Thursday, August 30, 2012

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.