What is the Average Cost Involved in Buying Motorcycle Insurance

September 26th, 2011

It is understandable that many people find buying motorcycle insurance very difficult. There are a lot of factors to look at while deciding the cheapest motorcycle insurance, but how can you actually decide the cheapest motorcycle insurance without having an average motorcycle insurance rate for comparison?

Here is a look at the average cost involved in buying motorcycle insurance.

The average motorcycle insurance rate

An insurance company calculates insurance rates for every individual based on his or her risk. For this reason, even the smallest factor that can increase the risk of your bike getting into an accident or getting stolen can alter the average motorcycle insurance rate you can get.  Here is a look at all the factors that go into deciding the average motorcycle insurance rate, and how you can choose the cheapest motorcycle insurance accordingly-

  • The type of your bike

One of the biggest risk factors for insurance companies is the type of bike you own. If you have bought  a flashy sports bike, then your average motorcycle insurance rate would be high, and even the cheapest motorcycle insurance premium would require you to shell out a good amount of money.

  • Your driving history

The next big factor that goes into deciding your average motorcycle insurance rate is your driving history. If you had a spate of minor and major accidents, then the chances of getting the cheapest motorcycle insurance is very low. Insurance companies would realize that taking your bike’s insurance coverage is very risky thanks to your driving history, and so, your average cost of buying motorcycle insurance would increase.

  • The place where you stay

It is not just you, but also your location that determines your average cost of buying motorcycle insurance. You can get the cheapest motorcycle insurance by staying in an area where there is a low risk of theft or accidents taking place. This can include suburbs or towns that have a low rate of accidents and motorcycle theft. However, if you stay in an urban city where the traffic is really high and so are the chances of accidents, you may find your average cost of motorcycle insurance shooting up.

  • The type of insurance you are going for

Another major factor that decides your average cost of buying motorcycle insurance is the type of insurance you need. Most states make it mandatory to have liability insurance, which makes it an inbuilt option in most insurance policies. However, other coverage options like comprehensive insurance can be an added value and your average cost, even for the cheapest motorcycle insurance, would be higher.

Different options of buying motorcycle insurance

August 8th, 2011

A dream comes true for anyone who gets his own bike after months or maybe even years of planning, but this is just the beginning of the journey for a biker to get his motorcycle on the road. Obtaining the cheapest motorcycle insurance is the biggest hurdle that bikers would have to cross before they hit the road. Here is a look at the options that bikers can look at while buying the cheapest motorcycle insurance:

Damage or Injury Liability Insurance:

This type of motorcycle insurance is a mandated requirement in some states. It pays for the property damage and the injury caused by you when you get into an accident. In states where liability insurance is required for riding a motorcycle, this would amount to a win-win situation for two bikers who got into an accident.

If the responsibility of the accident is determined to be that of both bikers, they may be covered for all the damage that has happened to their bikes. They may also get compensated for the injuries that they have received, and for the medical costs of treating their injuries. The biggest problem of getting the cheapest motorcycle insurance with only liability coverage, however, is that there isn’t much to do if your bike gets stolen. The same holds true if you hit a tree or if you get in an accident where no other bike or vehicle is involved.

Comprehensive Insurance:

This is the add-on to a liability insurance policy in states where the latter is compulsory. The comprehensive motorcycle insurance works like medical insurance, where you would have to pay a deductible. Until you meet the deductible, the benefits of the cheapest motorcycle insurance would not kick in. It pays for everything that the liability insurance misses out on.

This includes coverage against theft in accidents where only you and your bike are involved. One way to get the cheapest motorcycle insurance policy is to increase your deductible amount. Most insurance companies follow the thumb rule that if the customer is ready to pay a high premium, the deductible can be low. If the customer cannot pay a high premium, the deductible may be lower.

Remember, though, that if you do choose a high-deductible plan to get the cheapest motorcycle insurance premium, you may find yourself paying the bills for any accident or damage to the bike for some time till the policy actually kicks in.

