The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

You know spring is here when you start up and hear the rumble of your motorcycle. And then you take your bike out and get the rush of fresh air in your face; The pure joy of riding your motorcycle on bright sunny day!

There’s nothing quite like driving a motorcycle. You never know what is around the next corner, or bend, and the last thing you want is a spill, or accident with your bike.  Any good motorcycle owner, or enthusiast, will have good insurance from a great insurance company to protect yourself, your riders, and your bike!  

At Dtown Insurance, we have access to great motorcycle carriers like: American Modern, Encompass, Foremost, Progressive, and Hagerty for the classic motorcycle collector.

Our Guide to Motorcycle Insurance

Types of Motorcycles That Can Be Covered

You took great care in selecting the perfect ride, right? Whether you ride a touring bike, sport bike, cruiser or standard, the proper insurance coverage can make sure you’re protected no matter what ride you choose. What is the right ride for you?

Cruiser: Cruiser motorcycles mimic the style of earlier American motorcycles from the 1930s to the early 1960s, such as those made by Harley-Davidson and Indian. Although cruisers have benefited from advances in technology and metallurgy, the basic design is still very similar to early motorcycles, and they offer an easy ride.
 
Off-Road: Off-road motorcycles generally are light weight with small displacement engines. The suspension travel is longer than a typical motorcycle, with higher ground clearance. Their construction is rugged, simple and without bodywork and fairings.
 
Standard:  Standard motorcycles are, as the name implies, more basic. Riding positions typically are upright and similar to that of a cruiser, but with foot pegs placed farther rearward. The riding position, coupled with better ground clearance than a cruiser, gives standard motorcycles better handling characteristics. Engine displacements are smaller than those for cruisers.
 
Sport: Sport class motorcycles are light and powerful. These bikes benefit from advances in design and technology intended for racing; however, they are not considered racing specification machines. Some of the best bikes in this class are the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and the Kawasaki ZX-10R.
 
Touring: Touring motorcycles are among the longest and heaviest motorcycles, often weighing more than 800 pounds. Touring motorcycles offer wind protection for the rider, high-capacity fuel tanks, the ability to carry luggage and an upright riding position that is comfortable for long distances. Think BMW GS or the Honda Gold Wing.
 
Trike (Reverse Trike): Trikes are typically cruiser or touring two-wheel motorcycles that are converted to three-wheel units. Also in the class are factory made bikes with two wheels in the front. The Can-Am and the Polaris are two great rides in this category.

Insurance Coverages

Your insurance coverage should be as personalized as your bike. Do you just want to protect yourself and your passengers? What about the bike itself?  Do you want roadside assistance also?

Property Damage Liability and Bodily Injury: Coverage protects you if someone is injured as a result of an accident or covers damage to the property of others by your motorcycle. 
 
Comprehensive: Coverage pays for damage to your personal motorcycle due to something other than a collision, such as a fire, theft, hail or vandalism. 
 
Collision: Pays for damage to your motorcycle resulting from a covered accident.
 
Medical Payments: Coverage pays the cost of medical care you receive as a result of a motorcycle accident and can be used regardless of who is at fault.

Uninsured and Underinsured: Protects you and your passengers from bodily injury caused by other drivers without adequate auto insurance. This is a must have today!

Discounts

Most insurance carriers offer a discount for bundling your motorcycle insurance with another insurance policy with them, like auto or home insurance. It is always better to bundle your motorcycle insurance with auto and/or home insurance. This provides a one stop shopping experience with one premium and one carrier.
 
Many carriers offer a discount if you complete a safe rider training course and also a discount for “winter layup,” for the winter season when you store your bike in the garage. Another suggestion is to reduce, or lower, your limits of liability when your bike is in storage during the winter months.

Tip:

The best time to buy, or upgrade, a motorcycle is the month of February. February has shorter days(think sales and demo rides), and also the dealerships are getting ready for the rush of new and returning riders as the weather starts warming up.

Contact Dtown Insurance for your Motorcycle Insurance

When you get back from your first spring ride on your motorcycle, and you are sitting on the porch, take a minute and look at your current insurance coverage; When is the last time you shopped your motorcycle insurance?

Dtown Insurance is here to help, we can compare coverages with our carriers and look to save you money on your insurance! Contact us today.