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 In recent years, motorcycles have become more popular than ever in the U.S.  The Motorcycle Industry Council also reported that more than 55 percent of today’s motorcycle owners are older than 40.  For this group, motorcycles may be a luxury purchase, as opposed to a necessary way to travel.  Younger riders often buy motorcycles because they are a much cheaper form of transportation than cars.  With motorcycles made to suit differing needs, the cost of motorcycle insurance varies.  Your insurance cost will be determined by your particular motorcycle in addition to state laws, lender requirements and the coverages and limits of your policy. 

When you buy motorcycle insurance, your policy should contain the following four coverages:

1. Liability Insurance

Liability coverage protects you if you are found at fault for an accident where another person’s property is damaged or they are injured in the crash.  Your liability coverage will pay out for medical bills, lost wages and damages – but only up to the limits set on your policy.

If you are sued, liability insurance can pay for your defense.  However, if the liability limit of your policy is $15,000, and you are sued for $50,000, you will be responsible for the difference out of pocket.  For this reason, you should purchase as much liability insurance as you can afford.  I recommend a minimum of $250,000.  Progressive offers $500,000.

Many bikers think their motorcycle is small and can do little damage, but the reality is that motorcycles can cause accidents with significant injuries.  Carrying the highest liability coverages you can afford is often less expensive than customers think.

2. Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage (UM/UIM)

Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage provides financial protection for you and any passengers if you get into a crash involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.  And there are millions of uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road. 

Underinsured coverage protects you against drivers that do not have liability limits that are high enough to cover your damages – even if they have purchased the minimum amount of liability insurance as required by state law.  THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST IMPORTANT SECTION OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE.  Its limits need to match your liability limits — $250,000 minimum – $500,000 even better.

3. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is often a mandatory requirement by lenders if you take out a loan to purchase a motorcycle.  This coverage insures your motorcycle if it gets damaged in a collision with other vehicles, or if you fall off your motorcycle and it gets damaged by the road or another object.

If your motorcycle costs more to insure that it is worth on the market, you may no longer want to pay for collision coverage.  However, motorcyclists should always keep comprehensive coverages, as it protects against risks such as vandalism, theft and fire.

4. Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage is an optional coverage and pays for necessary medical treatment for you and any passengers up to the chosen dollar limit.  This is very important if you do not have health insurance to cover your medical expenses or you have a high-deductible health plan.  It is important to note that in some states if you already have health insurance, the medical payments portion of your premium may not kick in until you have exhausted all other medical coverage. 

CONCLUSION

When it comes to motorcycle insurance coverage, there is plenty to think through.  I can work with you to explain what insurance company is the right insurer for you.  Most importantly, I can explain UM/UIM COVERAGE.  Call me.  You can send me your motorcycle declaration/face sheet for a free evaluation.  There is never a charge for this service. 

You can contact me here at 1-800-TEAM-LAW (800) 832-6529 or (732) 388-5454.  You can also email me at aprinceesq@aol.com or fax me at (732) 428-1509.  I am here to help you. 

Andrew S. Prince, Esq.

TEAM-LAW

136 Central Avenue

Clark, NJ 07066

 

(732) 388-5454

1 (800) 832-6529

(732) 388-8711 — Fax

Aprinceesq@aol.com

Additional Offices in New Jersey

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Newark, Orange, Perth Amboy and Westfield