Your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in the Fall

Now that fall is upon us, many motorcycle owners face the task of preparing their bike for the brisk weather. In some parts of the country, this means storms and snowfall. For seasonal riders, keeping your bike in top condition should include a maintenance program before storing it for the winter. Likewise, your insurance policy may need some adjustments for best results.

Here are some maintenance issues to consider if you don’t ride your motorcycle year round.

Remove the battery. If you plan on storing your bike, you should remove the battery. If you ride less frequently due to inclement weather, charge the battery at least once every two weeks. Be sure you charge the battery away from open flames or sparks as these could cause an explosion.

Check your fluids. Fluids tend to change consistency when left in your motorcycle for long stretches of time. Therefore, you should change your oil at the end of the riding season. Fill the tank with fresh fuel, and add winterizing fuel conditioner.

Mufflers and exhaust. Bear in mind that your mufflers and exhaust are subject to rust when they’re not in use, which can be costly. To avoid money woes down the line, spray a light oil into the ends of the muffler and drain holes. Cover the ends of the exhaust pipes so that moisture can’t get in.

Check your tires. Don’t overlook your tire pressure. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper gauge for winter storage. The air in the tires will contract with the cold weather, and if your tires are underinflated to begin with, this can cause problems.

In many parts of the U.S., roads slick with ice or clogged with snow can make it impractical to ride your bike. Usually, insurance companies take these seasonal concerns into consideration and may bill your premium accordingly. This is commonly known as a “pay-as-you-ride” policy. Although your policy remains in effect 12 months of the year, you are only charged during the typical riding months.

If you only plan to park your motorbike for a month or two, there’s no great advantage to cancelling your policy when cold weather rolls around. If you maintain a good driving record, it’s best to leave your policy in effect year round. There’s no additional cost and you get uninterrupted policy coverage that guards against theft.

Opting out of Certain Motorcycle Coverage Can Save You Money

As a smart rider, you understand the benefits of carrying motorcycle insurance, and you’re always on the lookout for a policy that can save you money. It’s obvious that the premium on a high-powered designer motorbike with custom upgrades will be much higher than a small or medium-size pre-owned bike. Do your research ahead of time so you don’t end up paying for unnecessary coverage.

How much insurance do you need and which plan works the best for your bike and your bank account? Here are several plans you can opt out of to save money:

Medical coverage. In the event of an accident where you sustained bodily injuries, medical coverage can pay for the treatment you receive, regardless of who is at fault. However, if you are currently under your employer’s health insurance plan, purchasing an additional medical coverage plan on your insurance policy can be a needless expense. This plan is beneficial for riders who don’t currently have health insurance.

Guest passenger liability. In the event of an accident where you were at fault, you could be liable for any injuries that your passenger suffers. However, if you’re a weekend warrior who loves to ride solo, guest passenger coverage may be an unnecessary expense, and you can forego this type of coverage. In some states, this coverage may be mandatory, so speak to your insurance agent to determine if you can opt out.

Towing and roadside assistance. If your beloved bike is too mangled to ride after a crash, roadside assistance can come in handy to tow your motorcycle and help you obtain a replacement vehicle. However, if you currently are a member of a motor club, you’ll be paying double if you add this coverage onto your insurance policy.

Risk is real. You need motorcycle insurance not only to protect your investment, but also your bank account. Talk to your insurance agent to determine which coverage is required for your state and which you can opt out to keep more money in your wallet.

Save on Insurance for Your Bike with Motorcycle Safety Courses

We’ve all taken driver safety courses in high school when we were preparing to get our license and we were just learning the rules of the road. You may think the days of vehicle safety courses are long behind you, especially if you’re the owner of a motorcycle, but these classes could do more than potentially save your life. They could save you money on your insurance policy premiums.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and nearly 1,222,000 persons were treated in a U.S. emergency room for motorcycle related injuries that were non-fatal. With the rate of riders in the United States on the rise, motorcyclist fatalities and accidents are becoming a matter of public health concern. This has led many motorcycle organizations to institute “Share the Road” campaigns and to also remind riders of the importance of wearing helmets.

