HOW TO REVIEW YOUR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE POLICY

Start with your declaration page. The summary shows your coverages, limits, and premiums. You may wish to compare your current coverage with what you are seeking for ongoing protection.

Look for your policy's effective dates, coverage limits (usually shown as numbers like 25/50/25), and any optional coverages you're paying for. If you can't find your dec page, most insurance companies offer online access or mobile apps where you can view your current policy details.

Don't let the cost of motorcycle insurance keep you from riding, or worse, riding without insurance. Discounts may save you a lot of money on your new policy!

Liability Coverage Requirements
According to NerdWallet¹, some industry experts recommend minimum liability limits of 100/300 ($100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 per incident). Many riders carry only their state's minimum requirements, which could leave them exposed to significant financial risk.

Medical Payment Coverage
Consider coverage between $1,000 and $10,000. Even with health insurance, medical payment coverage can handle deductibles and expenses your health plan might not cover.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Experts suggest at least $250,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. With roughly one in seven drivers uninsured nationwide², this protection becomes critical if an uninsured driver causes you harm.

If your motorcycle is worth more than $5,000, comprehensive and collision coverage typically makes financial sense.

Choosing Your Deductible
Higher deductibles may lower your premiums, but mean more out-of-pocket costs if something happens. Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford to pay.

Standard policies typically include $1,000 in coverage for custom parts and accessories when you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. But if you've added a custom exhaust, upgraded seats, or other performance modifications, you might need coverage of up to $30,000.

Your bike's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) determines what counts as "standard equipment." Everything else (from saddlebags to custom paint) could require optional equipment coverage for full protection.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Optional equipment replacement cost coverage may pay to replace your custom parts with new ones. Actual cash value accounts for depreciation, potentially leaving you short of what you need for a true replacement.

Roadside Assistance Coverage
Mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, and lost keys happen to experienced riders. Twenty-four-hour towing and roadside service could save you from being stranded miles from home.

Vacation Rental Coverage
Planning motorcycle trips? This coverage may extend your protection to rental bikes from licensed dealers, providing the same coverage limits as your own ride.

Look at what you're paying monthly versus the financial risk you're accepting. Motorcycle insurance costs may vary for minimum coverage vs. comprehensive and collision coverages, but your actual costs depend on several factors, including:

• Age: 18-year-old riders may pay up to 41% more than 35-year-old riders, according to ValuePenguin³.

• Violations: Traffic tickets could increase costs by 50% or more⁴

• Motorcycle Type: Sport bikes typically cost more to insure than touring or cruiser bikes

• Storage: Garage storage can lower premium costs

Planning to upgrade or add another bike to your garage? Get insurance quotes before you put money down, not after you're sitting in the finance office.

Insurance costs vary dramatically between motorcycle types. A sport bike might cost twice as much to insure as a touring bike with the same value. Knowing this upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid payment shock.

If you're financing your motorcycle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage. Factor these costs into your total ownership expenses from day one.

Most insurance companies can provide estimates using the year, make, model, and engine size. You'll need the actual VIN for your final policy, but preliminary quotes give you realistic budget numbers for different bikes you're considering.

Not all insurance professionals understand motorcycle-specific coverage equally. The right agent makes the difference between adequate protection and coverage gaps that could cost you thousands.

• What percentage of your clients own motorcycles?

• Do you ride motorcycles yourself?

• Can you explain the difference between stated value and agreed value coverage?

• How do you handle claims for custom parts and accessories?

Here is a more detailed breakdown of questions to ask your motorcycle insurance agent.

Sometimes reviewing your current policy reveals it's time for a change. Here are clear signals that shopping around makes sense:

If your current insurer can't provide adequate coverage limits, specialty protection for custom parts, or reasonable rates for your situation, other companies might serve you better.

How an insurance company handles claims matters more than premium savings. If you've had claim disputes, delayed payments, or poor communication, switching could prevent future headaches.

Great motorcycle insurance coverage starts with an informed review of your current protection and a clear understanding of your options.

Ready to optimize your coverage? Contact our Harley-Davidson^® Insurance agents today for a personalized quote that addresses your specific riding situation, coverage gaps, and discount opportunities.

Whether you ride a Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle or any other make and model, our specialists understand rider needs and can help you find the right balance of protection and value.

Call now to discuss:

• Specific coverage recommendations for your bike and riding style

• Available discounts you might be missing

• Coverage gaps that could affect your financial security

• Custom quotes for multiple coverage scenarios

Don't ride another season wondering if you have the right protection. Get the expert guidance you need to ride with confidence.