Why You Need Motorcycle Insurance
Warmer weather is certainly an invitation to take the bike out and hit the road. Nothing like feeling the crisp breeze hitting your body while enjoying the open scenery. It is a relaxing experience, exulting a sense of peace and freedom, and this is why there are so many motorcycle enthusiasts. However, not all is brightly colored when referring to motorcycle riding. The National Safety Council has reported that every 14 seconds a motorcycle accident occurs. While you may think that you have been on the road for some time, and that it will never happen to you because you are a well-experienced driver, the statistics don't lie. When you are on a motorcycle, you are more exposed to the mistakes of other drivers as you are riding in the open.
That is one powerful reason to be covered with motorcycle insurance. It is the best way in which you can protect yourself and manage the hazards on the road. You may not be able to control the driving of other motorists, but you certainly can manage the level of protection you have while on the road. Most states require a minimum of liability coverage for bike riders. Liability insurance covers the property damage and bodily injury that other people receive during an accident when you are involved. It does not cover your injuries or your motorcycle, it covers other people. In addition to this type of motorcycle insurance, you can add extra coverage to protect a passenger that will be riding with you under a guest passenger liability coverage policy.
If your bike is expensive, custom made, and new, you may want to add to your liability policy to cover it. This goes under a motorcycle collision insurance policy, and it will cover your bike to be fixed or the book value of the bike at the time of the accident. If there is a lot of customization on your bike, you will have to let your insurer know when you purchase your policy, to make sure that you are covered. Even when an accident may be your fault, your motorcycle will be covered; you will have to pay the deductible, of course.
Another coverage that you may want to include in your policy is uninsured or underinsured motorcycle coverage. This protects you in case you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist or a person that does not have insurance. Hospital bills and being out of work can be devastating to your finances, and if you are involved in an accident with a person that does not have adequate coverage, you may end up in ruin.
A comprehensive motorcycle insurance coverage will provide your bike with extra coverage in the event of theft, fire, or damage to the body, due to unexpected happenings or vandalism. In addition, if your bike is customized you may have to add separate coverage for especial equipment. It is important to mention this to your insurance provider and not assume that it will be automatically covered under comprehensive. Policies and coverage vary between providers, so if you change insurance providers make sure that you understand what is being covered under the new policy. For more information on this topic visit umav.org.