Buying insurance coverage for your motorcycle can be expensive as bikes present a higher risk than automobiles. They’re more susceptible to accidents caused by bad weather and poor road conditions. They are also less visible to other drivers, and less stable than cars.
In spite of this, you want to be sure you have sufficient coverage for your bike, because you’ve likely invested a lot of money in it. To help you find the best coverage for the best rates, the Insurance Information Institute offers the following tips:
- Get seasonal coverage – Most bikers aren’t road warriors who consistently ride their bikes all year long. If you store your bike for several months out of the year, there’s no need to fully insure it. Many insurers offer seasonal policies that cover your bike for six to nine month periods of actual usage.
- Take a motorcycle-safety course – Some states require these courses before they’ll issue a motorcycle license. Even if your home state doesn’t require it, you could be eligible for a 10% to 15% discount on your policy for completing one. Before signing up for a program, it’s a good idea to contact your insurer. Some companies only recognize certain programs. If you’ve been riding for a while, you might be able to get a discount for taking a refresher course.
- Increase deductibles – A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before the coverage kicks in. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums. When choosing a deductible, make sure you can afford to pay out-of-pocket for any costs that are incurred before your insurance kicks in.
- Ask about multiple bike discounts – If you’ve got more than one bike, or live with someone else who rides, you can usually get a discount. Likewise, it might be worthwhile to insure your motorcycle with the same company that covers your car.
- Install anti-theft devices – If you financed your bike, you’ve probably taken out comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive protects against theft, fire, and other damages not caused by an accident. Some companies offer a discount on comprehensive coverage if you utilize an anti-theft device.
- Maintain a good driving record – Insurance companies analyze your driving history to determine rates. How you drive a car usually indicates how you’ll ride a motorcycle. If you’ve only recently obtained a driver’s license, you might want to wait a year or two before getting a motorcycle. If you maintain a good driving record, your rates will be lower once you’re considered an “experienced” driver.
- Ride with a group – Membership in a motorcycle club, such as the American Motorcycle Association, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Harley Owners Group or Retreads can also save you some money on your the insurance premium.
