When the sun is out and the weather's nice, few activities are as exhilarating as hurtling down the highway on the back of a motorcycle. However, to protect your investment, yourself, and any passenger, it's important that you purchase motorcycle coverage if something should go wrong. If you're unfamiliar with this type of coverage, Fritch Insurance, an experienced bike and auto insurance agency in Gage County, NE, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about motorcycle insurance.

FAQ About Motorcycle Coverage

Is Motorcycle Insurance Mandatory?

Just like with auto insurance, riders in Nebraska must maintain a legal minimum amount of liability coverage. Motorcycles require $25,000 worth of bodily injury liability insurance per injured person to a per-accident maximum of $50,000. In addition, you also need $25,000 in property damage liability. These pay for repairs and medical treatment if you injure someone or damage their property.

What Types of Vehicles Require Motorcycle Insurance?

Any two or three-wheeled vehicle that is licensed to operate on public roadways should be covered. This includes choppers, motor-trikes, mopeds, scooters, and even Segways™. Liability insurance is not required for motocross bikes, dirt bikes, or other solely off-road vehicles, but it is nevertheless wise to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage on any bike in case it is damaged or stolen.

How Can You Lower Your Motorcycle Insurance Rates?

If you choose an older, less expensive bike, you'll automatically pay less than you would for a fancy newer one, especially if you don’t need full coverage insurance. Also, avoid motorcycles with extensive modifications, such as long-stemmed choppers or low-slung cafe racers. The more customized a bike is, the more expensive it is to repair. Limit your yearly mileage, and make sure your insurer knows if you store it overnight in a secure location, like a locked garage.

Why Does Motorcycle Coverage Seem So Expensive?

Motorcycle coverage may appear more expensive than auto insurance. This is because bikes are small, fast, and nimble, so they are often difficult for other motorists to see.  Moreover, they offer much less protection against injury than other motor vehicles. They are lightweight and easier to steal than a car or truck, and their rate of recovery after theft is low because they tend to be stolen for parts. All of these factors make them riskier to insure.

Moreover, these risk factors—along with Nebraska law—make it essential that you protect yourself with adequate motorcycle insurance before hitting the road this summer. Contact Fritch Insurance, the premier bike and auto insurance agency in Beatrice for assistance. They've been serving businesses and residents of Southeast Nebraska and Northeast Kansas for nearly two decades and also specialize in agriculture and homeowners insurance. Visit their website to view a map and office hours or call (402) 223-3312 to request a quote.