Getting The Best Motorcycle Insurance

Finding and getting the best motorcycle insurance is more about looking for the best deals on premiums. It's about finding all the coverage and services you would need and using them accordingly when you need to. Half the battle is customer service when it comes to shopping for motorcycle insurance. At the same time, motorcycle insurance isn't much different from car insurance. So if you have an idea of car insurance, then you have an idea of motorcycle insurance. The main difference is that motorcycle insurance may require you to be expansive with the coverage. 

Requirements For Motorcycle Insurance 

As previously stated, the requirements for motorcycle insurance aren't that different from car insurance. Nearly every state requires motorcycle riders to have liability insurance at the very least. Since motorcycles are registered vehicles on the road, they are held to similar standards as cars. But because of the nature of motorcycles, more different types of coverage that extend to both the driver and the bike are highly recommended. General liability insurance is often what people refer to when they are talking about car or motorcycle insurance in general. Having to pay for damages and injuries you caused in a vehicle accident is a legal obligation, so general liability is at the top of the priority list. While nearly every state has liability coverage minimum limits, it's always recommended that you carry far beyond it. Other types of motorcycle insurance may also be required depending on where you live. 

Different Motorcycle Insurance Types 

By now, we've already covered general liability motorcycle insurance because it will be the first motorcycle coverage you will look into. This is the coverage that will cover any injuries or property damage you cause to other drivers. It will also help cover any lawsuits and legal fees. Other essential motorcycle insurance coverages are:

• Collision coverage - Motorcycles often sustain more damage than cars do in accidents, so collision coverage comes in handy, especially to insure repairs to your bike regardless of fault. While this coverage isn't required, it's highly recommended for motorcycle owners. 

• Comprehensive coverage - This is another highly recommended insurance coverage for motorcycle riders. Comprehensive coverage insures motorcycles against weather and criminal-related damages while it's parked or in storage. Motorcycles tend to spend more time in parking and are unattended more than cars. This makes them especially vulnerable to hazards like theft. Insurance companies are even known to cut discounts to riders that keep their motorcycles in a garage or a safe location. 

• Medical payments coverage - Another greater risk of riding a motorcycle is the injuries you, as the driver, sustain in an accident. Bikes don't have airbags like cars, so you may be at risk for more injuries if you're not wearing safety gear. MedPay, or medical payment coverage, is there to cover personal injuries regardless of fault for this reason. Personal injury protection (PIP) is another form of medical insurance that will cover both you and your passenger in the event of an accident. 

Additional Motorcycle Insurance Types 

Insurance companies that offer motorcycle insurance may also have some of the more optional add-ons for your policy. These coverages look at some of the more specific hazards that motorcycle owners face:

• Trip interruption coverage - If you are traveling far from home, at least 100 miles or more, trip interruption coverage will insure things like lodging, transport, and meals if you find yourself stranded when your motorcycle breaks down. 

• Custom part coverage - If you were to have custom work done or parts added to your motorcycle, you should notify the insurance provider because you will need specialized custom part insurance for anything added to the motorcycle that wasn't included when it was bought. This sort of acts as an umbrella coverage for those features. 

• Trailer coverage - Trailers used to transport motorcycles can be insured with this specific coverage. Trailers valued at least $7,000 will greatly benefit from this motorcycle insurance. 

• Roadside assistance coverage - Piggybacking off trip interruption coverage, roadside assistance helps cover services when your motorcycle breaks down, like labor and towing. 

The Best Motorcycle Insurance Policy 

The motorcycle coverages discussed in this post are all essential in creating a broad and reliable policy for your motorcycle. The biggest takeaway is that just liability insurance won't cut it. Look at how much your ride, where you ride, and the local risks you regularly have to deal with in order to gauge the best motorcycle coverages for your specific case.