motorcycle insurance

As with any motor vehicle, you need to purchase motorcycle insurance to protect your liability in the case of an accident. Not only will you need collision coverage, but you will also need bodily injury coverage and personal injury protection to cover the medical bills associated with an accident. Underinsured and uninsured coverage is also a must to protect you in case the driver at fault does not have insurance to pay for your bodily injury or property damage.

Your state may have a coverage minimum for motorcyclists to carry. This will often be around $25,000 in property damage liability, $25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident for any injuries you cause.

Your motorcycle insurance may include some of the following coverage options:

Comprehensive Coverage

As you would expect, typical protections offered when you buy comprehensive motorcycle insurance include events such as water, wind, fire, theft, and vandalism. If you’ve taken out a loan to buy your motorcycle, then you might need to buy comprehensive coverage as part of the terms of your agreement.  

Underinsured and Uninsured Coverage

If you have an accident with an underinsured motorist, you could be left with a bill to cover yourself. If the other party has no insurance at all, then any medical bills could potentially have to be paid by you in their entirety. 

Bodily Injury Liability

This type of protection can cover related costs if you injure a person in an at-fault accident. 

Medical Payments Insurance

This will cover items such as medication and dental care, along with copayments and deductibles from other health insurance policies. 

Collision Coverage

This will give you protection if you have a collision with an object, another vehicle, or person. 

Accessories Coverage – Custom Bike Options

If you own a custom motorcycle, you might own expensive accessories, such as saddlebags or backrests. This will provide you with coverage for these additional pieces. 

Custom Parts Coverage

This is slightly different from the accessories option for a custom bike, and it covers things such as specialist tanks or pipes.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection is paid out regardless of legal liability and covers specific medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Rental Car Coverage

In the event your bike needs a repair following an accident, rental reimbursement coverage can help to pay for temporary transportation, as long as this is needed following a covered event.

Breakdown Assistance

This gives you direct assistance in the event of a breakdown that takes place away from your residence and where there is a mechanical failure of note.