Motorcycle Liability Insurance
Posted by admin on July 14, 2009What Motorcycle Insurance Covers
Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. You may also add optional coverages such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Knowing what type of protection each of these coverages provides will enable you to make an educated decision when buying a motorcycle insurance policy.
Motorcycle Liability Insurance
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you may have caused to other people involved in an accident. This coverage doesn’t cover you or your bike. Some policies also include guest passenger liability coverage, which provides protection for your passenger if they are injured.
Motorcycle Collision Insurance
Collision insurance pays for damage to your motorcycle, less your deductible. Even if the damage is your fault, this coverage will still apply. Collision insurance typically covers the book value of the motorcycle before the accident occurs.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage provides protection should you become involved in an accident caused by another driver, and the other driver is either without insurance or has inadequate insurance coverage to pay for the damages inflicted upon you and your bike. This provisional coverage will help pay for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages to you and your passengers.
Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance
This coverage protects your bike from non-accident related perils; including fire, theft and acts of vandalism. As with collision coverage, the insurance company will pay for damages after you meet your deductible, and will only cover the book value of your bike. If you add any additional accessories to your ride (chrome parts, custom paint job, sidecars, etc.), you may want to get additional or optional equipment coverage.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
The Motorcycle Safety Association offers the following safety tips for motorcyclists:
Always wear a helmet . Wear protective gear – eye protection, jacket, gloves, long pants and high-top boots or shoes
Drive defensively, especially when riding through intersections. Check your mirrors before changing lanes and stopping
Avoid riding in your fellow motorists’ blind spots
You can also make yourself more visible to other motorists by wearing brightly colored clothing. Always have your headlights on
Aside from death and taxes, there are few guarantees in life. You can reduce the odds of getting into an accident by following the safety tips provided by the Motorcycle Safety Association. But the best way to prepare for the unexpected is to be proactive and get a good motorcycle insurance policy.