2Wheeltips

Earlier this week I renewed my insurance policy. I decided to do it online and while I was waiting for the confirmation number, I decided to take a look at what my policy actually covered.  What I saw was confusing so I decided to call up the customer support line to get some details. What I was told was scary.

In a nutshell, I had the bare minimum coverage of 15k per person/30k per accident and 5k for property damage. I told the agent that I could kick a car and cause 5k worth of damage and that 15k would barely cover a broken arm. I asked what happened to the larger amounts I had in the past? I was told that last year that if you didn't specifically request the same amounts, you were given the lower coverage by default! Ummm......interesting. I told the agent that I definitely needed more coverage (50k per person/100k per accident/50k per car/bike/etc) and asked how much would it cost? What I heard shocked me.....it will cost $20 more per bike!!

Of course I got the coverage but was upset that I rode around for a year with basically no coverage at all. I'm sure the "notice" was on the back page in small print somewhere. I'm writing this as a warning....make sure you check not just your bike.....but your insurance as well. You never know what you may find. Check your insurance.

Why should you have motorcycle insurance?  First of all, it is the law in all states.  Minimum coverage requirements vary by state so check with your local DMV.  You should have enough insurance to cover damage to people or property in the event of an accident.

Law enforcement is well aware that many riders are neither licensed nor insured. Police officers routinely set up rider checkpoints to catch unlicensed, uninsured riders. This happens more than you think, especially during motorcycle events and on popular motorcycle routes. Needless to say, if you are caught riding without insurance you could have your bike seized and impounded and pay a very heavy fine. If you are in an accident, you could also be forced to pay damages out of your own pocket.

Need we say more?  Perhaps a few reminders:

1. If you take the motorcycle safety course, you can usually get a discount on your insurance.
2. If you buy a non-racing bike, you can significantly reduce the amount that insurance will cost.
3. Get insurance bids from various companies; you may be surprised at the variations in rates!
4. In colder states with short riding seasons, 6 month insurance policies are available.

The bottom line is:
Save money where you can, without putting yourself at financial risk in the even of an accident, but NEVER ride without insurance!