Photo via Nathan Wells

Motorcycle insurance- dos and don’ts:

July 11th, 2011

Motorcycle insurance is necessary if you want to take your bike out for a spin. However, getting the cheapest motorcycle insurance can be a real pain if you don’t know the dos and don’ts of buying it. Here is a comprehensive list of what to do and what not to do when you are looking for the cheapest motorcycle insurance:

Dos:

Learn about the rules and regulations:

Every state has its own rule about the type of motorcycle insurance a biker must have. While some rules can be really strict, others can be comparatively lax. If it is the latter in your state, you can save some money by buying the cheapest motorcycle insurance that meets the requirements of the state.

Inquire about insurance companies:

You need to inquire about the motorcycle insurance that gives you the best coverage for a reasonable premium. Start by talking to people in your locality. If you can’t find anything satisfactory, then you can visit websites where you can get the cheapest motorcycle insurance quotes.

Look at the type of insurance you are getting:

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, there are two types that you can get- damage liability and bodily injury liability insurance and comprehensive insurance. In the former, you are covered for your liability to the other person in an accident if it is your fault. In many states, this is the compulsory coverage you need before you can ride your bike.

Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, pays for the damage that happens to you and your bike in an accident. Thus, this includes both medical and collision coverage, and it also has a deductible included.

Don’ts:

Sign your insurance paper without reading the fine print:

This goes without saying, but people still get into insurance contracts with companies only to realize later on that they have a long list of exclusions or additional criteria to satisfy in order to be eligible for benefits. So, when you do decide on an insurance company, you need to look at the fine print. If there are any exclusions or specialized policies that you need to know about, you need to make sure that you clarify your doubts and only then proceed. You must sign the on the dotted line only when you are completely clear about what you are getting into.

If you still have doubts about what kind of insurance suits you best, you can always visit some informative motorcycle insurance websites.

Photo via Handforged

Motorcycle Safety statistics

June 13th, 2011

It is a good idea to take a look at motorcycle safety statistics. This information will help you get a clear idea of how and when motorcycle accidents are most likely to happen. Before you start looking for the cheapest motorcycle insurance quotes on the internet, it is important to assess both the risks and benefits of motorcycle riding.

Advance preparation is always a good thing. Motorcycle safety statistics reports are disclosed by state departments every year. These reports may span over hundreds of pages. Here are some of the most important points from motorcycle safety statistics report that can help you find the right bike, driving tips, and cheapest motorcycle insurance:

  • Nearly 3/4 of all motorcycle accidents were collisions. These accidents happened when a motorcycle collided with a passenger automobile on the road.
  • Nearly 10% of the total accidents are single vehicle accidents. These are the accidents where a motorcycle hits a fixed object such as a traffic sign board, water tank on the roadside, or a roadway itself.
  • Less than 3&% of all accidents were caused by vehicle failure. Most of these accidents happened due to a puncture or flat tire. A rider may lose control over the vehicle due to a punctured tire.
  • Nearly 2% of all accidents occurred due to roadway defects. These defects may include potholes, pavement ridges, and the presence of boulders. Also, animal hit and runs accounted for around 1% of all motorcycle accidents.
  • It has been found that the most common reason behind motorcycle accidents is the failure on part of a motorist to recognize a motorcycle in heavy traffic. Motorists often fail to notice a motorcyclist on the road. This leads to a number of collision cases.
  • Cases of deliberate hostile action on part of motorists are very rare.
  • Many people complain about the weather, but it contributes only to less than 2% of all bike accidents.
  • Most motorcycle accidents have happened in short trip regions. A rider meets an accident not very far from the origin of the trip. Not many people understand that long distance riders rarely meet any accident.
  • More than half of all motorcycle accidents are also caused when a rider’s view is obstructed by other vehicles or excessive glare on the road.
  • Riders in the age group 16-24 years are most likely to become victims of such accidents.
  • The male population represents more than 95% of all motorcycle accident cases.
Photo via inezzy

