Motorcycle Insurance is a financial protection plan specifically designed for motorcycles. It helps cover you and your bike in case of an accident or other unforeseen situations. Motorcycle insurance works very similarly to auto insurance. Depending on the coverage options you select, your insurance can:
Motorcycle insurance is made up of 12 distinct parts that are divided into two categories: compulsory insurance and optional insurance. The first four parts are Compulsory coverages required by Massachusetts law. The other eight are Optional; however, they provide additional insurance protection.
A brief explanation of each part of the coverage is listed below.
Bodily Injury To Others
This coverage pays for damages if you are legally responsible for an accident in Massachusetts injuring someone else other than passengers on your motorcycle. It also provides for legal defense and court costs.
Personal Injury Protection
This is commonly known as “No-Fault” and provides benefits, including medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement cost services.
Bodily Injury Caused By An Uninsured Vehicles
Pays damages for bodily injury resulting from certain accidents caused by uninsured vehicles or in a hit-and-run situation.
Property Damage
This coverage pays for damages to someone else whose vehicle or other property is damaged in an accident if you, a household member or someone using your motorcycle with your consent is legally responsible.
Optional Bodily Injury To Others
Pays for damages to people injured or killed in an accident if you, a household member, or someone else using your motorcycle with your consent is legally responsible for the accident. Unlike the compulsory part, this coverage does provide coverage for injuries to guest occupants and accidents occurring outside of Massachusetts.
Medical Payments
This coverage pays for reasonable expenses for necessary medical and funeral services for yourself and your passengers incurred as the result of a motorcycle accident. It also covers expenses if you or a household member is struck by a vehicle or a passenger in another vehicle at the time of an accident.
Collision
This coverage pays for any direct and accidental damage to your motorcycle caused by a collision, regardless of fault. It also covers damage to other private passenger autos being used by you or a household member with the owner’s permission.
Limited Collision
This coverage will pay in some situations for direct and accidental damage to your motorcycle caused by a collision. Coverage is only provided for multiple car accidents in which the motorcycle driver we are covering was no more than 50% at fault.
Comprehensive
This is not a substitute for Collision or Limited Collision. Comprehensive insurance will pay for direct and accidental damage to or loss of your motorcycle in non-collision situations, including vandalism, theft, fire, wind, hail, flood, hitting an animal, etc.
Substitute Transportation
This coverage reimburses you, up to the limits shown on the Coverages Selections Page, in certain situations if your motorcycle is in a collision and is being repaired or replaced.
Towing And Labor
This coverage pays for motorcycle towing and labor due to a breakdown, even without an accident. Coverage is up to the limit shown on the declaration page.
Bodily Injury Caused By An Underinsured Vehicle
This coverage pays for damages for bodily injury or death as the result of certain accidents caused by someone who does not have enough insurance.
Custom Equipment Coverage
If your motorcycle has permanently attached custom equipment such as after-factory parts, saddle bags, etc., speak with your insurance professional and provide receipts of the cost of these items to ensure their value is included in the total value of your motorcycle. Without proper documentation, after-factory parts may not be covered.
Motorcycle rider deaths made up 14% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2018, with 4,985 lives lost despite a 5% decrease from the previous year, mainly occurring during the summer months. Motorists can improve safety by understanding motorcyclists’ challenges, such as visibility issues, and practicing habits like proper mirror use and signaling when changing lanes.
As spring breathes life back into the roads, motorcycle enthusiasts eagerly prepare to revive their bikes for another season of adventure. Amidst the tune-ups and polish, don’t forget to ensure your insurance coverage is up-to-date and tailored to your current needs, safeguarding your excitement with comprehensive protection on and off the road.
Prepare for motorcycle season with comprehensive coverage. Ensure your policy includes protection for custom bike equipment, gear, and injuries, including coverage for bodily injury to guests and yourself by uninsured or underinsured motorists.