Why Your Motorcycle Policy Needs Coverages Your Car Policy Doesn’t (Like for Your Helmet).
My $800 Helmet Was Ruined, But My Insurance Paid for a New One.
After a minor spill, I was relieved I was okay, but my brand-new, $800 helmet was ruined. I was thrilled to learn that my motorcycle insurance policy had a specific “Safety Apparel Coverage” that my car policy doesn’t. It paid to replace my helmet, my leather jacket, and my riding boots, with no deductible. A motorcycle policy is designed for the unique needs of a rider, protecting not just the bike, but the expensive gear that protects you.
The Higher Risk Factor: Why Motorcycle Insurance Isn’t Always Cheaper.
Two Wheels Are Riskier Than Four.
Many people assume that because a motorcycle is cheaper than a car, the insurance will be cheaper too. This is often false. From an insurance company’s perspective, motorcycles are a much higher risk. The likelihood of an accident is greater, and the severity of injuries is exponentially higher. This increased risk, especially for medical payments and liability, can often result in a motorcycle insurance premium that is surprisingly high, especially for a young rider on a sport bike.
Custom Parts & Equipment (CPE) Coverage: How to Insure Your $5,000 Exhaust System.
My Upgrades Were Protected.
I had spent thousands of dollars on custom chrome parts, a new exhaust system, and a custom seat for my Harley. A standard motorcycle policy only covers the stock bike. I added a “Custom Parts & Equipment” (CPE) endorsement to my policy for an extra $10 a month. When my bike was stolen, the insurance company paid me not just for the value of the stock motorcycle, but also for the full, declared value of all my custom upgrades. That rider was worth its weight in gold.
Guest Passenger Liability: A Must-Have if You Ever Ride with Someone on the Back.
Protecting Your Partner is Your Responsibility.
If you ever plan on having a passenger ride on the back of your motorcycle, you absolutely must have “Guest Passenger Liability” coverage. If you get into an accident and your passenger is injured, this is the coverage that will pay for their medical bills and protect you from a lawsuit. Many basic policies do not include this automatically. Riding with a passenger without this specific coverage is a massive, irresponsible financial risk.
The Lay-Up / Storage Credit: A Unique Feature of Motorcycle Insurance.
I Don’t Pay for Coverage During the Snowy Months.
I live in a state with cold winters, so my motorcycle is in storage for about five months of the year. My insurance policy has a “lay-up” credit. I told my company the dates my bike would be in storage. During that period, they automatically remove the expensive on-road coverages like liability and collision, leaving just the basic protection for fire and theft. This unique feature saves me a significant amount of money on my annual premium, since I’m not paying for coverage I can’t use.
Why a Biker is More Likely to Need Higher Medical Payments Coverage.
Protecting Yourself When You Are the Most Vulnerable.
Given the high risk of injury in a motorcycle accident, having a high limit for “Medical Payments” coverage is crucial. This is a no-fault coverage that pays for your medical bills after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. It provides an immediate source of cash to pay for health insurance deductibles and copays, without having to wait for a lengthy lawsuit to be settled. For a rider, who is so much more vulnerable than a car driver, this is an essential layer of personal protection.
The Motorcycle License Discount You Might Be Missing Out On.
Proof of Skill is Proof of Lower Risk.
When I first got my bike, I just had a motorcycle permit. My insurance rates were high. After I completed a motorcycle safety course and got my full motorcycle license, I called my agent. He was able to apply two significant discounts to my policy: one for the safety course and one for being a fully licensed operator. The company saw me as a more responsible, lower-risk rider. That simple act of getting fully licensed saved me over 20% on my premium.
From Cruisers to Crotch Rockets: How the Type of Bike Drastically Changes Your Rate.
The Insurance Company Knows Which Bikes Get Crashed the Most.
The specific type of motorcycle you ride is one of the biggest factors in your insurance rate. A big, heavy touring cruiser is considered a lower risk and is relatively cheap to insure. A lightweight, high-performance “crotch rocket” or supersport bike is statistically involved in a huge number of high-speed accidents, and the insurance premiums reflect that. The insurance company has decades of data, and they know that a 22-year-old on a sport bike is one of the riskiest things they can insure.
Why Bundling Your Bike and Auto Policies Can Save You a Fortune.
The Multi-Policy Discount is a Huge Win.
The single easiest way to save money on your motorcycle insurance is to bundle it with your car insurance. Most major insurance companies offer a significant “multi-policy” discount when you have both your auto and your motorcycle policies with them. When I moved my bike policy over to the same company that insured my car, I saved about 15% on my car insurance and 20% on my motorcycle insurance. It was a simple phone call that saved me hundreds of dollars a year.
It’s Not Just a “Car on Two Wheels.” It Needs Its Own Special Policy.
The Risks are Different. The Coverage Should Be Too.
A motorcycle is not a car. The risks you face, the gear you wear, the way you use it, and the potential for injury are all in a different universe. That’s why it needs its own, specialized policy. A good motorcycle insurance policy is designed from the ground up for the unique world of biking, with specific coverages for your gear, your custom parts, and your passengers. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just another vehicle; it’s a passion that deserves its own special protection.