Motorcycle season is here, and if you’re anything like the other riders we know, you are itching to get out there!

Before getting back out on the road with your bike, it is important to ensure that you have the proper motorcycle insurance coverage to keep you and your motorcycle protected from risk. In addition to giving your motorcycle a proper tune-up before starting the spring riding season, you’ll want to give your insurance agent a call to make sure you have adequate coverage for getting back out there.

Many people start looking for insurance when the weather gets warm enough to ride again, but there’s never a bad time to look into a quote. Says InsuraMatch agent Seth Miller, “Most people in the northern half of the US look to purchase their motorcycle insurance when it starts to get warm, but it’s never too early to get a quote. Even when stored in the garage, it’s possible for something to happen to your property, including your motorcycle.”

Whether you’re searching for motorcycle insurance to kick off riding season or are curious about getting a quote, this guide will help you choose your motorcycle insurance coverage more confidently.

Has anything changed since last season?

Before calling your agent, take a moment to think about how your situation has changed since last season. Have you bought a new bike? Did you take a safety course last year? Did your driving record change? Did you buy a house? Though they may not seem directly related, all of these items could impact the cost of your policy and could change how much insurance you want to carry.

Think about your other assets - could you bundle your motorcycle insurance with another policy like your auto, home or renters insurance? This could lead to more savings. Speaking of assets, you’ll also want to think about any big purchases you may have made in the last year, like a new home or car. If you’ve got more to protect now, you’ll want to consider higher liability limits.

Another thing to think about is how you’ll use your bike this year. If your riding activity is going to change, that is worth discussing with your agent when updating your coverage. For example, you may be planning a once-in-a-lifetime long road trip on your bike or you may be cutting back on your riding due to other commitments. Traveling long distances by bike or using it casually could present some differences in coverage and cost.

Coverage to consider

For both new and old riders alike, an important part of preparing for riding season is getting the right coverage in place. While it may feel like a nagging detail and lots of paperwork when the open road is calling, your motorcycle insurance policy can provide valuable financial protection in the event of an accident or damage.

There are several different coverages offered by motorcycle insurance, some more common than others. These coverages are:

Liability - This covers bodily injury or damage caused to others when using your motorcycle.
Collision - covers damage to your motorcycle incurred in an accident
Comprehensive - covers damage to your motorcycle not incurred during an accident, including theft
Under/Uninsured Motorist Coverage - covers damages caused by a driver who doesn’t carry insurance or enough insurance

In addition to these standard coverages, there are endorsements you can add on to your policy to get specialized coverage for your bike. These can include protection for long road trips or protection for expensive or unique parts on your bike. Ask your agent if you have questions about more specific coverage for your bike.

Now that you know all about the different types of coverage that can be included under motorcycle insurance, you may be wondering how to choose your limits. There is no simple answer to the question “how much coverage should I carry?” It varies from person to person and situation to situation.

Seth gives us some general guidelines that may be helpful. “Generally speaking, most of my customers choose to match the liability coverage they have on their auto insurance policy when choosing limits for their motorcycle insurance policies.”

“If you don’t have auto insurance, a general rule is that homeowners should have at least $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $50,000 for property damage liability. If that seems excessive, the minimum we recommend to anyone is $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability.”

Your insurance agent can help you determine limits that fit your situation and budget.

Saving on Motorcycle Insurance

Like auto insurance, there are many ways that you can save on your motorcycle insurance coverage. Whether that’s by bundling your coverage, maintaining a pristine driving record or taking a safety course, your agent can help you explore options for saving.

For more ideas, check out these Ways to Save on Motorcycle Insurance.

What to have on hand when you call for a quote

Feeling ready to choose your coverage? When calling for a quote, make sure you have the following information:

  • Make, year and model of your motorcycle

  • Driver’s license number

  • Average miles per year

Insurance companies weigh many factors to determine motorcycle insurance quotes. Like shopping for auto insurance, it is important that you are as honest as possible while getting your quotes, including when it comes to past accidents and traffic violations.

Seth advises, “It’s best to be upfront with any activity on your license, because the company will likely find it anyway. You want to use your time spent shopping for insurance to find the most accurate rate, and sharing the whole story will help you get more accurate quotes.”

You are just about ready to go! Get a free quote today and happy riding!