Now that spring is here and summer is right around the corner, it’s prime time for people everywhere to be starting up their motorcycles and getting out there to enjoy a beautiful day on the road. Since this is when most people start getting back on their motorcycles again, it’s also the time when most people start thinking about their motorcycle insurance. It’s a necessity that you need to have in place before you hit the road, but why? What does good motorcycle insurance look like? We’ll answer some of your bigger questions here, and also provide a few tips to help keep you safe on the road!
Why Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance?
The most basic reason to get motorcycle insurance is that in a lot of places, you have to. Motorcycle insurance is required by law in most states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, the same way car insurance is required by law. However, even in places where it isn’t a requirement, it’s still smart to have. Without insurance, a motorcycle accident has the potential to devastate you financially, from the cost of replacing and repairing your bike to medical costs and lost wages, not to mention the liability costs if you cause damage to another person or their property. Having insurance protects you in these situations, and since an accident can happen to anyone, now matter how careful you are, it’s always good to have.
Motorcycle Insurance Options
There are many different options available to you when it comes to insurance, and depending on the plan you get, you’ll likely be covered for some things and not for others. These are the basic options for motorcycle insurance coverage, and most plans will include a combination of these things.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is for when your bike is damaged in an incident other than a collision, like a storm or a fire.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is for when you hit another vehicle or object while on the bike.
Liability is for when an accident or incident is your fault, and you damage another person’s property and cause them bodily harm.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is for when you’re in a collision with someone else who has no insurance or who has poor insurance, and their insurance can’t cover your expenses from the incident.
Guest Passenger Liability
Guest passenger liability is for when you crash while riding with a passenger. It can cover their medical expenses and sometimes will help with legal expenses if your passenger decides to sue.
Customized Motorcycle Parts Coverage
Customized motorcycle parts coverage is for people who have customized additions to their motorcycles that need to be covered separately from the rest of the bike, usually because they’re expensive to insure and replace.
Trip Interruption Coverage
Trip interruption coverage helps compensate you for lodging, transportation or food if you’re in a collision far from home.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
The best thing you can do in terms of your motorcycle insurance is to never need it. Staying safe and protecting yourself on the road is always a top priority! Whether you’re new to riding a motorcycle or you’re a veteran, it’s always good to brush up on the safety tips that will help keep you and your bike in one piece.
Wear Your Gear
Many bikers don’t properly gear up before heading out, and it puts them at a greatly increased risk of injury in the case of a collision. Always remember to wear your helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. It doesn’t just look cool; it could save your life!
Check Your Bike
Giving your motorcycle a quick once-over before you head out is always wise. Checking over your brake lights and turn signals, tires, fuel, mirrors, and handlebars might seem like a waste of time, but it’s better to find a problem in the driveway than it is to notice it on the highway.
Know Your Limits
Even the best and most capable riders can get hurt in poor conditions, so always be aware of things like inclement weather or your own mental state, such as if you’re sleep deprived..
Ride Defensively
One of the most common things you’ll hear from motorists after they collide with a motorcyclist is that they didn’t even see the biker there. Because you’re so much smaller in comparison to a car, it’s best to navigate the road under the assumption that no one sees or notices you, and protect yourself on instinct.
What to Do in a Motorcycle Accident
If you do get into an accident while you’re out on your motorcycle, knowing what to do can help to make the days and weeks after the collision much easier for you.
The first thing you have to do is get to safety! Move away from the flow of traffic and, if you’re able to, help others do so too. Try to assess yourself for any injuries, but don’t take your protective gear off just yet. With the adrenaline and shock of the accident, you might be hurt and not know it, and taking your gear off can exacerbate an injury further.
Once you’re in a safer location than the middle of the road, call 911 and report the accident. They will send police officers to take the statements of everyone involved, and paramedics if needed. If you’re injured, wait to be treated before going on to the next steps.
It’s always important to get the other driver’s contact information and insurance information, and to gather your own evidence of the accident. That means taking notes while your memory is fresh and taking pictures as well. You should also speak to the police about obtaining a copy of the police report.
After this, you should get in touch with your insurance agency as soon as possible. They will help you navigate the rest of the process!
With this knowledge under your belt, you’re ready to go out and enjoy a season of breezes and sunshine as you tear up the open road on your motorcycle. Stay safe out there, and have fun! If you have any more questions about motorcycle insurance, be sure to contact Yutz-Merkle Insurance Agency. We’re ready to help you!