Getting motorcycle insurance over the phone

May 30th, 2011

Motorcycle insurance policies are available in plenty, but it is nothing short of a challenge to choose the right one. There are also occasions when you need to buy an insurance policy in a hurry. It is not really advisable to get motorcycle insurance over the phone. However, it is a good idea to call insurance companies for quotes. There is no harm gathering some much needed information from such sources. Also, there are little or no chances of coming across fabricated information when you directly make a phone call to the insurance company’s office. You can learn about the cheapest motorcycle insurance quotes very easily this way. However, you will first need to gather the contact numbers of different motorcycle insurance companies.

Several motorcycle insurance companies have dedicated teams of professionals who talk to prospective customers over the phone. Within a few minute, a professional will tell you about various insurance quotes. However, you may not find the cheapest motorcycle insurance policy so easily. A five minute insurance solution is not going to meet all your needs, so it is important that you rely on some credible information sources before making a final decision.

Checking online comparison websites and insurance review portals is a good idea before you make a final decision. You can save yourself from buying cheap but inadequate insurance policy this way. Also, you may end up buying unnecessarily expensive motorcycle packages in some cases. Before you make any assumption, carefully ask the customer service representative to repeat various parameters. A professional will generally ask you about driving record, age, etc. before giving you information about insurance quotes

Many people are able to get satisfactory quotes over the phone without going anywhere. However, it is always a good idea to get in touch with your auto insurance agent before finalizing anything. Even if you intend to buy a motorcycle insurance policy, you should contact an insurance agent for additional information.

Understanding terms and conditions of insurance policies is not an easy task for everyone. If you have not tried this in the past, you may just allow an insurance agent to do it this time again. Telephonic advice is meant to replace the processional guidance provided by an insurance agent. If you think an insurance agent is not clarifying all your doubts, you should make a phone call to the insurance company’s office for accurate information.

Photo via thenestor

Damage Liability of Motorcycle Insurance Agency

May 23rd, 2011

It is always a good idea to learn about the damage liability of a motorcycle insurance agency. Many motorcyclists are not even aware of the damage liability provided by their insurers. They just go for the cheapest motorcycle insurance available after purchasing an expensive motorcycle. In the long term, the cheapest motorcycle insurance may not help a great deal if you are involved in an accident.

The damage liability of motorcycle insurance agency will matter a great deal on such occasions. Consider yourself in a situation when you are involved in a road accident. How will a motorcycle insurance policy protect you in such cases? In many states, motorcycle insurance laws generally include the damage liability. These damages can be related to the property as well as physical injuries to the motorist. However, it is always a good idea to ask your insurance agent about the maximum amount of property damage liability and personal injury damage liability insurance cover provided by a motorcycle insurance policy.

Purchasing motorcycle insurance policies without having a clear understanding of these liabilities and their maximum limit is not a good idea at all. Whether you are opting for an expensive policy or you just want to fulfill minimum requirements of applicable state laws in your region, it is important to understand the maximum and minimum protection provided by your motorcycle insurance policy.

Many motorcycle drivers are in a hurry to buy an insurance policy just to avoid a parking or speeding ticket. Merely fulfilling legal insurance requirements is not always enough. In some states, you won’t be required to purchase an insurance policy with much needed packages. If you just go for a general insurance policy, you won’t be protected well. Ask questions to your insurance agent and conduct a short online research on insurance policies if possible.

Chances of your motorcycle damaging someone else’s on the road are quite high if you are a new rider. Property damages may also include ruined fences, garages, and cars. For all such damages, damage liability coverage will protect you to the maximum limit. You also need to understand these liabilities for uninsured and underinsured drivers.

If the driver at fault is not insured enough, an uninsured or underinsured driver’s plan will cover you. These plans are not always included in a general motorcycle insurance policy, so it is good idea to ask your insurance agent whether you are protected in such cases or not.

