A fast expensive motorcycle with features like lots of classy add-ons and chrome or electronic equipment will guarantee you’ll pay more for your insurance coverage. That’s just the facts, Jack.
Why do they want to do this to me, you ask?
Get real, it’s because insurers would have more – and more expensive stuff – to replace in the event you have an accident. If you want to save a few bucks, take a hard look at what you need in the way of motorcycle accessories on your bike. Maybe you’ll decide to risk losing or damaging those accessories yourself.
Expensive parts and bangles look cool, but cool just doesn’t enter into the calculation for your insurance company. Insurers are a pragmatic lot and they simply add up the cost of all your cool and increase your premium to cover their possible financial exposure in the event your cool is disrupted by theft or accidents.
So what can you do control the cost of your motorcycle insurance premium?
Buying a popular model from a big name manufacturer will help. The more of them they sell, the cheaper it will be to insure yours. Insurance companies assess what it might cost to repair your bike in the event of an accident or a theft, and when your bike is common in the marketplace, it’s going to be much easier for suppliers and repair facilities to find replacement parts for the repairs or replacement at a decent price.
Another Way You Can Lessen the Cost of Motorcycle Insurance Premiums
Just like mortgages, the more you shop around, the better your chances are of getting the best possible insurance rate. There are a whole passel of insurance companies out there, so start by asking your current home and auto insurance agent about his company’s motorcycle insurance. If your current company doesn’t offer motorcycle insurance? Just ask your neighbor with the shiny new Harley where he insures his bike. A fast search of motorcycle websites (like say, this one, motofotostudio.com) and forums can net you some recommendations from your fellow riders.
Finally, with your list of companies firmly in hand, dedicate a day to call as many insurance agents as you can.
But wait!! There are some answers you’ll want to have ready once you’re talking insurance plans and rates with an agent. Here, a little preparation goes a long way in making the best impression (which results in an ideal rate) on an insurance agent. Know what they’ll ask before you pick up the phone.
1. Do you actually know how to drive?
Motorcycle insurance is a little like auto insurance; your age and your driving record are the key factors. Auto accidents which appear on your driving record definitely count when you’re buying motorcycle insurance, so if you’re older but a first-time rider, you might find yourself facing a higher rate. That problem is likely to be offset if you’re willing to take DMV or motorcycle skills classes – and be sure to wave your certification under your insurer’s nose to prove your skills.
2. Man, you live in a bad neighborhood, and your insurer knows it…
Working or living in a high crime area will affect your motorcycle insurance rates. If you can store your bike in a garage, add on an alarm, or demonstrate that you have any other form of security for your parked bike, you’re a step ahead of the game. If your bike spends most of it’s time in an open, unsecured area, it’s clearly at risk and any insurance company is going to think so too.
3. The Bike
Just like in auto insurance, that glitzy, brand-spankin’ new model is going to cost more to insure that an older stock bike.
4. Does the snow fly?
If you live in the part of the country that has a definite riding ‘season’, make this apparent to your agent. By only using your bike for half the year, your mileage stays low and your rate usually will follow suit.
5. Would you file a claim for a broken fingernail?
Your rate isn’t based solely on your bike, but also your lifestyle, your riding habits, and your history. A history of filing small claims will most certainly make your rates very, very high.
3rd Party Liability: Is insurance that covers other people and their property in the event of an accident that is your fault. Instead of you paying out of pocket for the damage to the other person’s property, your insurance pays that tab. It does not cover damage to you or your property.
Most states require you to have at least liability insurance on your bike.
Full Coverage Insurance: Also called “comprehensive,” this type of insurance is available in different amounts, and covers you and your property following an accident, whether the crash was your fault, someone else’s, or a “no-fault” situation in states that have those laws. Full coverage also covers to any passengers on your bike present in the accident if you stipulate that sort of coverage.
We’re here to help you find the right motorcycle insurance, whatever you ride…
Tips for buying your motorcycle insurance, coverage you need:
- Collision to pay for damage caused to your vehicle in an accident with another vehicle or any stationary object.
- Comprehensive to cover such things as fire, hail, wind, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.
- Towing / Pickup
- Medical payment or personal injury protection to cover the medical bills resulting from an accident.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist to protect us when the other driver is at-fault and does not have coverage or assets out of which your bills can be paid.