For all you bikers out there, October 13 is National Motorcycle Ride Day. As a day dedicated to hitting the open road, it might be in your interest to look over your motorcycle insurance before you hop on your hog. Not sure where to start? Below are some questions many people have about coverage—from the bare minimum to full coverage insurance for your beloved ride. 

Common Questions About Motorcycle Insurance

What is motorcycle insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is similar to car insurance—it provides financial protection in case your ride gets in an accident or is lost, stolen, or damaged. Like with cars, the core part of this insurance is liability coverage, which helps you if you’re responsible for another person’s injuries or property damage. Motorcycle insurance applies to motorcycles, choppers, fast street bikes, mopeds, and Segways. 

What does motorcycle insurance cover?

At the bare minimum, your policy will cover the cost of liability and legal fees if an accident you caused injured someone or damaged their vehicle. Full coverage insurance will help you pay a certain amount of the costs to fix or replace a damaged bike. You can also add customized comprehensive coverage, which can include payment for weather damage, animal damage, or theft. Other additions like medical payments and coverage for add-ons to your bike are also available. 

How much does motorcycle insurance cost?

It depends on the kind of bike you get. If you have a good record and a modest motorcycle, you’ll probably pay only a couple hundred bucks a year. If you’re a new driver and buy a souped-up street bike, you will pay in the thousands with premiums. 

Generally, motorcycle insurance is more expensive than car insurance because it is a more high-risk mode of transportation. Motorcycles are harder to see in blind spots, they have a higher risk of fatality in the case of an accident, and they’re easy to steal, making them more difficult to cover with insurance. At the same time, due to these risks, it’s all the more important to get full coverage insurance for your motorcycle since the odds of using it are higher.

What kind of coverage is legally required?

It depends on where you live, but generally, all states require a minimum amount of liability insurance in order to pay for another driver’s damages or injury if you cause an accident. This set minimum vastly varies by state, though.

Does motorcycle insurance cover track days?

Sometimes. If you’re injured or your bike is damaged during a race, it won’t be covered. However, if the same happens on a track that you were using to improve your competency as a safe, defensive driver, then it’s covered under certain policies.

Are passengers and other riders covered?

This depends on your coverage. Ask your agent for details when buying your policy.

Want to expand your coverage for your bike? Fritch Insurance Inc. in Beatrice, NE, will protect you if anything happens on the open road. Their team offers a variety of full coverage insurance, from auto, motorcycle, and boat insurance, to home and farm insurance. Give them a call at (402) 223-3312 or visit their website for more information on the policies they offer.