Motorcycle safety courses go a long way toward protecting riders as well as looking out for the well-being of other vehicles on the road. In addition to these safety benefits, here are several ways these classes work to the rider’s advantage:

·         Most insurance carriers offer incentives for completing these courses. Some may provide up to 15 percent off your premiums. Speak with your agent to learn about the incentives they offer for completing the course.

·         Many states offer free or very affordable courses. Check with your local DMV for specifics.

·         Classes help riders improve their skills and confidence while operating a motorcycle.

·         Safety classes are not lengthy, lasting one to three days in many states.

With the freedom to ride your motorbike wherever you wish comes personal responsibility. Invest not only in your safety, but in your savings by taking a motorcycle safety course.

Four Common Motorcycle Accidents and Why You Need Insurance for Your Bike

If you took a poll of 1,000 motorcyclists, most would consider themselves to be safe riders. Regardless of how much judgment you use or how skillful you are, no rider is 100 percent accident-proof. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 82,000 Americans were injured in accidents involving motorcycles in 2010. Those statistics alone should be enough to convince the most confident rider to think twice before racing down the highway without being fully insured.
    The following is a list of the four most common motorcycle accidents, according to research, which illustrates the need for insurance for your bike.

    1) A collision while overtaking another vehicle
    2) A collision at junctions
    3) Making a left-hand turn
    4) Driving between two lanes of slowly moving or stopped vehicles
   
    If you’ve ever navigated one or more of the above risky moves without incident, statistics show that, sooner or later, you could be one of the tens of thousands of riders who eat the asphalt. In addition to those common accidents, there are other perils to be mindful of on the road – such as slick streets, wet leaves, ice. Even if your motorbike is primarily used on the weekends, you still have to consider theft of your beloved bike or your after-market accessories.
    Motorcycle insurance gives you peace of mind while you’re riding your bike and when it’s not in use. Speak to an agent today to determine which plan is best for you and how much coverage you should purchase. Comprehensive and collision insurance coverage will pay to repair or replace your motorbike in the event that it gets stolen or smashed in an accident. If you upgraded your bike after you purchased it, a comprehensive policy will replace those accessories. Your insurance carrier will explain coverage levels to you. When you buy uninsured motorist coverage, this plan will cover the cost of damages to your bike and any necessary medical treatment.
    No rider can prevent one of the four common motorcycle accidents from occurring, but when you are adequately insured, you can enjoy the open road, knowing that you’re covered in the unfortunate event of a crash.

Not Having Motorcycle Insurance Can Cost You in the Long Run

Whether you ride your motorcycle to work every day or consider yourself a weekend warrior, you still need good insurance in the case of an accident. An unforeseen collision can not only take a toll on your health, but can also wreck your bank account. All states require riders to carry some form of insurance, although the amount of coverage you need varies by state. Going without a policy can cost you in the long run. It doesn’t pay to ride around being underinsured or having no insurance at all.
    When you’re shopping for a policy, the following four types of coverage can give you peace of mind as you conquer the open road:

     Collision. Accidents can blindside you and leave you dazed. Whether you collide with a car or a stationary object, such as a tree or a fence, collision coverage is there to protect you and your motorbike. Contact a reputable insurance carrier today to determine the amount of coverage you need.

    Comprehensive. Even if you’re an excellent rider and don’t predict you’ll ever be involved in a fender bender, there are other types of accidents that can cause damage to your valuable motorbike. Tornadoes, flooding, vandalism and theft can all wreak havoc on your beloved bike. You’ve invested time and money to maintain this well-oiled machine. Doesn’t it make sense to protect your motorcycle from other forms of damage?

    Personal injury protection. If you or your passenger are involved in an accident, paying out-of-pocket medical costs can deflate your savings. Why take that unnecessary blow to your wallet when you can gain peace of mind with personal injury protection, or PIP for short? PIP, also known as “no fault insurance” can cover necessary hospital expenses, funeral expenses and loss of income.

    Uninsured motorists. It’s devastating enough to be entangled in an accident that isn’t your fault. Adding insult to injury is when the other driver isn’t carrying insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage for riders covers any injury (and even death) caused by a driver who doesn’t carry insurance. Speak to your agent to determine your coverage requirements.

    Enthusiasts say there’s nothing more empowering than barreling down the highway on a beautiful motorbike. When you’re on the road, the last thing you want to worry about is a collision. Call your insurance agent today to investigate the policy that’s right for you.

