How to Review Your Motorcycle Insurance Policy

Every year, probably in the early spring, motorcycle riders start to get antsy for the riding season.

The covers come off in the garage, and long avoided spring maintenance gains new urgency—the countdown to riding in warm weather can be measured in weeks instead of months.

This is the time of year when every motorcycle rider starts to take stock of their gear, ride, and the one thing you can't (legally) ride without in most states: a motorcycle insurance policy.

Whether your insurance company prompted you, you just want to ensure that you are covered in case of an unforeseen mishap, or you are concerned about your motorcycle insurance cost, we have a handy guide for how to review your current motorcycle coverage.

Reviewing Your Motorcycle Policy

An annual insurance review is relatively easy regardless of what type of motorcycle you ride.

Ensuring you have sufficient coverage at the beginning of the season can mean that you aren't hit with exorbitant medical bills for bodily injury, stuck with a flat tire sans roadside assistance, or any other wide range of issues that can happen to even the most experienced riders.

Staying with minimum coverage may equal cheaper motorcycle insurance in the short term, but it can leave you with a headache or a pile of debt in the long run.

For most riders, it's easiest to stay with your current motorcycle insurance provider. All you need to do is check in with your insurance company or agent; if nothing has changed, you can simply pay your annual premiums (which save you money over the monthly premiums) and get back to wrenching.

But we think there are a few things worth considering before you send your payment. Here are just a few:

• Are you happy with your coverage limits?
• Are you getting the most affordable coverage for your bike and riding style?
• Have you changed motorcycles or stored your bike in a garage during winter instead of leaving it on the street?
• Have you added optional equipment or gear that requires accessory coverage?

Bottom Line: If you have made any changes to storage, your ride, or your finances, it's worth taking a second look to ensure you have the best motorcycle insurance policy for your unique situation.

Upgrading Your Policy

Moving from the minimum required coverage to a more thorough policy could make your life much easier in case of an insurance incident.

Some of these optional coverages may work like your auto insurance policy. They are selections that can be added on top of the basic motorcycle insurance requirements.

Sure, your coverage might be relatively higher in cost, but they might save you a lot of money in the case of a mishap.

Here are a few major additional coverage options:

Comprehensive Coverage - If you want to protect your bike from damages not covered by collision coverage, such as motorcycle theft, fire, or vandalism, then comprehensive coverage is an excellent addition to your standard policy.

Collision Coverage - Collision insurance provides the extra help you might need to pay for damages when your motorcycle hits—or is hit by—another object or vehicle.

Roadside Assistance - Don't be caught unprepared on a ride with complicated bike repairs. Mechanical or electrical breakdowns can happen, and you'll need help. You can get 24-hour towing and roadside service with Roadside Assistance coverage for the following situations and more:

• fluid shortage (fuel, oil, water)
• battery failure
• lost keys
• flat tire

Optional Equipment Coverage - Optional Equipment coverage protects equipment on your bike that is not factory standard (often called original equipment manufacturer). Your bike's manufacturer defines equipment as standard by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). So if you want coverage for custom parts, then this is a must-have option.

Vacation Rental Coverage - Get the same level of coverage on a rental motorcycle from a licensed facility or dealer as you would on your own bike with Vacation Rental coverage.

Replacement Cost - If your motorcycle is a total loss, you can get it replaced—and not at the depreciation value—with Replacement Cost coverage.

Optional Equipment Replacement Cost - If your motorcycle is a total loss—and your optional equipment also needs to be replaced—you're covered for the replacement cost of that equipment with Optional Equipment Replacement Cost coverage.

Medical Expense Coverage - Medical payment coverage can help you and your passenger with medical expenses.

Common Motorcycle Insurance Discounts

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!

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

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

• New Motorcycles - Whether a street bike or a dirt bike, whether a Honda or a Suzuki, we prioritize coverage for your new ride.
• H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) Members - Join in our rides and community.
• Experience - The longer you've been riding, the more you save.
• H-D™ Riding Academy (or Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Graduates - Getting a safety course discount is easy. Sign up for the next class at Harley-Davidson® locations or a course run by the MSF.
• Prompt Payment (discount on renewal term if a prior term had all on-time payments) - Choosing the best payment plan is easy. Your annual rates will decrease by setting up automatic payments or paying your insurance premiums annually. Who knew that payment methods could save you so much?
• Home Ownership - We value stability.
• Multiple Bikes - The more you ride, the more you save.
• Military Service – Active or retired, either way it’s a discount with us!

Finding more affordable motorcycle insurance rates and additional discounts are just a phone call away.

Speak with an insurance agent for a personal price quote today.

Factors That Determine How Much You Pay An Insurance Provider

No matter what insurance provider you use, numerous factors determine the price of full-coverage motorcycle insurance across the entire insurance industry.

Age - Younger riders are statistically more likely to be involved in insurance incidents and will pay commensurate rates.

Gender – While not all states include this as a rating factor, where they are included, women are statistically less likely to be involved in a mishap and typically pay less than men.

Experience - With experience comes ingrained riding habits; a mature rider is viewed as mature across a broad range of skills and practices.

Driving History - Traffic violations add to more than just time wasted; the fewer points on your record, the less you'll pay.

Type of Bike - Every motorcycle owner is different, which is why we have so many beautiful styles of bikes. But from a liability coverage perspective, not all bikes are created equally. For example, touring bikes have different theft rates, engine size, and typical mileage than sport or dirt bikes.

Wrapping Up

Great motorcycle insurance coverage is just a phone call away; connect with our agents today to discuss the best type of policy for you.

Related Links:

• Teenage motorcycle insurance
• What does motorcycle insurance cover
• What to do after a motorcycle accident
• Do I have to insure my motorcycle in the winter

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