When you have the proper knowledge and skills, riding a motorcycle can be a fun and safe activity. However, carrying personal insurance from a reliable provider is crucial to protecting yourself, your bike, and the people who share the roads with you. Unfortunately, there are several common myths about motorcycle insurance that can lead to misconceptions and confusion. Let’s debunk some of these myths.
Myth #1: Motorcycle Insurance Is the Same as Car Insurance
While both motorcycle and car insurance exist to cover drivers in case an accident occurs, the two types of policies are not the same. The differences are due to the unique risks a motorcycle rider faces compared to a car driver. No matter how good of a rider you are, you are simply more vulnerable to injury without the protective metal box of a car’s body surrounding you.
Car and motorcycle insurance also have different coverage options and rates. For example, both types of policies usually cover liability and collisions. However, you can often add passenger liability and accessory coverage to a motorcycle policy. Rates also differ significantly between the two, and laws vary by state.
Myth #2: Liability Insurance Covers Your Injuries and Damages
Liability insurance typically covers injuries and damages to other parties if you’re at fault in an accident. A common myth, however, is that the same policy will also pay for your medical bills and damages to your motorcycle. The truth is that liability coverage only applies to other people’s damages and never to your own.
For personal protection, you’ll need additional coverage. For example, you need collision insurance to pay for repairs to your bike. And if another motorist hits you but does not have adequate insurance to pay your medical bills, you must also have an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Myth #3: Motorcycle Insurance Covers Helmets, Protective Gear, and Aftermarket Accessories
If someone steals your motorcycle, you might expect that your personal insurance policy would cover the loss of the following accessories:
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Chaps
- Riding jacket
However, not all motorcycle insurance policies pay to replace these items. Read your policy closely to determine whether your insurance company considers these and related items to be personal belongings rather than motorcycle accessories.
Some insurance policies might cover a limited amount for aftermarket modifications and accessories, but it’s usually an optional add-on. Details such as accessory coverage are one reason it is always wise to talk to an experienced insurance agent.
How to Choose Motorcycle Insurance
If the truth about any of the above myths surprises you, it is time to talk to a qualified insurance agent about your coverage. Here are a few tips to get the conversation started:
- Ask the agent about state-mandated minimum liability limits
- Find out exactly what your policy does and does not cover
- Review deductibles
- Ask about available additional coverage
If you own a motorcycle, nothing is more important to maintain your personal safety and financial well-being than your personal insurance. Keep yourself safe by always working with an experienced company such as Provident Protection Plus, whose agents are knowledgeable about motorcycle insurance.
About Provident Protection Plus
For more than 65 years, Provident Protection Plus has served businesses and residents across several states nationwide. Today, we are a wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Bank, the region’s premier banking institution. To learn more about our coverage options, contact our specialists today at (888) 990-0526.