Getting the Right Motorcycle Insurance
What kind, company, amount? What About Filing a Claim?
May 21, 2009
Liability is the only coverage required by law in most states, but this level of insurance coverage may not be enough. Liability coverage only pays other people for damage you do to them, to their vehicles, or other property. Smart bikers will want to have more than just liability coverage on their motorcycle insurance.
Collision coverage is the next level of insurance coverage. Within coverage limits, it pays for repairs to your ride and whatever you hit. Riders who have collision coverage will want to ensure that the coverage limits are high enough. Within collision coverage are more specific sections such as property, medical, etc.
Comprehensive coverage pays for situations that are not covered under liability or collision. Motorcycle theft is covered under comprehensive, as are storm damage and vandalism.
Bikers Need Adequate Insurance Coverage
Riders should be sure that they have plenty of medical coverage, especially for themselves and passengers on their bikes. When a two-wheeler takes on a four-wheeler, it’s no contest. Collisions involving a motorcycle and an automobile usually result in severe injuries for the cyclist. The driver of the car often walks away uninjured, muttering, “I didn’t see any motorcycle.” Medical expenses add up fast for a biker who has been in a serious collision, and adequate medical coverage is important.
Bikers should have plenty of insurance coverage to be sure all of their expenses will be paid. Some underinsured riders may be denied access to the best care, or they may find out that the insurance company will not pay for the care that they received. Adequate motorcycle insurance will ensure that a rider is protected financially in the event of an accident.
Common Insurance Carriers
More companies are beginning to advertise that they carry motorcycle insurance. Some of the larger carriers
- Geico
- Allstate
- Progressive
- Markel American Insurance Company
- State Farm Insurance Company
Smartcycleshopper.com is a website that partners with and recommends Progressive Insurance.
(Author not affiliated with either smartcycleshopper.com or Progressive Insurance Company).
File an Insurance Claim
The following is information that bikers (and their insurance companies) hope they never need to use. Allan Laird's State Farm office says, "Filing an insurance claim is never pleasant, even with the best companies, because it means you've experienced a loss." An insured person should:
- Carry the insurance agent’s contact information at all times, such as on a business card or in a cell phone.
- Know the make, model, year, VIN, and any serial numbers applicable to the bike.
- Have photographs of the bike.
- Store important papers related to the bike in a safe place.
- Notify police in case of theft or vandalism, and file a police report.
- Call the insurance agent in case of theft or vandalism.
Filing a claim usually involves
- Calling the insurance agent
- Possibly filing a police report
- Answering numerous questions from insurance companies and possibly from police, some of which may seem too personal or “nobody’s business.”
- Waiting for a claims adjuster to conduct an investigation.
- Waiting for a claim to be approved.
- Waiting for a check to be cut.
The length of time it takes for each of these things varies from company to company, and from case to case. When an incident occurs, the proper authorities should be notified, and an insurance claim should be filed. Having the proper coverage should ensure that a biker is protected financially in the event that something should occur.
