There is risk to driving any kind of vehicle out on the road, but with a motorcycle, you have less physical protection since you are way exposed than if you were driving a car, therefore there is more risk in driving a motorcycle. You are more liable to getting injured than if you were driving a car.
- Your motorcycle insurance rates depend on the state you reside in. It’s no surprise that rates are higher where weather is more pleasant year-round. This is because it is safe to say motorcycle riders will be out on the road more than compared to, say, Wisconsin. More time on the road increases the risk of an accident.
- If you have made modifications to your bike, be sure to let your insurer know. Though modifications will more than likely increase the cost of your premiums, it is important to declare the modifications from the start to make sure you are fully covered. If you do not let the insurance company know of the modifications at the time of policy initiation, your future claims could be denied as the policy would have been started without all the correct information. Having peace of mind is more important than dishonestly saving some money on your policy.
- Since a motorcycle rider is more at risk of an accident (and getting seriously injured) than a car driver, it is a good idea to make sure you have plenty of coverage. You might want to purchase extra liability coverage because of the higher risks motorcycle drivers have. For this reason, you might also want to purchase the optional medical payments coverage which covers you and any passengers. This can be a very useful supplement to whatever your health insurance does not cover.
When looking into buying any kind of vehicle, it is important to look into insurance and what kind of coverage you will need, and the costs that come with it. The more informed you are, the better choices you will make. Knowledge and good decisions often lead to discounts you might now have known about. Of course, your agent will also be a invaluable source in the insurance process.