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The state of California requires all motorcycle owners and
operators, with the exception of motorized scooters, to carry
insurance and have proof of that available at all times. The
legally required insurance is the same as any other motor vehicle,
although if the motorcycle is financed, your lender may require
additional coverage to protect their interests.
| You need insurance even to ride your new
bike home from the dealership. While many dealers may
offer or suggest motorcycle insurance companies, these
are not often the best. While the coverage may meet the
legal requirements, the insurance may be more costly than
you can get on your own. It's a good idea to shop around
or ask friends and other riders and arrange for the insurance
before you buy. |
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At the minimum, you are required by law to have an insurance
policy that covers personal liability and property damage.
Other coverages are available, and may be required by your
lender. These other insurance coverages routinely consist
of coverage for medical payments, collision, comprehensive,
and uninsured and underinsured motorists.
Personal liability insurance is required by law and covers
injuries you or your designated driver cause others in an
accident. The other required insurance, property damage, covers
the costs of damages you cause, either to the other vehicle
or property.
| Medical
payments insurance pays for the treatment of the driver
of your motorcycle and any passenger you may be carrying.
This coverage can vary widely, and can even be extended
to cover lost wages or funeral expenses. |
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Collision insurance pays for damage to your own motorcycle.
It will pay for damage done to your bike in a collision with
another vehicle or other objects you may hit, or damages done
to your bike if you just drop it on the roadway. This insurance
is typically sold with a deductible amount, ranging from $250
to $1,000. The higher the deductible -- the higher the amount
you must pay - and thus your premium should be lower. Collision
insurance will usually pay to repair your motorcycle even if
you are the one at fault for the accident. If another motorist
was at fault, your insurance company will try to recover what
they paid you from the other's insurance company and, sometimes,
even the amount of your deductible cost.
Comprehensive insurance covers you from loss due to theft
or damage that doesn't come from an accident. It typically
covers not only such things as fire or earthquake damage,
but damage caused by striking an animal or that your motorcycle
may receive in riots, floods, or explosions. Like collision
insurance, comprehensive insurance carries a deductible amount,
which you can usually choose.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will cover any
costs you may incur if you, one of your family members, or
anyone you allow to drive your motorcycle is hit by a hit-and-run
driver or by someone who has too little insurance or none
at all. It also frequently covers you when you're a pedestrian.
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