Photo via FMonteiro photography

Ride motorcycle for pleasure and savings

May 16th, 2011

Commuting costs have skyrocketed in the last few years since the prices of gasoline have also gone up. It is natural to expect that this rise will continue for years to come. Many people choose to ride a motorcycle for the love of it. Many others choose to ride a motorcycle to save money. You can enjoy your rides and save lots of money every month and even save enough to pay a debt, help a charitable organization, or invest in a project.

Once you buy a brand new motorcycle, remember to look for the cheapest motorcycle insurance on the internet. Buy a suitable insurance coverage to get complete peace of mind. In this way, you will have no fear about losing your expensive motorcycle or suffering from financial troubles in the event of an accident. Just make sure that you don’t go for the cheapest motorcycle insurance policy if you can afford more. Greater coverage is always better if you don’t mind paying a few dollars more every month.

Motorcycle engines are highly fuel efficient. Some motorcycles are now providing an amazing mileage of eighty miles per gallon. You can estimate the total amount of money you will save by avoiding every day travel by car, which consumes one gallon of fuel for just 40-50 miles. As compared to any other vehicle, a motorcycle offers the best value proposition for everyday commuting.

A car is great if you have to move around with family members on a regular basis. However, a motorcycle will give you tremendous joy and energy that a car never will. Also, you should know that a family of three can easily ride on a motorcycle. You just need a mounted side car for that.

Whether you want to replace the car with a motorcycle or not, the decision is entirely yours. If you love to ride a motorcycle, you should definitely go for it. If not, you can continue driving a car.

Over the past few years, the overall sales of motorcycles have increased, so the total cost of purchasing a motorcycle along with the cheapest motorcycle insurance is likely to come down as time passes by. If you checked motorcycle costs more than a year ago, it is now time to do that again. Take a look at new models in the market- you could find something inexpensive and interesting for yourself!

Photo via mettamatt

Exploring motorcycle insurance choices

May 9th, 2011

Everyone wants to buy the cheapest motorcycle insurance and still be able to avoid financial troubles when they arrive uninvited. Getting the cheapest motorcycle insurance is easier if you understand basics of such policies. It is natural to get a little confused while exploring motorcycle insurance choices if you are doing so for the first time. Important tips and guidelines discussed below will help you get the best motorcycle insurance the right way:

  • There are different types of coverage that you can buy. Bodily injury coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage are some of these. Before purchasing any of them, you should carefully read all terms and conditions. There is no point comparing two insurance policies without understanding more about each one.
  • Certain factors can be included as add ons. For example, you may add roadside assistance, custom parts, and medical bill coverage to the policy. You can even add property and passenger cover. Do not buy policies that appear extravagant. If you do not want to cover yourself for guest passenger liability, you can just avoid it.
  • A motorcycle claim is set in a particular system. For example, a motorcycle insurance with a system of 10/20/50 indicates that you will receive $10,000 in the event of an accident. The total amount given by an insurance company will not be more than $20,000. Also, the maximum amount of money given by the company for all sorts of property damages will be $50,000.
  • Choose the comprehensive coverage carefully as it will provide the maximum protection. It will cover the cost of replacement or repair when the motorcycle is damaged due to an accident. Whether you are at fault or not, the comprehensive motorcycle insurance will pay for replacement and repairs.
  • The uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will be helpful when the party at the fault during an accident does not have sufficient insurance to cover all damages.
  • Collision coverage provided by an insurance company is limited to factory parts only. The company will pay for all sorts of repairs required after an accident when you are covered by collision insurance. Additional accessories will not be covered by collision insurance.

The risk for financial loss is too high to ignore. So, there is no point riding a bike without insurance even if your state laws do not require you to have a certain minimum insurance.

