Does car insurance cover motorcycles?

Motorcycles are not generally covered under your car insurance or homeowners policy. Typically, motorcycles are insured with their own policy. According to ValuePenguin, motorcycle coverage costs almost the same as car insurance with the average motorcycle insurance of $60 a month and $58 per month for car insurance.

Why are motorcycles not covered by your auto or home insurance policy?

Motorcycle insurance exists because, as with other motorized vehicles, motorcycles come with their own risks, and those risks include injuries to the rider and damages to the bike. Being a safe rider can help minimize those risks. Unfortunately, injuries are usually greater with a motorcycle in the event of a crash. Even with a helmet or riding gear, your body is not protected on a motorcycle like it is in a car. Plus, at the speeds you are traveling, motorcycles tend to be more heavily damaged in accidents. Additionally, if you are traveling with a passenger, you both could be injured, maybe seriously.

Generally, motorcycles are less expensive to purchase and repairs are not as costly as repairs for a car. However, there are still a variety of factors with different models, purchase price and repair expenses that will play a part in determining insurance costs.

Due to costs associated with medical treatment and motorcycle repairs, it’s worth exploring your options for motorcycle insurance. When reviewing insurance policies, there are some important questions to consider.

What questions should I ask about a motorcycle insurance policy?

• Am I covered if there are injuries? Some basic insurance policies might not cover you if you are injured. When looking at costs and coverages of the policies, think about what you’d be expected to pay out of pocket if you’re involved in a crash.
• Is collision coverage required? Some states may not require collision coverage for a motorcycle like they do with car insurance. However, if there is a lienholder, collision coverage may be needed.
• Does motorcycle insurance cover other riders? Some insurance policies may not cover passengers. Since motorcycles are generally considered single rider vehicles, it’s a good idea to ask about passenger coverage when purchasing a policy.
• Is my personal equipment protected? Often, protective equipment such as a helmet is covered under your motorcycle insurance policy. But, if you travel with other items in a saddlebag, such as a computer, you’ll want to verify if they’re covered by your motorcycle insurance policy or your homeowners policy.
• Is my motorcycle covered in the “off season”? In many states, motorcycles are ridden for only part of the year. Some insurance companies may only insure your bike for what they consider the riding season to get you a lower rate. You might need year-round coverage to ensure your bike is protected against theft and accidents while it is being stored.
• Does it include coverage that’s similar to my car insurance? Make sure you review what’s included for comprehensive, collision and liability in your motorcycle insurance policy. These coverages are common with auto and motorcycle insurance but there may be differences you should ask about, and some of these might be optional under your motorcycle insurance.

What to consider before purchasing a motorcycle

Thinking about a motorcycle? Before you purchase one, there are some things you might want to consider.

• Where are you going to learn to ride a motorcycle? Your driver’s education course in high school probably didn’t teach you about riding a motorcycle and your friend might not be too willing to let you learn with theirs.
• Do you need a permit? Many states require a specific driver’s license to operate a motorcycle.
• Do you need a helmet? Not all states require wearing a helmet, but when safety is a goal, it’s a good idea to have one.
• What type of motorcycle do you want? There is a wide variety out there based on how you want to ride, from sport bikes to touring and cruiser bikes, and the motorcycles are all rated differently by insurance companies.
• And finally, there is motorcycle insurance.

In all, motorcycle insurance is not much different than your car insurance. Companies offer different levels of deductibles and liability coverage, additional services like roadside assistance and ways of saving like telematics to help you find a price that works within your budget. It’s important to understand the factors that might determine your motorcycle premiums. It’s also just as important to talk to an insurance agent to fully understand what coverages are available.