The Top 5 Things To Look For In A Motorcycle Insurance Policy

​Riding a motorcycle comes with a sense of freedom and adventure, but it also carries significant risks. That’s why having the right motorcycle insurance policy is essential to protect yourself, your bike, and others on the road. However, not all policies are created equal, and understanding what to look for in a motorcycle insurance policy is key to getting the coverage that best suits your needs. This blog will outline the top five things to consider when shopping for motorcycle insurance to ensure you’re adequately protected and getting the most value for your money.

1. Liability Coverage
The most basic and crucial part of any motorcycle insurance policy is liability coverage. This coverage is typically required by law in most states and protects you financially if you are responsible for an accident that causes injury to someone else or damages their property. Motorcycle liability coverage usually comes in two forms:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
  
  
• Property Damage Liability: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing property (e.g., another vehicle, fences, or buildings) that you damage in an accident.

It’s important to ensure that your policy includes adequate liability limits, as low coverage could leave you personally responsible for damages if an accident exceeds your policy’s limits. In some cases, increasing your liability limits may only slightly raise your premiums but can save you from significant financial exposure in the event of a serious accident.

2. Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverage are two optional but highly recommended components of a motorcycle insurance policy. These coverages protect your bike from a variety of risks, whether you're on the road or not.

• Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of fault. This includes collisions with other vehicles, objects, or even single-vehicle crashes.
  
  
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, or falling objects. Comprehensive insurance ensures that you are covered for a wide range of incidents, even when your bike is parked.

For motorcyclists with newer or more expensive bikes, comprehensive and collision coverage is vital. Even if your bike is older, these coverages provide peace of mind by protecting against costly out-of-pocket repairs or replacement if your motorcycle is damaged or stolen.

3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most essential yet overlooked aspects of motorcycle insurance. This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover the damages. Since motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, having UM/UIM coverage is critical for your financial protection.

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
  
  
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Provides protection when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t high enough to cover your medical expenses and repair costs.

Given the high number of uninsured drivers on the road, especially in certain states, this coverage ensures you aren’t left footing the bill after an accident caused by someone else.

4. Medical Payments Coverage
Motorcycle accidents can result in significant injuries, and even with health insurance, you may face high medical costs. Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is designed to cover medical expenses for you and your passenger if you're injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can include hospital bills, ambulance fees, and rehabilitation costs.
Unlike health insurance, which may have high deductibles or exclude certain treatments, MedPay provides immediate coverage for a wide range of medical services, ensuring that you receive the care you need without delay. Consider adding medical payments coverage to your policy to cover gaps in your health insurance, particularly if you frequently ride with a passenger or participate in high-risk activities like group rides or long-distance trips.

5. Accessory Coverage
Many motorcyclists invest in expensive accessories like custom parts, saddlebags, helmets, and riding gear to enhance their bike's performance and appearance. However, standard comprehensive and collision coverage may not include the full value of these modifications. Accessory coverage (also called custom parts and equipment coverage) ensures that these enhancements are covered if they are damaged or stolen.

Accessory coverage is important if you've made any modifications to your bike or own high-end riding gear. Without this coverage, you could end up paying out of pocket to replace expensive customizations or safety equipment after an accident or theft. When purchasing accessory coverage, make sure it provides adequate limits to cover the full value of your bike’s modifications and gear.

Bonus: Roadside Assistance
While not one of the primary coverages, adding roadside assistance to your motorcycle insurance policy is a smart move. Motorcycles are prone to breakdowns, flat tires, and other mechanical issues that can leave you stranded. Roadside assistance provides services like towing, battery jump-starts, and flat tire repair, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away, no matter where your ride takes you.

Conclusion
When selecting a motorcycle insurance policy, it’s essential to go beyond the basic coverage requirements and consider options that will provide you with comprehensive protection. Make sure your policy includes sufficient liability coverage to protect you from lawsuits, and consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your bike from accidents and non-collision-related incidents. Don't forget the importance of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to safeguard yourself from drivers who may not have enough insurance, and include medical payments coverage to ensure your medical expenses are covered in case of injury. Finally, if you’ve invested in custom accessories or high-end gear, be sure to add accessory coverage to protect your investments.

With the right motorcycle insurance policy, you can ride confidently, knowing that you are well-protected from financial losses in the event of an accident, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances. Always review your policy options carefully and work with an insurance agent to find the best coverage for your specific needs.

At Priority Insurance LLC, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (864) 297-9744. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.​