Motorcycle Insurance: Riding Safely and Protecting Your Bike

In Northeast Ohio, it’s prime roadtrip weather. As summer makes way for the cooler temperatures of fall, hopping on your bike and heading out on the open road is the best way to catch the fleeting sights and sounds of the seasons. But you aren’t the only one out there on those roads, and you never know what’s around the corner, curve, or hill crest. With help from the expert team at BK Insurance & Financial Services, you’ll be prepared for all the what-if’s you’ll encounter and protected for whatever may come your way. 

Why Motorcycle Insurance Matters

Put simply, motorcycle insurance is necessary protection for you, your motorcycle, and any passengers or third parties. Because, as much as motorcycling is romanticized and is a truly enjoyable way to travel, we can’t ignore that it brings its own unique risks and insurance considerations in tow. And while of course responsible riding and regular motorcycle maintenance are musts, motorcycle insurance acts as a safety net when things go wrong and hypothetical scenarios become reality.

Motorcycle insurance policies and coverage options vary by carrier, but the general protections typically include:

• Liability for injuries or property damage
• Damage to the insured motorcycle
• Theft and vandalism
• Certain weather-related losses
• Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists
• Certain medical expenses

Understanding Common Motorcycle Insurance Coverages

In the state of Ohio, registered motorcycles need to carry active liability insurance, the same as all motor vehicles out on the road. The mandatory minimum limits are as follows: $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. And if you do happen to ever be involved in an accident or a traffic stop, you’ll be expected to show proof of insurance coverage and there can be penalties for riding uninsured. All that said, state minimums are rarely enough to actually cover damages and expenses in the event of an accident, which could end up with sums that stack up to roughly four times minimum coverage limits. So while minimum coverage keeps you legal, it probably won’t keep you from paying out of pocket–your trusted insurance agent can make sure you have the coverage you need.

Typical protections included in motorcycle insurance include:

Liability Coverage

This protects you and provides for bodily injury and property damage to a third party. This could mean a victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering along with any legal fees, in addition to replacing or repairing their property. This is where doing more than the minimum coverage really saves you in the event of an accident.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is what will help to pay for covered damage to the rider's motorcycle after an accident. This is where the role of the deductible comes into play, determining how much you will pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles are often paired with lower premiums, but also mean that unless the needed repairs are very costly, it may not be worth filing a claim. 

Comprehensive Coverage

While collision covers accident damage, comprehensive coverage generally addresses certain non-collision losses, like theft, vandalism, fire, damage from falling objects, and certain types of weather-related damage. The risks you face out on the road are many and varied and comprehensive coverage ensures that you’re protected from the unexpected.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

You never know who you’ll encounter on a road trip, or who may be involved in an accident that totals your bike or harms you physically. Most drivers do have insurance, but some don’t (13-17% in Ohio), and others only have the bare minimum, which generally won’t cover all of your bills. Carrying uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage means that, regardless of what the other party has on deck, you can be sure to have help paying for medical bills and oftentimes bike repair as well. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are always a concern, and this is the coverage you need to be sure you have recourse in that situation.

Custom Parts and Motorcycle Accessories

Motorcycle riders who like to customize their bikes should pay particular attention to their policies. Oftentimes work and additions like custom paint, exhaust systems, saddlebags, upgraded seats, custom wheels, chrome additions, specialty electronics and other aftermarket equipment may require additional coverage to ensure that if your bike is damaged, you’re able to have an exact replacement. Your trusted agent can thoroughly assess your needs and find a policy that fits.

Riding Gear

Safety gear like helmets, jackets, boots, gloves and other protective equipment are a must for safe riding but they may not be covered by every policy and carrier out there. Work with your trusted insurance agent if coverage for these items is important to you, and they’ll let you know what’s available.

