Like cars, motorcycles need to be insured. It is the law in most states.
Getting top-quality motorcycle insurance does not have to break the bank. Your bike type, age riding experience, and the area you live in can all impact premium rates.
If you need an attorney, finding a motorcycle accident attorney from EdBernstein.com specializing in personal injury cases related to motorcycle accidents is crucial.
Liability Coverage
If you crash with someone else, your motorcycle insurance will help pay their medical and repair bills — to a limit. This is known as liability coverage, a requirement in most states.
Liability coverage typically only covers the damages you cause to others; it doesn’t cover injury or damage to your bike. However, you can add supplemental protections to your policy that address those scenarios.
The type of policy you choose should depend on how much you’re willing to spend and your risk tolerance. For example, a priceless collector’s bike may require more comprehensive coverage than a regular street bike stored in your garage. You also need to consider your state’s minimum requirements and whether or not the bank financing your bike will require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Liability coverage, which covers physical harm or property damage you cause to other people involved in an accident, is a feature in most motorbike insurance policies. It doesn’t cover your injuries or damage to your bike, which is why you should consider UM/UIM coverage (or guest passenger liability).
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for damages if the at-fault driver has no insurance, hits and runs, or their insurance policy limits are too low to cover your losses. UMPD can also include property damage coverage, which pays for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle minus the collision deductible. It’s worth considering this coverage, especially if you ride on public roads or in competition. UMPD coverage is typically optional but worth it. This type of coverage is often required for insurance on mopeds or scooters.
Medical Payments Coverage
Regardless of who is at fault, medical payment coverage or Med Pay, covers your post-accident medical expenses. It is a necessary option for motorcycle riders because crashes can leave you with severe injuries and hefty hospital bills.
This coverage also helps you bridge the gap when a negligent driver has minimal or no insurance.
Comprehensive insurance protects your motorcycle against damage from non-collision events like fire, theft, vandalism, and animal collisions. It usually comes with a deductible. You must compare different policies and select one that suits your needs. Consider options like roadside assistance and accessory coverage.
Collision Coverage
Most states require riders to carry at least minimum levels of liability insurance. You may also add collision and comprehensive coverage, but each needs to weigh the cost, benefits, and risks for themselves.
Your motorcycle’s damage is covered by collision insurance, less the deductible on your policy. This doesn’t cover injuries to others or damage to their property – that’s covered by bodily injury and property damage liability.
Comprehensive insurance protects your bike against almost every mishap or issue, including fire, theft, and vandalism. It also typically covers custom parts and accessories, but you should check with each insurer to make sure.
Comprehensive Coverage
Every motorcycle insurance policy has a limit on the amount it will pay for property damage. This is usually displayed with numbers separated by slashes. Property damage liability insurance pays for repairs to other people’s vehicles, including cars and trucks, up to the specified claim limit.
Medical payment coverage covers injuries to you and your passenger. This is optional but a good idea for anyone with frequent passengers. Guest passenger liability coverage is also available, which some states require. Comprehensive coverage is for any damage or loss caused by things other than a crash, such as theft, fire, and vandalism. It also covers personal belongings that are attached to your bike.
