Motorcycle Insurance, "don't leave home without it"

Buying insurance of any type can be a painful and costly experience. Motorcycle insurance is a necessity, kind of like gas in the tank. It is also required by law. Fortunately, it’s easy to obtain insurance quotes almost immediately using the internet right in your own home. The more important thing to do is to shop around and get multiple quotes before you make a decision. Check with your current insurance agent to see if they offer motorcycle insurance which may entitle you to a multi-use discount.

Things that figure into a quote are age, driving history, style of motorcycle, where you live and how you store your bike - even credit scores can affect your rate of coverage. Sometimes having a history with one company may afford you a discount. As a motorcyclist you are going to need to choose between simple liability and a more comprehensive plan.
 
Tailor you plan according to what style of motorcycle you ride and how you ride it; year-round or seasonal, passenger or no passenger, street or track. Riding habits need to be taken into consideration when talking to an agent about your plan. Riders who have taken a recent Motorcycle Safety Foundation or Military Safety Course or are members of groups like the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) or HOG (Harley Owners Group) are frequently eligible for discounted rates, also.

Before buying motorcycle insurance, it is a good idea to check your state or local laws first to find out specifically what type of coverage is required. Some riders feel confident enough to run with basic liability that covers property damages and bodily injury expenses to others in an accident where you are at fault. The bare minimum covers you in case of an accident; however, it doesn't cover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle. This might be OK if you’re riding an old beater bike, but it’s still a roll-of-the-dice option.

Unlike automobile insurance, motorcycle passengers aren’t automatically covered, so if you plan on riding two-up, you’ll want to invest in Guest Passenger Liability Coverage as well. This will pay for any injuries a passenger sustains while riding with you.

The best plan, which of course is the most expensive plan, is full Comprehensive and Collision coverage. This will cover your motorcycle if it is stolen or damaged in an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage protects against damages sustained that are beyond your control, like fire, theft, vandalism or storm damage. Collision coverage means that if your bike is totaled or damaged in a collision, the insurance company will pay to have it repaired.

There are two areas GEICO stated that motorcyclists often under-insure themselves: uninsured motorist and medical liability coverage. You can’t rely on the fact that the other driver has enough coverage. Many drivers don’t have any insurance so as a precautionary measure; don’t choose the cheapest route when it comes time to add this option to the plan.

Also, don’t come up short when it comes to medical liability. Don’t think that just because you’re on a motorcycle that it’s only going to be you that gets hurt in an accident. Motorcycles can do serious damage, so buy coverage similar to the plan that you have for your automobile.

Most motorcycle insurance providers will customize a program around a rider’s needs. Companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, State Farm, and Esurance all offer coverage, so be sure to shop around for the best price. But start with the company that insures your car first to see if they will strike a deal with you for insuring multiple vehicles. There are a lot of insurance options out there with varied price structures. Don’t always assume the most expensive is the best. In the end before you make a decision, talk to your agent to make sure your plan matches your riding style.