Questions to Ask Your Motorcycle Insurance Agent

In most states, the law stipulates the minimum coverage required. It typically includes liability coverage, which covers damages or injuries you may cause to others in an accident.

Knowing your state's requirements is essential to ensure you're meeting the legal minimums. No one wants to end up on the wrong side of the law!

The benefit coverage you may need depends on various factors, including your motorcycle's value, how you use it, and your financial situation, which may exceed the recommended state minimums.

It's also important to consider the level of risk you're comfortable with and the potential costs of damages or medical care in the case of an insurance incident.

Insurance policies can vary widely, so knowing exactly what your policy may cover is important.

Ask about collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, liability coverage, and additional options like roadside assistance or personal injury protection.

Liability coverage is a critical component of motorcycle insurance, covering damages or injuries you may cause to others in a mishap.

It typically includes both bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Ask your agent about it so you know exactly what’s included and what isn’t.

Actual cash value (ACV) refers to the amount your insurance company may pay you in the event your motorcycle is totaled or stolen.

It's based on the market value of your motorcycle at the time of the loss, minus depreciation.

Understanding how your insurer calculates depreciation is essential for knowing what to expect in a claim.

Policy limits are the maximum amount your motorcycle insurance company may pay in the event of a claim.

Knowing these coverage limits is important to ensure they are sufficient to cover potential losses or damages, thereby reducing your out-of-pocket expenses in a claim situation.

Insurance companies often classify motorcycles (such as sport bikes, cruisers, or touring bikes), which can affect your premium due to varying costs for repair, usage, engine size, etc.

Understanding how your bike is classified can give insights into your policy's cost and coverage specifics.

You can typically add members of your household or others who regularly use your motorcycle to your policy.

Some policies automatically include guest passenger liability coverage, while other plan types require it to be added separately.

For example, a Harley-Davidson® Insurance Policy includes Guest Passenger Coverage with your Bodily Injury Liability, however, in some states you may choose to reject this coverage.

If you anticipate regularly riding two-up, this protection is worth discussing with your agent.

Coverage for other riders depends on your policy details. Some policies cover occasional riders, while others may require you to list any additional riders explicitly.

You need to make sure you understand your policy's rules regarding other riders to avoid coverage gaps.

If you plan to ride your motorcycle in other countries, it's essential to know whether your insurance coverage extends beyond the US.

This information is crucial if you’re an international traveler, as it ensures your policy coverages extend no matter where your adventures take you.

Beyond the basic liability coverage, many insurers offer additional coverage options, including:

• accessory coverage for custom parts and equipment

• trip interruption coverage

These additional insurance options can provide protection tailored to your needs and riding habits, so ask your insurance agent about them.

Roadside assistance is optional coverage that can be incredibly valuable, offering services like towing, flat tire changes, and battery jumps if your motorcycle breaks down.

Ask your motorcycle insurance agent about this so you know what’s available, what’s included and whether it’s needed.

Understanding the insurance claims process is vital.

Ask your agent about the steps involved, who to contact, and what information you must provide. Knowing this process in advance can make filing an insurance claim smoother and less stressful.

Your premium is the cost you pay for your insurance policy.

It can be influenced by factors such as your age, riding experience, motorcycle type, eligible discounts and coverage options. Knowing the premium amount helps you budget and decide if the coverage offered matches your needs.

Your deductible is the out-of-pocket expense you’ll be responsible for paying before your insurance policy starts paying for covered claim expenses. Understanding your deductible is crucial because it can directly impact your premium costs and financial responsibility in the event of a claim.

For example, if your deductible is $250 and your approved claim is in excess of that amount, you will be responsible for the first $250. Your insurance carrier will pay the rest of the covered expenses up to the policy limits.

Many insurance companies offer discounts for various reasons which may save you money on the term premium amount. Always ask about available discounts to ensure you're not missing out on potential savings.

Some insurance companies offer additional discounts to riders who complete approved motorcycle training courses.

These courses not only improve your riding skills but also make you less of a risk in the eyes of the insurer, which is why they can also lead to savings on your insurance cost.

Securing the right motorcycle insurance involves careful consideration of your coverage needs, understanding what's mandatory, and exploring options for additional protection.

By asking these detailed follow-up questions, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your policy, ensuring adequate protection without paying for unnecessary extras.

If you need motorcycle insurance but you’re not sure where to begin, get in touch with us today at 800-909-8393 or start a free online quote. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

• Motorcycle dash cam

• How to switch insurance

• Buying motorcycle insurance

• Motorcycle test ride insurance

• How to check your motorcycle insurance