7 Things You Need to Know About Motorcycle Insurance

Whether you are a new rider or a seasoned veteran, the right motorcycle insurance will give you peace of mind and save you serious money in the case of an unforeseen motorcycle incident.

But not all insurance companies are the same, and each offers many types of coverages.

So we’ve put together a small guide of the things you need to know as you are shopping for motorcycle coverages, no matter what type of bike you ride.

1. Does Every Rider Need Insurance?

And not just motorcycle riders! Every motor vehicle owner needs to have insurance on their vehicle to be on the streets legally.

Whether you go for the bare minimum of basic coverage or spring for a comprehensive motorcycle insurance policy is up to you and your risk tolerance. A basic policy can leave you with large medical bills and high out-of-pocket expenses that would have been minimal had the policy purchase included all available coverages.

Ultimately every rider needs to decide what type of insurance they are comfortable with. The only wrong choice is not having it.

Riding without insurance is highly illegal as well as dangerous to your wallet!

2. What Types of Bikes Are Covered?

At Harley-Davidson Insurance Services, we cover all types of motorcycles, not just Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Insuring your touring bike is as important to us as a brand new Sportster.

We want to ensure that you have the motorcycle insurance coverage you need.

The type of bike that you ride will help you determine what policy limits and kinds of coverage you need.

3. Is Minimum Coverage Enough?

While liability-only coverage is the most affordable option, it’s not usually the best policy for most riders. Motorcycle insurance has many options, and it’s not just a blanket, one-size-fits-all policy.

Minimum insurance coverage includes bodily injury and property damage, but this can still leave you with enormous out-of-pocket bills in an unforeseen incident.

So choosing from the additional coverages will keep you (and your wallet) happy. Some of the more common optional coverages include medical expenses, under/uninsured motorist insurance, comprehensive insurance, cost of repair or replacement cost insurance, accessory insurance, and passenger insurance.

In addition to this additional insurance coverage, you can choose how high your liability limits are. While more liability coverage will be more expensive, it can come in very handy. If you are risk averse, having the highest option on your liability insurance makes sense. If you aren’t, then a standard bodily injury liability policy will do.

Once again, motorcycle insurance policies are all about assessing your risk tolerance to ensure that you have adequate insurance protection for your type of riding.

4. Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance Discounts?

Absolutely. Harley-Davidson Insurance Services offers all kinds of discounts to riders.

While every insurance company is different, we offer insurance discounts for:

New Motorcycles
H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) Members
Experience
H-D™ Riding Academy (or Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Graduates
Prompt Payment (discount on renewal term if prior term had all on-time payments)
Home Ownership
Multiple Bikes
Military Service
And More!

Finding more affordable insurance rates is just a phone call away. Speak with an insurance agent for a personal price quote today.

5. Should I Save Money By Canceling My Insurance Over The Winter?

Canceling during the winter still puts you at risk.

If you did any add-ons to your bike but don’t have insurance, you will be personally liable for anything that happens to your bike.

6. Are Passengers And Accessories Covered?

We love to take our friends and family members on rides with us. Sharing the open road while riding ‘two-up’ is a joy. It’s always incredible to see the happiness that being on two wheels can bring to people used to riding in cars.

But are you endangering them by having them as a passenger?

Not all policies cover passengers. If you are going to ride with others, you must protect them with the right insurance.

Even if you don’t ride with others often, it’s worth checking to see what kind of accessory coverage you have. We are always tinkering on our bikes and love adding custom parts and accessories, and just like passengers, not all policies cover these accessories.

If you have any questions, make sure to reach out to an insurance representative to see how you can better cover your custom upgrades and your riders.

7. Do You Get A Motorcycle Policy Or An Endorsement To Your Auto Policy?

As we’ve stated, not all motorcycle insurance is the same, and it’s important to know what kind of coverage you have.

For daily riders, separate motorcycle policies make the most sense. They are much more comprehensive and will protect your bike and wallet in case of an unforeseen insurance incident.

Motorcycle endorsements are ideal for riders that only ride occasionally, as they are more affordable but less comprehensive than a dedicated motorcycle policy.

Get The Best Insurance For Your Situation

Motorcycle insurance is personal, but getting the best policy for your situation is easier than it sounds.

Reach out to one of our insurance specialists today to see how you can save money on your motorcycle insurance.

Things To Know About Motorcycle Insurance