Whether you’re looking for adventure or prefer to just ride around town, being insured is essential. Owning a motorcycle can be a great experience, but if you experience a mishap on the road without insurance, your wallet will feel the impact.
This is why we highly suggest finding an insurance policy that works best for you. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle or a scooter, motorcycle insurance is an absolute must. While most insurance companies offer a wide variety of coverage, motorcycle policies can differ from your typical home or car insurance policy.
Therefore, it is crucial to educate yourself on different policies before you hit the road. We’ve put together a simple guide that may come in handy when purchasing insurance for your motorcycle.
Coverage Recommended By Our Experts
One of the first things to decide while shopping for insurance is the type of coverage you’re looking for. Our Texas Insurance Experts recommend that you consider the following insurance policies-
Third-Party Coverage:
Third-Party Coverage ensures that you will be compensated if an accident may occur. In addition, it helps to cover any damages to property and medical expenses.
Personal Property Coverage:
Motorcycles are a costly investment. Therefore, you need to protect them at all costs. If you are currently shopping for insurance, look into options that will enable you to get your bike repaired or replaced if they are stolen or damaged beyond repair.
Medical Expense Coverage:
Medical expense coverage will ensure that all medical bills are covered in the event of an accident. If rehabilitation is needed following the accident, medical expense coverage will reimburse as well. It is highly recommended that you consider this coverage if you do not have a personal insurance plan.
Legal Expense Coverage:
Legal Expense Coverage will help pay for any legal fees incurred in an accident. These include court fees and settlements if someone decides to file a claim against you.
Comprehensive Coverage:
If you like to push the limits, Comprehensive Coverage may be the best option for you. It covers you for any damages that may occur during an accident, even if you are at fault. However, it comes with a higher monthly premium, so you have to decide whether or not it will fit your budget.
Accident Forgiveness:
Accident Forgiveness protects you from increases in insurance premiums due to previous claims within the last two years. If this is your first motorcycle or you’ve had prior accidents, this is an excellent way to ensure your insurance premiums remain affordable.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is mandatory in many states. It covers you should the at-fault driver not have their own policy. If insurance is not required by law in your state, find out what options are available so you can ensure you are covered, even if it means paying a higher premium.
Premiums You Should Pay Attention To
Motorcycles are different from cars, and so are their insurance policies and prices. When deciding what policy works best for you, there are a few factors you need to consider-
Age:
Premiums increase with age. If you are still in school, consider purchasing a basic third-party policy until you graduate and get a higher-paying job.
Your Riding Record:
A rider with a license for more than five years and no accidents to their name will pay less than a newbie who speeds on the road. If you have been riding for some time without any major mishaps, ask about discounts that may help bring down your premiums.
Your Bike’s Specifications:
Different bikes come with different models and features that affect their pricing. For instance, if you buy a speedster or sports, premium costs will be higher due to the risks involved with such high-speed machines. However, if you have a cruiser or commuter with basic specs, your premiums tend to be lower.
Your Location:
Riding in a city like Los Angeles, New York, or Miami comes with unique risks and costs. If you regularly commute on busy roads and highways, your policy will be more expensive than someone riding in a local town where the potential for mishaps is low.
Types of Policies Available
Most insurance providers in Texas offer three types of policies:
Regular:
This policy has a deductible and is typically for those who don’t want to pay higher premium costs. However, most experts discourage this type of policy due to its low level of coverage.
Preferred:
If you wish to keep your costs low but want more extensive insurance coverage worth investing in, a preferred policy may work best for you.
Non-standard:
Non-Standard Policies come with relatively high premiums due to the risks involved. However, this policy offers excellent coverage that may be necessary for high-risk riders. It is best suited for those who want to be on the safe side, even if it means paying more.
Additional Policies You Should Be Aware Of:
Full-Coverage:
Full-Coverage policies have higher premiums but offer the best protection. This policy includes all coverages listed above and ensures that you are fully reimbursed following an accident.
Limited Coverage:
Limited Coverage policies come at a lower price but do not include comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage. It is up to you to decide whether or not this type of coverage will work for you.
How to Save Money on Insurance
Finding the right policy and saving money on motorcycle insurance ultimately boils down to choosing the right policy and insurance provider for you. There are a few steps that can help you save money before committing to a particular plan.
Used Bikes:
New bikes have higher premiums due to the risks involved. However, if you buy a used one that someone else has already taken the depreciation hit on, then your insurance premiums tend to be much lower.
Comparison Shop:
Insurance companies offer deals whenever they sense competition looming around the corner. Find out which companies in your area offer discounts for riders who want to purchase low-cost motorbike insurance and work with them when buying a policy.
Get Multiple Quotes:
Insurance policies offered by brokers are cheaper because brokers buy in bulk. Therefore, it is best to get insurance quotes from several companies before deciding which policy is best for you.
Increase Your Deductible:
Increasing your deductible can help reduce your monthly premiums. You can opt for this method even after choosing a particular plan. However, most experts discourage this practice because you will have to pay more money out of pocket in the event of an accident.
Drop Certain Coverages:
If you have no immediate need for specific coverages, drop them from your plan. You don’t need comprehensive coverage that pays for damages caused by natural disasters if you are driving in a rural area. Decide what coverages you need and find a policy that works best for you.
Conclusion
Riding your brand new bike can be so exhilarating and fun. Finding the right insurance policy so you can ride with peace of mind is an absolute must. There are various policies tailored to fit your needs based on your location, experience, and budget.
Are you ready to get your Motorcycle Insured? TX Insurance Quotes is a great place to start. We have excellent motorcycle insurance options designed to help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget. Fill out our quick quote form on our website to find affordable coverage today!
