Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options
Age, sex and record of previous claims affect insurance rates. Get more than one quote before you commit

There are ways to keep your costs down so you won’t have to pay steep rates, unless you’re high risk. Insurers like riders with spotless driving records, no accidents and graduates of “ride-training” courses, and you can earn a discount of up to 15%. Here are your coverage options:

• Comprehensive Coverage – your insurance company pays for damage to your motorcycle caused by events other than a crash, such as fire, theft or vandalism. Will not pay for mechanical breakdown or wear and tear.



• Liability – most states require motorcyclists to carry a minimum amount of liability in case of third party injuries.
• Uninsured Motorist – covers damage to your motorcycle caused by someone who does not have insurance.
• Medical payments – this coverage is self explanatory, but in some states, it only applies after other medical insurance is exhausted. Medical payments insurance usually has low limits.
• Bodily Injury – this pays for injuries you cause to another person.
• Guest Passenger Liability – this is bodily insurance coverage for your passenger.
• Collision – this coverage is for damage to your motorcycle, but extends only to the factory parts of your bike.
• Custom Parts and Equipment – covers all the improvements and additions you make to your motorcycle to improve its appearance and performance. We suggest you keep photos of the motorcycle and all receipts for custom parts and equipment.
• Roadside Assistance – included with Comprehensive Coverage for most Harley-Davidson and touring motorcycles at no charge, comprehensive motorcycle insurance can be purchased at a small fee for all other bikes.

If you’re shopping for motorcycle insurance, you know there are certain fundamental factors controlling your rate that are out of your hands. Your age, sex and record of previous claims are all taken into consideration. There’s plenty you can still do to score a lower rate in spite of this, and your options have more clout than you might realize. Here are 10 tips guaranteed to help you get the best rate possible on your motorcycle insurance.

1. Get more than one quote before you commit.
2. Assess insurance costs before you purchase your motorcycle.
3. Go high on deductibles.
4. Zero collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older bikes.
5. Pay attention to your credit score.
6. Inquire about low-mileage and group insurance discounts.
7. Avoid lapses in coverage.
8. Try not to pay your annual premium in installments.

Regardless of which insurance coverage option you choose, it is still important to secure your motorcycle from theft. With motorcycle thefts increasing, the National Insurance Crime Board is urging motorcyclists to take the following safety measures:

• Take out the key from the ignition and always park in a well-lit, high-traffic area
• Use a security device that immobilizes the front wheels or the handlebar to prevent thieves from driving your motorcycle
• Use a casehardened chain to lock your motorcycle to a fixed object to prevent thieves from carrying it away.
• If traveling with a buddy, chain the rear wheels of your motorcycles together.