Riding a motorcycle is a lot of fun, but it’s not without risk. There are thousands of motorcycle accidents every year, and settlements from injuries and deaths total billions of dollars annually. These are risks that every biker comes to terms with and accepts, but they’re also risks that every biker should prepare for. Purchasing motorcycle insurance is one way that bikers in Massachusetts can prepare for a possible accident.
Motorcycle insurance is similar to auto insurance, except it's designed for motorcycles and riders rather than automobiles and drivers. Like most auto policies, motorcycle policies usually provide protection against a number of potential risks.
Many of the coverages that are available through motorcycle insurance policies are also found on auto policies. Some of these coverages include:
Two other coverages that some riders may want are Lease or Loan Gap Coverage, and Optional or Added Equipment Coverage. If a bike is stolen and not recovered, lease or loan gap coverage might help pay the difference between a bike’s depreciated value and the balance on a lease or loan. Optional or added equipment coverage is frequently used to insure aftermarket parts and mods that are added onto a bike.
Everyone who takes a motorcycle on public roads is required to carry an insurance policy that at least meets the state’s minimum requirements. Without such coverage, riders may face legal consequences, and they can be held personally liable for any damage or injuries they’re found responsible for.
(Many people choose to carry more than the state’s minimum required insurance, because they want more protection than these low levels provide).
As is the case with auto insurance, insurers consider many factors when calculating motorcycle coverage rates. Some of the factors they take into account that affect how much drivers pay for insurance include the following:
(This isn’t a comprehensive list of all the factors that insurers consider).
In some states, insurers also take into account a rider’s credit score. Massachusetts, however, doesn’t allow this practice.
With the help of an independent insurance agent, shopping for motorcycle insurance is easy and fast. Agents know what questions to ask, so they can quickly assess a rider’s risk exposure and insurance needs. Once they know what coverages to look for in a policy, independent agents can pull up quotes from multiple insurers in just a few minutes that contain those coverages. Bikers can then compare these quotes side-by-side and choose the one that’s best for their needs.
This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication.