You’ll enjoy the open road even more when you’re not focusing on your safety, the safety of your passengers or your investment. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Your insurance agent is an advocate for finding insurance that meets your unique needs and situation. Here are some things you can discuss with your insurance agent:
How much you can afford to pay if my motorcycle is in an accident, damaged or stolen? Discuss what your cost savings would be if you raised your deductible.
What discounts and programs are available? Are there any discounts available for taking safety classes or having multiple policies? You may be eligible to save money if your motorcycle is stored inside a garage or if you’re a member of a motorcycle association.
How much medical and liability coverage should I have?
Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Are they known for paying claims in a fair and timely fashion?
What’s the procedure for filing and settling a claim?
There are many factors in determining what your insurance costs will be such as your age, your driving record, where you live and the type of motorcycle you own, or being a graduate of a rider-training course.
Some companies offer discounts ranging from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Motorcycle riders below the age of 25, are usually considered a higher risk, may see some savings by taking this course. It’s also a good idea for cyclists who have already had accidents to take this course.
Maintaining a clean driving record with no violations can also help reduce your premiums.
In some northern states, motorcycle riders may save money by purchasing a “lay-up” policy. With a lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.
Find out what discounts your insurance agent offers. You may be eligible for multi-bike discounts if you’re insuring more than one bike. There are organization discounts available if you’re a member of a motorcycle association, and mature rider discounts for experienced riders. Discounts can vary between 10 percent to 20 percent, depending on the company and your state. Discount availability and qualifications may differ from company to company and state to state.
Keep in mind that the type, bike style, age of the motorcycle, as well as how many miles you drive in a year and where you store your bike may also affect how much you pay for your premium.