Besides carrying a solid motorcycle insurance policy, you also want to take steps to ensure that even when you aren’t riding, the bike is protected. This includes considerations like taking steps to reduce theft and property damage by parking in a secure location and storing the bike under cover when possible. Removing the keys, using appropriate locks, and employing the use of alarms or tracking devices can also help to prevent loss. What about during the off season, when you aren’t riding? Beyond properly preparing the motorcycle for seasonal storage, it’s also still important to carry insurance to protect from theft, fire, vandalism and certain weather-related damage. Talk with your agent to see if you can reduce coverage limits during non-riding seasons.

Riding Safely: Reducing Your Risk on the Road

The protections afforded by motorcycle insurance are a must, but they can’t make up for a lack of safety on the road. When you drive safely and take precautions, you will inevitably prevent avoidable accidents, injury and damages. This can mean really getting to know your machine and taking time to thoroughly inspect tires and tire pressure, brakes, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, fluid levels and other controls and components before setting out on a ride. When you routinely check the general condition of your motorcycle, you’re more likely to catch issues before they get out of hand and lead to an accident or breakdown. 

Riding safely also involves using protective gear. This can mean wearing a properly fitting helmet, eye protection, protective jackets and pants, gloves and over-the-ankle footwear. Depending on the situation, highly visible or reflective clothing may also be a good addition. Appropriate riding gear may not be able to eliminate the risk of injury, but it sure can help to reduce worst case scenarios. When you wear protective gear it also helps your case in the event of injury, as it’s clear that you’ve done your part and tried your best to avoid mishaps.

Now that you and your bike are safe and ready to ride, how you handle things on the road will also help to keep you safe. Above all else, making yourself visible to other (often distracted) motorists is a must. Key safety practices can include things like avoiding vehicle blind spots, using turn signals, maintaining appropriate lane positioning and using headlights as required or appropriate. Allowing sufficient following distance and wearing visible clothing can also contribute to safer experiences on the road.

Beyond ensuring that you’re doing your part, practicing defensive driving means that you can also stay safe when others aren’t paying close attention. This involves anticipating the actions of surrounding drivers by paying particular attention around intersections, looking out for vehicles changing lanes and being extra aware around driveways and parking lots. Paying attention to traffic means that you’ll be aware of sudden slowdowns, distracted drivers, and construction zones. This will give you time to react and to avoid preventable accidents. Of course, you’ll only be able to stay this attentive if you yourself are not distracted or impaired in any way while out on the road. From substances and medications to mobile devices and fatigue, any influence that could impair your driving or slow reaction time is a big risk that’s not worth taking.

As weather shifts, so do risks on the road. Rain and wet pavement, road debris and accumulated leaves can quickly cause you to lose control. Meanwhile, gravel and unstable surfaces, potholes and strong wind can throw you off balance. When you’re working with two wheels, you’re naturally more affected by adverse road conditions and weather, and it’s a must to know what weather is predicted, and then to plan accordingly. If things get too bad out there, oftentimes the smart thing to do is to wait it out.

All of this information is relatively straightforward for experienced drivers of any sort of motor vehicle, but motorcycle driving does face some unique risks. That’s why it might be worth your while to consider taking a motorcycle safety course. Much like a driving safety course, you may learn a thing or two about important emergency maneuvers. You may also have an opportunity to save on your insurance premium, depending on the carriers and policies available to you.

Motorcycle And Car Insurance In Kent

When it comes to ensuring that you and others around you are protected when you’re out enjoying the open road, working with an experienced and trusted independent insurance agency is the first step. When you work with folks like the team at BK Insurance & Financial Services, you’ll get personalized help to understand coverage limits and deductibles along with explanations of the different coverages and options available to you.

Whether you’re reviewing your motorcycle coverage for any gaps in coverage, or you’re a first-time buyer looking for solid coverage, you can’t go wrong with advice from BK Insurance & Financial Services. We’ll handle the insurance end of things, and we know that you’ll do your part with safe and responsible riding, preventive maintenance, and motorcycle security. When these powers combine, you’ll be protected from both avoidable risk and the unforeseen and unexpected. Contact our team today to review your current motorcycle policy or to explore coverage for your new bike before your next ride.