subject: How Motorcycle Insurance Differs From Auto Insurance [print this page] Compared to a car, a motorcycle is a whole other animal. And when it comes to auto insurance policies, coverage for a motorcycle can differ greatly from coverage for a motor vehicle.
Motorcycle versus Car Insurance Costs
Although costs can vary based on a number of individual factors and from state-to-state, the cost of motorcycle insurance may be up to 60% less than auto insurance. According to CarInsurance.org, the average motorcycle insurance premium is roughly $450.
The reason? Typically, motorcycle insurance costs are lower than car insurance costs because they normally aren't driven year-round. One other chief difference between the two is that you can drive a motorcycle with a permit without being a licensed driver.
When calculating a motorcycle insurance premium, these factors are taken into consideration:
Years licensed/permitted
Participation in driver's training course
Motorcycle value
Motorcycle engine size
Driver experience
City of residence
Insurance coverage type
One component that takes down the cost of motorcycle insurance considerably is the lack of Personal Injury Protection benefits. While this coverage won't pay for any injuries caused when riding a motorcycle, it will pay for anyone who is hit by a motorcycle. Personal Injury Protection will also pay for any injuries inflicted to a motorcycle owner if they are struck as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle without Compulsory Insurance.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Insurance
If you are looking for protective coverage as a motorcycle driver, you can choose between a car insurance company that also sells motorcycle insurance or a specialized motorcycle-only insurance provider.
While many riders choose specialized a motorcycle insurance provider that may offer additional discounts based on motorcycle safety apparel, sidecars, and other upgrades, other riders opt to bundle together their current car insurance policy with motorcycle coverage for cheaper rates.
While price is the driving factor for most drivers seeking motorcycle insurance, its also important to understand how much coverage will be provided with a policy quote. In every state except Washington, Montana, and Florida, motorcyclists are required to have liability insurance at a bare minimum.
In the state of Texas, a motorcyclist is required to carry 25/50/25 insurance as a minimum amount of liability coverage. Nonetheless, its always recommended to carry more than the required minimum amount. When you buy as much coverage as you can afford, you can drive with peace of mind by ensuring that you are protected in the case of an accident.
This type of extensive coverage is especially critical when driving a motorcycle since you are vulnerable on the road, especially compared to a motor vehicle. As a motorcyclist, you have the right to request a higher liability insurance limit, collision and comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, and additional medical payments.
To keep motorcycle insurance as affordable as possible while still maintaining the protection that you need on the road, ask your insurance provider for a number of extra discounts for owning multiple motorcycles, having a clean driving record, or bundling your policy with another motor vehicle.
by: Leslie R. Wright
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