Monday, June 4, 2012

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.