Personal - Motorcycle Policy
What Is Motorcycle Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is a type of financial protection designed specifically for motorcycles and their riders. It provides coverage in the event of accidents, theft, damage, or other unforeseen incidents involving your motorcycle. Just like car insurance, it helps cover the costs of repairs, medical expenses, and liability if you're responsible for causing injury or damage to others.
There are several types of coverage typically available:
1. Liability Coverage – Liability coverage is a core component of motorcycle insurance that provides financial protection if you are found legally responsible for causing injury to others or damage to their property while operating your motorcycle.
It is typically divided into two parts:
- Bodily Injury Liability
Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you cause an accident that injures another person (e.g., a pedestrian, another driver, or their passenger). - Property Damage Liability
Pays for repairs or replacement of another person’s property that you damage in an accident, such as a vehicle, building, or fence.
Why It’s Important:
Liability coverage helps protect you from potentially significant out-of-pocket costs resulting from lawsuits, medical bills, or property damage claims. It is also required by law in most states or provinces, with minimum coverage limits set by local regulations. While legal minimums are required, many riders choose higher limits for added protection and peace of mind.
2. Collision Coverage – Is an optional part of motorcycle insurance that helps pay for repairs or replacement of your motorcycle if it’s damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
This includes accidents involving:
- Another vehicle
- An object (such as a tree, guardrail, or pole)
- A single-vehicle crash (e.g., if you slide and the bike is damaged)
What does it cover?
- Damage to your motorcycle due to a collision-related accident
- Deductible applies – this is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to cover
- It does not cover damage from theft, vandalism, weather, or hitting an animal — those are typically covered under comprehensive coverage
Why It’s Important:
Collision coverage protects your investment in your motorcycle and can help you avoid large out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs after an accident.
3. Comprehensive Coverage –Is an optional type of motorcycle insurance that helps pay for damage to your motorcycle caused by events other than a collision. It protects you against a wide range of risks that are typically beyond your control.
Comprehensive coverage may include protection against:
- Theft – If your motorcycle is stolen
- Vandalism – Damage caused by intentional acts
- Fire
- Weather-related events – Such as hail, windstorms, or flooding
- Falling objects – Like a tree branch
- Animal collisions – For example, hitting a deer
What is doesn't cover:
- Damage from a collision with another vehicle or object (that’s covered under collision coverage)
- Normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns
Why it's important:
Comprehensive coverage provides added peace of mind by protecting your motorcycle from a wide range of unexpected incidents. While it is not legally required, it is often recommended—especially for newer or more valuable bikes, or for owners who want broader protection.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) - Is an optional but important part of motorcycle insurance that protects you and your passengers if you're involved in an accident caused by a driver who:
- Does not have any insurance (uninsured), or
- Does not have enough insurance to cover your medical costs or damages (underinsured)
What does it cover?
- Medical expenses for injuries caused by the at-fault uninsured or underinsured driver
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to the accident
- Pain and suffering or long-term care, depending on the policy and local laws
- In some cases, it may also cover property damage to your motorcycle
Why it's important:
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in accidents, and not all drivers carry enough insurance. UM/UIM coverage ensures you’re financially protected if the other driver can’t pay for your injuries or damages. It gives you peace of mind, knowing that your own insurance can step in when the other party can’t cover the costs.
5. Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Both are optional types of motorcycle insurance that help cover medical costs after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. However, there are key differences between the two:
Medical Payments what does it covers:
- Medical and hospital expenses for you and your passenger after an accident
- Includes ambulance fees, X-rays, surgery, and sometimes funeral costs
- Pays out regardless of who caused the accident
What is doesn't cover:
- Does not cover lost wages or long-term rehabilitation
- Typically offers lower coverage limits than PIP
- Available in most states
Personal Injury Protection what it covers:
- Medical expenses for you and your passenger
- Lost income if you are unable to work
- Rehabilitation, childcare expenses, and survivor benefits
- Also pays out regardless of fault
What is doesn't cover:
- More comprehensive than Medical Payment
- Often required in no-fault insurance states
- May not be available for motorcycles in all states
Motorcycle insurance is essential not only for legal compliance but also for your safety and financial security while enjoying the open road.