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.

The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

Pennsyvania's Distracted Driving Law - Paul Miller's Law

June 4, 2026
Pennsylvania's Distracted Driving Law Effective June 5, 2026, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. Pennsylvania’s hands-free law may be referred to as Paul Miller’s Law. Paul Miller was killed in 2010 when a distracted driver crossed a center grass divider and traveled head-on into Paul’s car. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison. As a primary offense, drivers can be stopped by police if they have a mobile device in their hand while driving.  The law: Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer, or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data. Defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device (e.g., a traffic light or stop sign), or other momentary delay. Defines the use of an interactive mobile device as using at least one hand to hold, or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive mobile device, dialing or answering an interactive mobile device by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for an interactive mobile device that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt. A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property. Pennsylvania's Texting-While-Driving Ban The law prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive mobile device to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion. Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data. Defines a text-based communication as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an interactive mobile device. Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers. " Faces of Distracted Driving " is an online photo series exploring the tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use behind the wheel by sharing the stories of people from across the country who have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. Click here to view "Faces of Distracted Driving." Dtown Insurance agents have many years of experience in auto insurance. Our agents prioritize getting you the right coverage for the best price available. One of the best auto insurance carriers we work is AAA, one of the country’s largest and most reputable insurance carrier in the United States. Call today
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