If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that hitting the open road on two wheels is an exhilarating experience. But with that freedom comes responsibility, including the need for proper insurance coverage. Motorcycle insurance isn’t just a legal requirement in most states; it’s also your safety net on the road. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of motorcycle insurance, ensuring you’re well-informed and protected.

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance is more than just a piece of paper; it’s an agreement between you and your insurance company. It can protect your bike against damage you cause while riding and other events. It can also help pay for injuries if you and your passenger are hurt in an accident or if you’re responsible for another rider or driver’s injuries.

Why Motorcycle Insurance is Vital

As motorcycle riders, we understand the thrill of the ride, but we also know that accidents can happen. Motorcycle insurance is vital for several reasons:

• Legal Requirement: In most states, you are required by law to have motorcycle insurance.
• Financial Protection: It provides financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your bike.
• Medical Coverage: Motorcycle insurance can cover medical expenses for you and your passengers in case of injury.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered allows you to enjoy the ride with peace of mind.

Coverage Options

Motorcycle insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are various coverage options to consider, depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the key coverage types:

Comprehensive and Collision

Comprehensive coverage can help pay to fix or replace your bike if it’s stolen or damaged by things out of your control. Damages can include vandalism, animal collisions, fire, hail, flooding, and other things. Collision coverage can help pay to fix or replace your bike if it’s damaged in an accident that you’re responsible for.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability

This coverage can help pay for others’ vehicle and property damage, as well as injuries if you’re responsible for an accident. If you face a lawsuit, it also can help pay for your legal expenses. This coverage is mandatory in most states.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist

If a person without insurance — or not enough insurance — hits you, sometimes they’ll pay out of pocket for damages. Sometimes they won’t. If that’s the case, this coverage can help pay for your medical bills, bike damage, and lost wages for not being able to work.

Medical Payments

This coverage can help pay for you and your passengers’ medical bills if you’re in an accident, even if it’s your fault.

Types of Motorcycles

Motorcycles come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a different riding experience. Let’s explore some common types:

Cruiser

This is easily the most popular motorcycle on the road due to its classic style. It often features a full-view engine, swept-back or high handlebars, forward foot pegs, and a stepped seat.

Common types: Harley-Davidson, Indian, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha.

Dirt Bike

Featuring knobby tires, improved suspension, and a light chassis, it’s built to conquer off-road trails and motocross tracks. Dirt bikes aren’t street-legal in most states.

Common types: Honda CRF Series; Yamaha YZ, WR, and TT Series; Kawasaki KX and KLX Series; Suzuki RM and DR Series, and KTM DX and XC Series.

Sport Bike

Also called a street or high-performance bike, it’s designed for quick speed changes and responsive handling.

Common types: Honda CBR, Kawasaki Ninja, Suzuki GSX-R and GSX-S, Yamaha YZF, and Ducati Panigale and Supersport.

Touring

Designed for comfort on long-distance rides, it features a large windshield and luggage compartments.

Common types: Honda Gold Wing, BMW K 1600, Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Kawasaki Vulcan, Suzuki Boulevard, and Indian Roadmaster.

Scooter or Moped

These small, lightweight vehicles are either propelled by pedaling or a small gas engine and often used for fun or a daily commute.

Common types: Vespa, Honda Forza, Ruckus and Metropolitan, Yamaha Zuma, and Suzuki Burgman.

ATV

An ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, is designed for off-road recreation. They have either three or four wheels. Riders straddle the seat and steer with handlebars.

Common types: Polaris Sportsman, Can-Am Outlander, Suzuki KingQuad, Yamaha Raptor, Honda TRX, and Polaris Scrambler.

UTV or SXS

A UTV, or utility task vehicle, is used more for work. They’re larger, more powerful and can seat more passengers side by side, which is why they’re sometimes called SXS. Operators use a steering wheel like a car.

Common types: Polaris Ranger, Arctic Cat Wildcat, Bennche T-Boss, Polaris RZR, Yamaha YXZ, and Kawasaki Teryx.

Getting Motorcycle Insurance

Now that you understand the importance of motorcycle insurance and the various coverage options, let’s talk about how to get it.

Getting a Motorcycle Insurance Quote

To get a motorcycle insurance quote, you’ll have to answer some basic questions about yourself, your bike, and the coverages you need. These factors will affect the cost of your motorcycle insurance.

Filing a Claim

Then, if your motorcycle is damaged or you hit someone or something else, you’ll file a claim with your insurer. If your insurer covers your claim, it’ll pay for the damage or injuries, minus your deductible, up to your coverage limits.

Additional Resources

Have questions? Call Progressive at 800-809-1925.

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