Motorcycle Insurance Articles
Coverage Options Available In Motorcycle Insurance Policies
2010-09-08
It is extremely important to purchase insurance for any vehicle, including motorcycles. Many drivers make the mistake of buying a motorcycle before they inquire about insurance coverage options. When this happens, drivers may find out that they cannot afford or obtain motorcycle insurance at all. This can be a result of their driving record or because of events that are far from their control, such as the area they live in, their age or the type of motorcycle they have.
There are many coverage options available for motorcycle owners that can fit well into their budget and needs. The most basic coverage required is liability insurance. This covers damages to a third party's vehicle or other personal property that are caused by the driver of the motorcycle. Liability can also be purchased in the form of bodily injury. This covers any injuries or death sustained by a third party, be it a driver, passenger or pedestrian, up to a set limit. These coverages are extremely important as medical costs as well as vehicle or property repairs can be very high. As it is up to the at fault party to pay, without insurance, not many people can afford to dish out hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Personal injury protection (PIP) is an additional coverage that helps with the costs of medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses and child care expenses. Otherwise, the driver will be responsible for paying these costs themselves.
A motorcycle owner can also opt to add on physical coverage insurance which includes collision or comprehensive coverage. Collision covers damages sustained to his or her vehicle in the event of an accident. Because motorcycles often sustain more damage than a car or truck, this coverage can be quite a hit to the pocketbook. It is best to make sure that the value of the bike warrants this coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damages to the motorcycle that are caused by theft, vandalism, fire or hail. Again, because motorcycle damages can be a lot more severe than other vehicles, this coverage will be more expensive.
Uninsured motorist coverage is insurance that covers any injuries to you and your passengers if the other party doesn't carry adequate insurance coverage nor has no insurance at all. Without this motorcycle insurance, you may be stuck paying all medical bills out of your own pocket.
It is important to remember that full coverage on a motorcycle can be very expensive and is often only recommended for bikes that are of high value or are financed through a lending company. Ultimately, it is up to the driver to determine which coverages he or she would like to purchase.