Your Guide to Buying Affordable Motorcycle Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage 

Ever ask yourself: “Where can I get cheap motorcycle insurance?” After all, this product gives you peace of mind as a rider when you’re out on the road. It’ll protect you against liability, help you pay for expenses associated with an accident, and keep your bike street legal. 

There’s a lot of jargon in the insurance world, and it can be tough to understand what coverage you need. Read on for a guide to how to find a policy that’s right for your budget. 

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance Essentials 

First things first. If you’re going to be shopping for insurance, you’ll want to have a good understanding of the different options your agent will present. After all, how can you make a purchasing decision without knowing what kind of protection you’ll get from the various types of insurance? Here are the primary options for motorcycle coverage: 

• Liability: Liability coverage is super important. You’ll be protected financially if you accidentally hurt someone or damage their stuff with your motorcycle. But remember, it doesn’t help pay for your own injuries or fix your bike. 
• Collision: You’ll want collision coverage for your bike’s bumps and crashes. This helps pay to fix your bike, no matter who caused the accident, or to give you actual cash value if it is totaled. 
• Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage is for other unexpected incidents, like if your bike is stolen or damaged by things like fire or a big storm. 
• Uninsured: You might get hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage has your back in these situations, helping pay for your injuries or bike repairs. 
• Medical Payments: Hospital bills can get expensive if you get hurt. Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) help pay these bills for you and anyone riding with you, no matter who caused the accident. 
• Custom Parts: If you’ve made your bike extra cool with special parts or accessories, you might need accessories and custom parts coverage to ensure all your special add-ons are protected, too. 
• Roadside Assistance: Ever had a flat tire or ran out of gas? Roadside assistance will send someone to your location if your bike breaks down. 

Need more help? An agent can help you decide what motorcycle coverage is best for you. 

Factors Influencing Motorcycle Insurance Costs 

The price you pay for all this protection is based on factors like your driving skills, bike type, age, and location. When you get an insurance quote, your agent will ask for all this information. You may also be eligible for discounts based on some of these factors, too. For example, keeping your bike safe and secure can sometimes unlock cheap motorcycle insurance by way of an anti-theft discount, depending on the circumstances. 

Customizing Your Coverage: Tailoring Insurance to Your Needs 

A good agent can help you customize your policy to meet your needs on the road. A couple of different considerations include the amount of coverage you need (state minimum vs. maximum or somewhere in between) and specialty options specific to your bike. 

Minimum vs. Full Coverage: Weighing the Options 

If you had an accident, could you pay for any damages or injuries with your own money? If that sounds tough, you might want more than just a basic policy. But remember, the more coverage you get, the more you pay every month. So, you have to figure out what you can afford. 

When considering these options, your bike’s condition may be a factor. If your motorcycle is brand new or costs a lot, you’ll probably want the full package to protect your investment. But if it’s older or didn’t cost much, you might not need all that coverage. 

Additionally, if you ride a lot, especially in busy places, getting more coverage is a good idea because accidents are more likely. Also, think about where you keep your bike. If it’s somewhere safe, you might not need as much coverage for theft or damage when you’re not riding. 

If you took out a loan for your motorcycle, the lender will probably want you to have full coverage. This way, if something happens to your bike, you can still pay them back. 

Specialty Coverages: Beyond the Basics 

In some cases, you might need specialty coverages. An agent can help you decide if the following options make sense for you and your needs. 

• Custom Parts and Equipment (CPE) Coverage: As discussed previously. If you’ve customized your bike with aftermarket parts, special paint jobs, or any unique additions, a basic policy might not fully cover these. Custom parts and equipment coverage is designed to protect the investment you’ve made in customizing your motorcycle. This coverage can help repair or replace those special parts if they’re damaged or stolen. 
• Trip Interruption Coverage: If you enjoy long motorcycle trips, consider trip interruption coverage. If your motorcycle breaks down far from home and the repairs take several days, this coverage can help with extra costs like lodging, food, and transportation. It’s like having a backup plan when your adventure takes an unexpected turn. 
• Total Loss Coverage: Standard policies usually cover the cash value of your motorcycle if it’s totaled in an accident. However, if you have a new or expensive bike, you might owe more on your loan or lease than the bike’s depreciated value. Total loss coverage ensures that you receive the full MSRP of a new model, not just the current value of your bike, in case of a total loss. 

Discount Discovery: Lower Your Premiums without Compromise 

Another easy way to save money on your policy is with discounts like bundling and safety courses. Throwing seasonal strategies in with that tops off the list. You should also be sure to follow a motorcycle maintenance checklist for worry-free riding. Here’s the scoop. 

Unlocking Hidden Discounts and Rewards 

The most common motorcycle insurance discounts include bundling (which you’ll see below), safe rider, motorcycle safety course (also below), anti-theft device, memberships in motorcycle clubs or associations, and the standard pay-in-full and paperless discounts you’ll see with most consumer policies. Work with your agent to see which ones apply to your lifestyle! 

Bundle and Save: Pairing Motorcycle with Other Insurance Policies 

The “Bundle and Save” strategy is a popular way to reduce premiums across the board. When you pair your motorcycle insurance with other policies from the same insurer, such as auto, homeowners, renters, or life insurance, you can unlock significant savings. This approach not only simplifies your policy management by consolidating your coverage with a single provider but also offers financial benefits. 

Seasonal Strategies: To Cancel or Not to Cancel in Winter 

Stopping your motorcycle insurance in winter to save some cash might not be the best idea. If you cancel, your motorcycle won’t be protected if something bad happens, like theft or damage from a storm. And, if you need to get coverage again later, it might even cost you more. 

But there’s a smart way to handle this! Instead of canceling, you can change your insurance a bit during the winter months. Some plans let you keep important protection but lower other parts you might not need when you’re not riding. This way, your bike is still safe, and you might save some money, too. Just make sure to talk to your insurance company about the best plan for you and your motorcycle, keeping it safe all year long. 

Safety Courses and Gear: Investing in Reduced Premiums 

Did you know that taking a motorcycle safety course and wearing the right gear can save you money on your premium? Insurance companies like it when riders are all about staying safe. If you take a class to learn how to be a better rider, or if you always wear your helmet and protective gear, your policy might cost less. 

State-By-State Showdown: Where Affordable Rates Hide 

Not all states have the same premiums. Here’s where the affordable motorcycle insurance rates really stand out! 

The Cheapest States for Motorcycle Insurance in 2024 

Typically, states in the Midwest and parts of the Northeast have been among the cheapest for motorcycle insurance due to their rural landscapes and less congested roads. These include North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Maine and Massachusetts. Speaking of which, don’t forget that safe driving saves bikers. 

Other states like Nebraska and Wyoming often feature reduced insurance costs. These areas generally see fewer claims than more densely populated or urban states, which can lead to lower premiums for riders. 

Regional Variations in Insurance Pricing and Coverage 

States with lower population densities, fewer natural disasters, and less congested traffic tend to have lower motorcycle insurance premiums. 

Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today 

Our agents can help you evaluate the different options for motorcycle insurance, decide what coverage you need, and ensure you get the best rate. We’ll review your driving history and look for discounts you may be eligible for to keep your premiums low. 

If you’re ready to start saving on your motorcycle insurance, get your customized policy quote online today from Acceptance Insurance. Give us a call at (877) 405-7102, or visit one of our offices in your area to get started today!