Motorcycle insurance shares the same building blocks as car insurance, but riders face different risks, so a few coverages deserve extra attention.
The core coverages
- Liability — pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Usually required by the state.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) — pays when an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. This is especially important for riders, who are far more exposed in a crash with a car.
- Collision — damage to your bike from an accident or laying it down.
- Comprehensive — theft, fire, vandalism, and weather. Bikes are relatively easy to steal, so this matters.
Coverages riders often overlook
- Custom parts and accessories — base policies cap how much they'll pay for aftermarket pipes, paint, saddlebags, chrome, and other upgrades. Riders who have invested in their bike should schedule this coverage up to the real value.
- Guest passenger — confirm the policy extends liability to injuries suffered by a passenger riding with you.
- Safety apparel — some carriers offer coverage for helmets and riding gear damaged in a covered loss.
A common mistake is insuring a heavily customized bike at stock value. Make sure the limits reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild it.
Educational only — confirm against the actual policy and your carrier's guidelines.