What Coverages Are Offered by Motorcycle Policies?

As with the case with auto policies, motorcycle policies normally provide a combination of coverages that work together. Some of the coverages that policies frequently offer are:

• Personal Injury Protection, which might cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and child care costs if a rider is injured or killed in an accident
• Medical Payments Coverage, which may cover the treatment of injuries sustained by a rider or their passenger
• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, which might cover the treatment of injuries sustained by pedestrians or people in other vehicles
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage, which may cover different causes of damage to a bike
• Property Damage Liability Coverage, which might cover damage a rider causes to others’ property
• Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which may cover accidents caused by drivers who don’t have enough insurance

In addition to these coverages that most motorcycle owners get, some bikers may want gap coverage and/or added equipment coverage. Gap coverage may help pay the difference between a motorcycle’s depreciated fair-market value and the remaining balance on a loan if a bike is destroyed. Added equipment coverage is often used to protect aftermarket parts and equipment that doesn’t come with a stock bike.

Do Motorcycle Policies Cover Helmets?

Some motorcycle policies offer coverage for helmets, but not all do. Additionally, those that do sometimes have limits that are lower than a helmet’s cost.

Riders who want to make sure their helmet is fully insured may be able to increase the limits in their policy or purchase additional added equipment coverage so that their coverage exceeds the cost of their helmet.

What Factors Impact How Much Riders Pay for Motorcycle Coverage?

As is true with auto policies, insurance companies consider lots of factors when they calculate motorcycle coverage rates. A few factors that might influence a rider’s premiums include:

• The year, make, and model of a motorcycle
• The rider’s gender and age
• The rider’s driving record
• Where a bike is stored when it’s not being ridden
• Whether a bike has aftermarket parts

In many states, insurance companies also consider rider’s credit scores. Massachusetts doesn’t permit this practice, though.

Do Riders in Massachusetts Need Motorcycle Coverage Year-Round?

Even if Massachusetts riders only use their bikes during the fair weather, they should still carry motorcycle coverage year-round. Canceling coverage can create a gap, which may cause insurers to raise rates in the future. Also, canceling coverage leaves a rider personally responsible for any damage their bike sustains while not insured.

Riders might, however, be able to reduce their insurance coverage during the winter. Some insurance companies offer comprehensive-only coverage, which may be sufficient if a bike isn’t taken on public roads.

How Can Riders in Worcester, MA Get Motorcycle Insurance?

For help finding motorcycle insurance, riders in Worcester, MA should contact an independent insurance agent in the city. An independent agent will be able to help with requesting and comparing quotes from different insurers.