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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Motorcycle Insurance Explained

By Kurt Santas


Motorcycle insurance differs from automobile insurance in that it requires a limited tort for a motorcycle and a full tort for an automobile. Full tort is more costly but provides protection for personal injury and pain and suffering claims. Coverage can include mopeds, dirt bikes, motocross bikes and scooters. Just like car insurance, though, insurance companies take a variety of factors into consideration in determining premium rates. These factors include driving record, experience, age and geographic location.

The driver's age can be a key factor in motorcycle insurance rates. The highest rates are for females that are under 21 and males under 25. Just like with any other factor, there are differences between one state and another.

Another important factor taken into consideration is driving record. The rates will go up for drivers with recent moving violations and/or accidents that resulted in insurance claims. Experience riding a motorcycle is also taken into consideration. Chances are that coverage will cost more the first time a new motorcyclist takes to the open road. This factor can vary widely from one insurer to the next in terms of price difference. A driver who takes the time to compare motorcycle insurance costs could save a lot.

Insurers invariably ask for the zip code of the driver, because location is a major factor in coverage price. People who live in highly populated city areas pay higher rates than those who live in more sparsely populated areas. Accident rates are higher for cars and motorcycles in places where there is more traffic, and that leads to higher premiums. Certain states and counties can have higher rates than others. Do not lie on the application by claiming to live in another area to get a lower rate. This is fraud and not taken lightly, in fact it can include jail time.

The make, model and year of your bike will impact the cost of insurance. Most states include bodily injury liability, collision coverage, accessories coverage and comprehensive physical damage coverage. There are other types of coverage that are worth looking into, including coverage for medical payments, no-fault or personal injury protection, and property damage liability.

The comprehensive coverage that pays for damage when a cyclist hits a vehicle or vice versa is called collision insurance. It can include the replacement of CB radios, chrome pieces, seats, backrests, saddlebags and helmets. Make sure to retain receipts for any of these types of accessories so that you can prove their value should they be damaged or destroyed.

Bodily injury coverage will ensure damages for an injury or death while one is operating the bike. It also will provide legal defense if a suit is filed. If a rider ever carries passengers on his bike, he should get no-fault, medical payments or personal injury protection to cover any costs incurred as a result of injury to the passenger. Legal defense costs and damage to someone else's property are also covered.

Many insurance companies also offer roadside assistance for a minimal cost. If you have roadside assistance coverage, it will cover the cost of transporting your bike in the event of a dead battery, flat tire, or any other problem that could leave you stranded. The best thing to do is to find the lowest rate by comparing companies online. There are websites that will get quotes from several companies and allow you to compare them side by side, or you can go directly to the website of the companies you're interested in. It is the best way to save money on motorcycle insurance.




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