Motorcycle Insurance Articles
When To Consider Lowering Your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Levels
2010-03-24
The decision to purchase a motorcycle is one you should be proud of. While some people find driving a motorcycle to be scary and dangerous, real riders know that responsibility on the road is paramount. This includes purchasing proper motorcycle insurance coverage and keeping it in force at all times. The truth is that you won't be able to ride your motorcycle year-round, nor will the value of your bike stay the same forever. This means your motorcycle insurance premium should change regularly, especially if you know when to ask your agent to make a change.
Mandatory motorcycle insurance coverage: Motorcycle insurance laws vary from state to state, so you'll need to check with your state's department of motor vehicles, or with your insurance agent, to determine what the minimum mandatory level of liability coverage you must purchase really is. Your liability coverage will pay for damages you cause to another person or his property while on the road. Most people opt to carry limits higher than the minimum during peak riding season but tend to put their bikes away for the winter. If you favor riding in nice weather only, you may want to consider lowering your liability limits while your bike is in storage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in all states but in some states where it is not mandatory, it can be purchased as an option. You may want to consider adding this coverage during peak riding season and, again, removing it when your bike is in storage for the winter.
Optional motorcycle coverage: There are, of course, a series of coverage you could add to your motorcycle insurance that are merely optional. Comprehensive and collision coverage, protecting your bike against damages caused by an accident or theft, is usually optional. The only time it isn't optional is if you enter into a finance agreement with a clause stipulating you must carry coverage. If this is the case, you may want to keep a low deductible during peak riding season and then raise it before you put the bike in storage. The higher your deductible, the lower your rates. You may opt to put comprehensive and collision coverage on a bike that is not financed and that is acceptable as well. That determination should be based on the value of the motorcycle, and you can opt to remove coverage altogether during the months you don't ride.
You have dozens of options when it comes to motorcycle insurance quotes and it's important to shop around, compare rates, and make sure you're getting the most for your money. You spent a lot of money on your bike - now make sure it's protected!