What to Look for When Choosing Motorcycle Insurance

Are you looking for motorcycle insurance in Central New York? You’re probably wondering how to find the right coverage for your unique needs. Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, but it also comes with risks. 

You want to ensure that you’re protected on the road, but navigating the world of insurance can be overwhelming. But we’re here to help.

We’re the Horan insurance agency, and we’ve been tailoring motorcycle policies to fit Central New York riders since 2009. We understand the challenges you face when searching for motorcycle insurance. We know that you may only ride your bike for a few months out of the year, and you want coverage that reflects this reality. 

You also want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money without sacrificing the protection you need.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing motorcycle insurance that fits your specific situation. We’ll cover 

1. the unique aspects of insuring your bike in our region, 
2. the discounts and coverage options available, and 
3. the factors that can impact your premiums. 

By reading to the end of this piece, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for when selecting your motorcycle insurance policy.

Navigating the Unique Challenges of Motorcycle Insurance

When it comes to motorcycle insurance, we’re dealing with a unique set of circumstances compared to other types of insurance. If you’re a bike owner, you’re likely only using your motorcycle for a short period throughout the year. 

Realistically, the bike season lasts about four solid months, and even if you try to squeeze it to five or six, you’ll often find that a good day is interrupted by a week of terrible weather. It’s not a consistent experience like with other vehicles.

Insurance carriers are well aware of this situation. They understand that you probably don’t want to insure your motorcycle all year round. However, they’ve figured out a way to address this challenge. 

Unlike auto or homeowners insurance, motorcycle policies are designed to cover the full year. If you cancel your policy early, you’ll face what’s known as a short rate penalty.

This penalty is unique to motorcycle insurance and sets it apart from other types of policies. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering your coverage options and making decisions about your motorcycle insurance.

Customizing Your Motorcycle Coverage During Off-Season

When you’re looking for motorcycle coverage in Central New York, it’s crucial to check if the carrier allows you to adjust your coverage during the off-season. For example, if it’s the end of October and you know that snow is right around the corner, you might decide to store your bike until April or May. 

While you still need to insure your motorcycle during this period, you may not want to maintain the same level of coverage as when you’re actively riding.

In this situation, you might choose to 

1. reduce your liability coverage, 
2. remove collision coverage,
3. and keep comprehensive coverage in case something happens to your bike while it’s in storage, such as a garage fire. 

Essentially, you’re bringing your policy down to the bare minimum required by law since you have to maintain liability coverage in New York as long as your motorcycle is registered and has plates.

Keep Your Auto and Motorcycle Policies Separate for Flexibility

But if you’re someone who wants the ability to adjust your liability limits while your bike is in storage for the season, it’s crucial to have your motorcycle on a separate policy from your auto insurance. Liability limits on an auto policy are policy-wide, not vehicle-specific. 

If you reduce the limits on your motorcycle, it will affect all vehicles on the policy, which is likely not what you want. By having your bike on its own isolated policy, you can manipulate the coverage as needed without impacting your auto insurance.

It’s important to verify that your insurance carrier is okay with you making these adjustments and won’t penalize you for doing so. This is especially crucial in our climate, where the riding season is limited. 

In southern states, riders can often use their motorcycles year-round, so this consideration may not be as relevant. However, for those of us in Central New York, having the flexibility to customize our coverage during the off-season can make a significant difference in our insurance costs and composure.

We know how important it is to have flexibility in your coverage, especially when you’re not able to ride your motorcycle year-round. That’s why we work with carriers who allow you to adjust your policy to fit your seasonal needs.

Discounts and Premiums Based on Riding Experience

When shopping for motorcycle insurance, it’s worth investigating whether the carrier offers discounts for years of riding experience. If you have extensive riding experience, you may be eligible for a price break due to your extensive riding history. 

On the other hand, if you have limited riding experience, it’s important to find out how this might affect your premium. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a high rate because of your inexperience.

We recognize that every rider is unique, with their own set of experiences and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new rider, we’re committed to helping you find a policy that fits your background and budget.

How Motorcycle Type Affects Insurance Cost

Another crucial factor to consider is the type of motorcycle you own or plan to purchase. When we talk about bikes, we often refer to standard motorcycles like 

• Harleys, 
• Hondas, and 
• Yamahas. 

However, there are other types of bikes, such as sport bikes that come with a much higher risk level. Many carriers may charge significantly more to insure these types of motorcycles, or they may not insure them at all.

It’s important to understand that while you may ride your sport bike responsibly, insurance carriers are aware that for every responsible rider, there are often others who don’t exercise the same level of caution. 

As a result, rates are created to account for this entire exposure. If you’re considering purchasing a high-performance motorcycle, like a Kawasaki or similar make and model, it’s crucial to research the potential insurance costs beforehand.

Keep in mind that younger riders (under 30) face higher premium rates when insuring a sport bike, regardless of riding experience. Be prepared for this reality as you explore your options and make decisions about the type of motorcycle you want to own.

Additional Coverage Options for Motorcycle Insurance

In addition to the factors we’ve already discussed, there are a few more elements to consider when selecting the best motorcycle insurance for your needs.

Accessory Coverage

First, check if the carrier offers accessory coverage. It can provide protection for any additional equipment or modifications you've made to your bike, such as:

• Aftermarket exhaust systems
• Custom paint jobs or decals
• High-end saddlebags or luggage racks
• GPS units or communication systems

Accessory coverage ensures that if these items are damaged or stolen, you can replace them without paying out of pocket.

Maxing Out Medical Payments

It’s also a good idea to max out your medical payments coverage. While you don’t necessarily have to purchase the highest limit available, it’s important to know what options are offered by the carrier.

Typical medical payments limits for motorcycle insurance range from $1,000 to $10,000 per person. However, some carriers may offer higher limits, such as $25,000 or even $50,000.

Keep in mind that medical payments coverage can help with expenses like:

• Emergency room visits
• X-rays and other diagnostic tests
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy

By choosing a higher limit, you’ll have more protection in case of an accident that results in injuries to yourself or a passenger.

As you navigate the process of choosing the right motorcycle insurance, take the time to consider these additional coverage options. Doing so will help ensure that you have the protection you need while enjoying your time on the road.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Ride by Getting the Right Coverage

Choosing the right motorcycle insurance in Central New York doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering the factors we've discussed, you'll be prepared to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and riding habits.

The right policy can give you the composure and security you deserve as a rider. By taking these insights into account, you’re well on your way to finding motorcycle insurance that empowers you to ride with confidence. But failing to consider these crucial aspects can leave you exposed to unexpected costs and stress.

At Horan, we’re here to help you navigate this process and find the motorcycle insurance policy that complements your lifestyle. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing you with the guidance and support you deserve.

Click the Get a Quote button below to start protecting yourself and your motorcycle. We look forward to working with you and helping you ride with confidence.

Now learn about the 4 Factors That Affect Motorcycle Insurance.