What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?
A standard motorcycle insurance policy will cover some portion of the costs associated with damage to your bike. It will also provide compensation if you cause harm to another person or their property or have legal fees to pay for an accident. Known as “bodily injury and property damage liability,” your motorcycle liability insurance covers the cost of liability claims and legal fees, up to the limits of your policy, if you are at fault in an accident.
You can customize your policy to cover the following:
- Full replacement cost of your bike, in the event, that it is totaled
- Comprehensive coverage, which will pay for loss or damage due to causes “other than collision.” This includes hail and other weather damage, damage from animals, and most importantly, motorcycle theft
- Medical payments if you require hospitalization or medical care.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage, in the event, that another driver is at fault in an accident and does not have adequate insurance to pay your costs
- Damage or loss to your gear and upgrades, such as transport trailers, sidecars, custom exhaust equipment, and safety apparel like chaps and helmets
When you choose what you want your motorcycle insurance to cover, find a balance between protecting yourself against the risks you face and what you can budget for coverage. The good news is that there are many ways to save on your motorcycle insurance if you are a safe rider with a good driving record.
How Much Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need?
The amount of motorcycle insurance you need depends on the type of bike you own and how you plan to use it. For example, if you ride a fast bike such as a racing bike or a supersport motorcycle, your bike will be costlier to insure. Additionally, you may want to increase the amount of motorcycle liability insurance and your coverage for hospital and medical care.
Any bike with an extremely high horsepower-to-weight ratio is designed for speed and maneuverability, meaning riders tend to ride faster and weave between cars. These riders have a greater risk of serious injuries and potential incidents that cause injury to others.
If you plan on racing dirt bikes for fun, you may want to consider increasing your coverage as well. The close-quarters racing and crowded tracks can put you at greater risk of injury, damage to your bike, and an increased risk of causing injury to a competitor or damaging someone else’s equipment.
Motorcycle insurance requirements vary by state, so be sure to work with a local insurance agent who can help you craft a motorcycle policy that best protects you and your financial well-being.