Motorcycle Insurance That’s Right for You

Motorcycles are some of the most envied vehicles on the road. They seem to glide through traffic effortlessly, leaving other drivers in their dust, with a gleaming steel exterior and exhaust system that causes heads to turn. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there were more than 8 million riders on the road in 2010, and the number of bike enthusiasts continues to climb.
    Smart riders understand the benefit of obtaining proper motorcycle insurance. They know that in an unpredictable world, it’s impossible to avoid collisions. Even a minor scrape can translate to costly repairs, and it’s also a headache to replace stolen after-market accessories.
    If you purchased a motorcycle and spend money on maintaining it, a cost-effective insurance policy will help protect your investment. A motorcycle insurance plan can:

    -- Provide coverage in the event that you injure another driver or cause damage to his or her property.

    -- Provide coverage if you are harmed in an accident with an uninsured motorist.

    -- Protect against theft and vandalism. Most insurance carriers also provide coverage for stolen after-market accessories. Check with your agent to determine coverage amounts.

    -- Offer roadside assistance if your bike breaks down. Don’t get stranded on the side of the road!

    -- Reward you with discounts. Many insurance carriers offer discounts if you insure multiple bikes, have been riding responsibly (no tickets or accidents) for a number of years or take a safety course. Inquire about cost-saving plans with your agent. 

    -- Provide medical payments insurance or personal injury protection in case you need to visit your doctor or become hospitalized as a result of an accident. This coverage can come in handy if you don’t have health insurance.
   
    When you hop on your motorbike and cruise down the highway in a blaze of glory, the last thing you want to worry about is eating the asphalt. A dent on your bike can mean a dent in your wallet. Call an agent today to purchase a policy that’s right for you.

The Benefits of Obtaining Motorcycle Insurance

You just bought the bike of your dreams, and now you’re looking forward to hitting the open highway and taking many thrilling road trips. But before you roar off into the sunset, make sure that your motorcycle is properly insured. Some riders make the mistake of thinking insurance is only mandated for automobiles. They don’t see the need to buy motorcycle insurance because they believe they are extremely careful and know how to “stay vertical” or they’re the owner of an inexpensive bike. Since accidents are unpredictable, it just makes good financial sense to carry insurance, and most states require some form of coverage for riders.

            Whether you’re the owner of a midsize commuter bike or a sport bike with high horsepower, here are several reasons why it’s vital to be insured:

            Uninsured motorists. Even if you’re the best rider in the world and you never eat asphalt, you can’t prevent other drivers from colliding with your bike. According to the Insurance Research Council, one in seven U.S. drivers has no insurance. If you have to pay for the damages to your motorcycle out of pocket or any resultant medical expenses, the cost could be astronomical. Why risk that unnecessary blow to your wallet? Talk to an insurance agent to obtain a policy that’s right for you. Buy as much coverage as you can afford up front, but don’t skimp, or you’ll pay for it later. If money is tight, some carriers offer motorbike discounts if you’re a homeowner, you wear a helmet or you completed an approved motorcycle safety course. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

            Protection against theft. Here’s a devastating scenario: You saved your hard-earned money to buy the perfect motorcycle only to fall victim to thieves. Losing a beloved bike to crooks is a hard thing to deal with, and only 25 to 30 percent of stolen motorcycles are ever recovered, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Having comprehensive coverage will protect your motorcycle from theft in the unfortunate event that it occurs. If you tricked out your bike with a custom paint job and exhaust pipes, you need to guard your investment. Many policies only cover basic accessories, but comprehensive coverage usually includes those customizations you add on aftermarket. Talk to your agent today to learn about the different benefits available.

            Bodily injury and property damage. The only thing worse than getting into an accident is being the one who caused the crash. If you’re at fault in a collision, your bank account could take a brutal hit. It’s smart to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance on your bike in the event that you’re involved in an accident and you injure other passengers or damage their property.

 

            For a weekend warrior, it’s exhilarating to cruise down the road with not a care in the world, but with your new purchase comes responsibility. Buying a motorcycle is a long-term investment, and you want to maintain your bike for years to come. Talk to an agent today to get a policy that’s right for your budget and provides peace of mind.