For those who prefer to ride on two wheels as much as they are on two feet (maybe more), the personalization and customization of a motorcycle are both a labor of love and a drain on the wallet.

Stock parts, paint jobs, and add-ons are often easies on the budget – but you didn’t get a motorcycle to be a part of the pack. You’re looking for the individuality only riding your motorcycle on the open road can bring.

The Insurance Aspect Of Pimping Out Your Motorcycle

But there’s one small problem… Your custom parts and details may not be covered for as much as you think.

In many cases, motorcycle insurance covers only about $1,000 on Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) under a current policy. These may differ, depending on your insurance company’s standard coverages, and your policy should list exactly the amounts you’re protected for.

Coverage levels in most cases can be easily adjusted to reflect your costs and ensure that your motorcycle, and the new parts, are covered in case something happens. Extra CPE coverage is usually available by speaking to your agent.

Do Your Homework

A motorcycle insurance policy requires homework like any other policy.

When shopping for motorcycle insurance, talk to the agents and let them know what coverage you currently have (or want) and compare prices and coverage.

Learn the in’s and out’s of each motorcycle policy. Ask specifically about CPE coverage included in the base policy. Find out if you can add more now or down the road and if there are maximum CPE limits.

Ask Ahead

Once you have a policy and start looking into customizations, you should check with your agent to find out if certain upgrades would be covered. These may vary by state.

According to Progressive Insurance, the following custom parts and upgrades are generally considered custom parts and equipment:

  • Extra chrome
  • Saddlebags
  • Safety riding apparel
  • Custom exhaust, custom plating
  • Electronic equipment, including antennas, radios and devices used exclusively to send/receive audio
  • Sidecars
  • Special seats
  • Trailers designed to be pulled behind a motorcycle
  • Trike conversion kits
  • Windshield

Progressive also lists some uninsurable custom parts and equipment, including intercom kits and headsets, radar detectors, and tires.

Stay Organized

Lastly, if you’re hoping to be fully reimbursed after an accident from a CPE perspective, then you must keep all receipts. You need to have a record of every custom paint job, specialty part, and extra add-on if you want to be fully covered. You should also take photographs of each customization once completed. 

Get free NY and Pennsylvania car insurance quotes online or contact InsuraMatch at 855-244-7671 to see how much we can help you save.