Motorcycle Insurance Articles
Three Reasons Motorbikes Cost More To Insure Than Cars
2010-10-15
Motorcycles can save you some money on gas, but motorcycle insurance premiums could surprise you with an increased insurance cost. Given that motorcycles are much smaller than the average automobile, this seems unfair. However, some of the reasons that you might pay more to insure your bike could astonish you.
One reason for increased insurance cost is that motorcycles are lighter and smaller than cars, so they can be stolen more easily. An alarmingly small percentage-only about a quarter of those stolen each year-is ever recovered. Having an anti-theft device installed could save you some money on your motorcycle insurance because such devices increase the chance of recovery by up to 90 percent.
Another reason for higher motorcycle insurance pricing has to do with the type of bike that you purchase. As with cars, sportier models of motorcycles, and those with more powerful engines, will cost more to insure than other models. In addition, the more expensive the motorcycle, the higher the insurance cost will be.
Medical payment coverage and underinsured motorist coverage also carry a higher price tag for motorcycles because the occupants of a car have the advantage of the car's metal body enveloping them, while a motorcyclist is exposed to a greater likelihood of injuries. The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that motorcyclists are six times more likely to receive fatal injuries in an accident than motor vehicle occupants. Many insurance companies will offer an appreciable discount if you successfully complete a motorcycle safety course. This is because a well-trained motorcycle rider is far less likely to be involved in an accident than a rider who has not had such training.
Typical weather conditions and areas with high accident rates also play a part in determining increased insurance cost. Rainy conditions are especially dangerous to motorcycle riders, so if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain, you may want to consider alternative methods of travel.
While maintenance is important with any vehicle, this is especially true of a motorcycle. If you experience some type of mechanical failure while driving a car, you can usually maintain control of the vehicle and safely pull over to the side of the road. On a motorcycle, it can be a much more dangerous situation. If a tire blows out on a busy freeway, for example, the high speeds and multiple lanes of traffic can pose a much larger threat to a motorcyclist than to the driver or passenger of a vehicle.
If you have your heart set on getting a motorcycle, do not be discouraged by higher insurance rates. Talk to your insurance agent about ways to save money on your premiums.