Proudly serving Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur, & Hazel Green, AL communities. 

Why do you need insurance for your motorcycle?

You'll enjoy being out on the open road even more when you're not worried about the safety of yourself, your passengers or your investment. Here are a few things to consider:

• If you're in an accident or your motorcycle is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it.
• If you or a passenger is injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
• If your motorcycle is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you're worth.
• Your motorcycle may be one of your most prized possessions. It deserves special protection.

Things to consider and questions to ask your agent

Your Independent Agent is an advocate for finding insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion:

• How much can I afford to pay if my motorcycle is in an accident, damaged or stolen? (Ask your agent what your cost savings would be if you raised your deductible.)
• What discounts and programs are available? (Ask about discounts for taking safety classes or having multiple policies. You may also save money if your motorcycle is stored in a garage or if you belong to a motorcycle association.)
• How much medical and liability coverage should I have?
• Does the insurance company have a good reputation for customer service? Is it known for paying claims fairly and promptly?
• What's the process for filing and settling a claim?

What does motorcycle insurance cover? 

Policies tend to vary from owner to owner, but a typical motorcycle insurance policy might include the following coverages: 

• Liability insurance helps cover bodily injury and property damage that you may cause other people if you are in an accident. This coverage is required in most states. Expenses such as medical bills, lost wages and costs associated with repair damage of others’ property are generally covered. 
• Collision insurance helps cover damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident; this does not include your deductible.
• Comprehensive insurance helps pay for damages caused by events other than collisions, including fire, theft or vandalism. Coverage will pay for damages minus your deductible and will not exceed the face value of your motorcycle. 
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist helps cover damages to you and your property if you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Covered costs typically include medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. 
• Optional equipment covers additional or optional equipment on your motorcycle if you decide to customize it. The additions generally will not be covered under your comprehensive and collision coverages.  

 

Tips for the cost-conscious rider

Many factors can play a role in determining what your insurance costs will be such as your age, your driving record, where you live and the type of motorcycle you own, or being a graduate of a rider-training course.

• Many companies offer discounts from 10 to 15 percent on motorcycle insurance for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider course. Riders under the age of 25, usually considered a higher risk, may see some savings by taking this course. It's also a good idea for cyclists who have already had accidents.
• Maintaining a good driving record with no violations will also help reduce your premiums.
• In many northern states, riders may save money by buying a "lay-up" policy. With a lay-up policy, all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.
• Find out what discounts your insurance representative offers. Multibike discounts for those insuring more than one bike, organization discounts, if you're a member of a motorcycle association, and mature rider discounts for experienced riders, are just a few possibilities. Discounts can range anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent, depending on the company and your state. Availability and qualifications for discounts vary from company to company and state to state.
• Keep in mind that the type, style (such as a sports bike vs. a cruiser) and age of the motorcycle, as well as the number of miles you drive a year and where you store your bike may also affect how much you pay for your premium.

How much motorcycle insurance do I need? 

Alabama law requires all motorcycle owners to carry minimum amounts of liability coverage. You’ll need to purchase coverage that includes at least these minimum amounts of liability insurance, as well as any other coverages dictated by a lender if you’ve financed your motorcycle. Besides these requirements, it’s good practice to carry more than the minimum required coverage to ensure adequate protection. Talk to an agent today to learn more about what your insurance needs may be.   

How do I get motorcycle insurance? 

If you are looking for motorcycle insurance, the agents at Larry Burkman Agency can help you learn more about your coverage options so you can make the right decision on a policy. Don’t hesitate to reach out at 256-830-1123 with any questions related to motorcycle insurance. 

Larry Burkman Agency covers motorists in Huntsville, Madison, Morgan and Northern Alabama.