Motorcycle Insurance Questions

• Protect yourself with an insurance policy that fits your needs as a motorcycle rider. Chris Rady/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  Generally, each state in the U.S. has laws that require every citizen with a motorized vehicle to purchase auto insurance. These laws apply to cars, motorcycles and any other type of vehicle used for transportation on public roads. Many companies offer auto insurance at reasonable prices relative to the coverage they offer. However, finding insurance for motorcycles can be more difficult, since not every insurance company has motorcycle coverage in its policies.

What Should a Basic Policy Include?

• Motorcycle insurance coverage varies, depending upon the state in which you live, because the laws and specific aspects of basic insurance coverage change from state to state and company to company. However, most basic motorcycle insurance policies include coverage that pays for medical costs in case of an accident, liability coverage that pays for costs of bodily injury or damage to others, collision coverage that pays for the costs of your motorcycle repair, comprehensive coverage that pays for losses due to theft or natural causes, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that pays damages for which a driver who has no insurance coverage is at fault.

Is Liability Insurance Regulated by the State?

• Most states in the U.S. will require that insurance companies include liability insurance in their motorcycle insurance policies. Liability insurance helps you to pay for medical costs and damages caused by an accident for which you are at fault. Most states also require that a motorcycle liability policy start at a low rate. However, if you desire to increase this protection, you can choose to pay more.

Why is Motorcycle Insurance Often Hard to Find?

• Because of the high-risk nature of motorcycle operation, many insurance companies do not insure motorcycles at all. Motorcycles are smaller and less safe than cars, and therefore, there is a much higher risk of injury or death if you are involved in an accident. Because of this safety risk, companies are not as willing to offer motorcycle insurance as they are to offer car insurance.

What Factors Determine the Cost?

• Generally, companies consider various factors to decide how much to charge you for your motorcycle insurance. These factors often include your motorcycle's annual mileage, its brand and classification, your driving record and age, your motorcycle's engine size, the location of your residence, the ways in which you use your motorcycle (whether commuting or riding for pleasure) and the career you have.