Photo via xEs

Getting appropriate motorcycle accident compensation

May 2nd, 2011

When unfortunate events like motorcycle accidents come to pass, it is natural to get depressed. People panic if they are involved in an accident for the first time in their lives. Even the cheapest motorcycle insurance can help you a great deal to avoid financial troubles due to property damages or medical expenses if you know how to get appropriate motorcycle accident compensation.

You don’t have to be a professional attorney or law student to be able to do that. Anyone with a fundamental knowledge of the claim filing process can do the needful. Read on to learn about a number of useful things you need to know about getting motorcycle accident compensation.

1.       You need to have a little patience. Settling motorcycle accident claims may take a little longer in some cases. However, the process is easy, and you can always seek the help of a professional attorney if significant damages are involved.

2.       Gather every single medical bill for future reference. In fact, start writing an everyday account of expenses caused by the motorcycle accident. You should have medical bills for hospitalization, surgical procedures, and counseling, if any. If you are receiving ongoing medical care, you should wait for a while before agreeing to a settlement. If you require occupational therapy, physical therapy, and scar revision in the future, you should consider all these factors.

3.       You should ask the insurance company to compensate you for the loss of income as well. If an injury caused by a motorcycle accident keeps you from earning, you can ask for suitable compensation for your past and future earnings from the company.

4.       If you are unable to go back to your old job because of a motorcycle accident, you can ask the company to compensate you for this loss.

5.       Pain and suffering due to a motorcycle accident can be huge in some cases. A judge will decide the final amount you will get from the company. In most cases, an insurance company will agree to your demands unless the claim is not very high.

You can also get a compensation for the loss of consortium. This type of compensation is given when you are burned in an accident. Also, if your relationships suffer due to the accident, you can demand this compensation. If bodily injuries are very serious, you should seek the help of a professional attorney. A professional can help you get the maximum compensation in such cases. You don’t have to buy the cheapest motorcycle insurance if you can afford better coverage for such situations in the future.

Photo via Callandar

Avoid Becoming a Victim of Motorcycle Thefts

April 25th, 2011

One of the biggest and happiest moments in life is when you are able to get yourself the dream ride that you always wanted. It is a great feeling of accomplishment when you buy a motorcycle with your own money. However, imagine what it would feel like to have your dream motorcycle stolen from you and have all your efforts go down the drain for nothing. It would be heartbreaking, to say the least, but if you are able to protect your motorcycle with the cheapest motorcycle insurance, you can save yourself a lot of monetary and emotional damage.

In these unsure times, it is best if you don’t take any chances. The cheapest motorcycle insurance gives you a blanket to protect yourself and your motorcycle from acts of grand theft auto. Thus, even if you loose your precious ride, you would never feel that you lost all the money that you had worked so hard for.

Now, you may be wondering what the cheapest motorcycle insurance is, or how it is determined. The cheapest motorcycle insurance policy is the one which has the lowest rate of interest. This rate of interest is determined by the make and model of your motorcycle, the area of your residence, and the year in which you bought your car. Keeping all these factors in mind, you would be given a specific rate of interest for your motorcycle insurance policy that would reflect the current value of your motorcycle.

When you are opting for the cheapest motorcycle insurance, you need to make sure that you are getting the right value for your motorcycle. In other words, you need to know if you are getting enough money as compensation in case your motorcycle gets stolen. Most insurance companies determine the compensation according to the current value of the motorcycle during the time of theft.

This means that if it has been some time since you bought your motorcycle, your insurance policy would pay only the current value and not the price at which you bought it for. This is an important fact to be kept in mind when you are looking out for the cheapest insurance rates, because you need to get the right compensation in the unfortunate scenario of your motorcycle getting stolen.

Protection is a major requirement in today’s society, especially for your precious motorcycle. The cheapest motorcycle insurance policy is a good measure of protection for it; it can help you take a deep breath and relax, knowing that you have some degree of protection against grand theft auto.

Photo via Isaac Viel