Comprehensive insurance is an important part of full-coverage motorcycle insurance. It provides financial protection if your bike is damaged or stolen. Unlike liability insurance, which covers injuries or damage that you cause others, comprehensive coverage pays for repairs or replacement if your own motorcycle is lost or damaged. Key benefits include covering repairs due to vandalism, weather events, fires, and theft. Comprehensive works alongside collision insurance to fully protect your motorcycle investment. This article will explore comprehensive coverage in depth, including differences from collision insurance, typical exclusions, cost factors, and how to shop for the right comprehensive motorcycle policy.
Full-coverage motorcycle insurance policies
Full-coverage motorcycle insurance bundles together several key coverages to provide comprehensive protection for your bike. Here are details on what is typically included:
Collision insurance
Collision insurance pays to repair or replace your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object. This covers incidents like:
Collisions with other motorcycles, cars, trucks, etc.
Accidents involving stationary objects like trees, poles, or guardrails
Hit-and-run crashes where the at-fault driver leaves the scene
Collision insurance will pay out regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Your insurer will pay to repair or replace your motorcycle up to its actual cash value, minus your deductible.
Comprehensive insurance
As outlined in the introduction, comprehensive insurance covers damage from non-collision events like weather, fire, vandalism, or theft. This protects your motorcycle when you are not riding it, which is important for bikes that are seasonal or not used regularly.
Comprehensive coverage key details:
Pays for repair or replacement up to actual cash value
Covers motorcycle disappearance or theft
Includes vandalism and damage from weather events
Protects accessories like saddlebags, mirrors, racks, etc. If endorsements are added
Liability insurance
While not directly covering damage to your own motorcycle, liability insurance is critical to protect you financially in case you injure another person or damage their property.
There are two main types required in most states:
Bodily injury liability - Covers medical bills and related expenses if you injure someone else
Property damage liability - Pays for repairs or replacement if you damage another vehicle or property
Minimum liability limits are set by states, but higher limits can be purchased for more protection. This coverage is essential to guard your assets in case you are deemed at fault in an accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is an optional add-on that provides important financial protection if you are hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. Here are key details on how it works:
Covers injuries to you and passengers if the at-fault driver has no insurance
Pays for medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages up to policy limits
Also covers hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver is not identified
If the at-fault driver's liability limits are inadequate to cover your losses, UM/UIM covers the difference
For example, if you have $50,000 in UM/UIM coverage and are hit by a driver with only $25,000 in liability coverage, your UM/UIM policy would pay the additional $25,000 needed to compensate your losses.
UM/UIM coverage often comes in two parts:
Bodily injury - Works like liability coverage to pay for injuries
Property damage - Repairs or replaces your motorcycle if damaged
Cost of UM/UIM Coverage
Adding UM/UIM increases premiums, but provides valuable protection:
Coverage Type |
Average Annual Premium Increase |
|---|---|
$25,000/$50,000 bodily injury |
$75 per year |
$100,000 bodily injury |
$150 per year |
$25,000 property damage |
$50 per year |
Recommended UM/UIM Limits
Coverage |
Recommended Limit |
|---|---|
Bodily Injury Per Person |
$100,000 |
Bodily Injury Per Accident |
$300,000 |
Property Damage |
$50,000 |
Higher limits ensure you are covered if damages exceed minimums. Discuss appropriate amounts with your insurance agent based on your policy, bike value, and risk tolerance.
Accessory coverage for custom parts
Standard comprehensive and collision insurance only covers factory installed parts on your motorcycle. Any aftermarket parts, accessories, or custom modifications you've added are excluded. Examples include:
Custom paint, decals, or graphics
Non-standard parts like seat, mirrors, or lights
Additional accessories like saddlebags, engine guards, sissy bar, etc.
Audio systems, GPS devices, phone mounts
Performance upgrades like exhaust, air intake, or chip programming
To get coverage for these items, you need to add accessory coverage endorsements or riders to your policy. Here are the main options:
Aftermarket Parts Coverage
Covers parts not made by original manufacturer
Typically must be permanently installed
Provides repair or replacement cost coverage
Adds 10-20% to your premium
Accessory Coverage
Covers parts added after purchase like saddlebags
Can include portable accessories like phone mounts
Adds ~5% to your premium
Custom Parts/Equipment Coverage
Designed for major custom builds or show bikes
Covers cost of repairs/replacement for all custom parts
Requires submitting list of parts and values to insurer
Adds ~10-15% to your premium
Tips for Getting Accessory Coverage
Inform agent of all non-stock parts you've added
Have receipts/proof of costs for custom parts
Ask agent for right accessory coverage options for your bike
Properly insuring aftermarket and custom parts is crucial to getting full value from your comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. Discuss your accessories with an agent when buying a policy.
Medical payments and PIP coverage
In addition to repairing your motorcycle, many riders need help covering their medical expenses if injured in an accident. There are two optional coverages that can pay these bills:
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments (or medpay) coverage pays for injuries to you, the policyholder, regardless of fault. Key details:
Pays your medical bills up to policy limits
Typically $1,000 - $10,000 in available limits
Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, therapy, etc.
Often includes funeral costs if a covered death occurs
Payments made directly to providers
Benefits
Coverage is not dependent on who's at fault
Bills paid directly so you avoid out-of-pocket expenses
Does not typically raise rates significantly
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP works like medical payments but also covers lost wages and other costs.
Pays medical expenses and a portion of lost income
May cover child care, funeral expenses and other costs
No-fault coverage - pays regardless of who caused accident
Required in certain states (see chart)
State |
Required PIP Minimum |
|---|---|
Florida |
$10,000 |
Michigan |
$50,000 |
New York |
$50,000 |
Utah |
$3,000 |
Consider Medpay or PIP
These coverages provide important benefits after an accident:
Pay your bills directly so you avoid out-of-pocket costs
Cover medical costs regardless of who's at fault
Include funeral expenses if a covered death occurs
For maximum protection after an accident, adding PIP or medpay is highly recommended.
Differences between collision and comprehensive insurance
Though collision and comprehensive insurance both cover damage to your motorcycle, they protect against different loss events. Understanding the differences is important for knowing what each covers.
Collision |
Comprehensive |
|---|---|
Accidents with other vehicles |
Theft |
Hitting stationary objects |
Vandalism |
Rollovers |
Fire |
Hit-and-run crashes |
Flood & water damage |
Crashing with animals |
Falling objects/missiles |
Loss of control crashes |
Riots |
Hitting potholes/debris |
Explosions |
Any at-fault accident |
Hitting an animal |
Collision Details
Covers any accident involving striking or being struck by an object
Must have contact with something to trigger coverage
Pays for repairs or value of motorcycle if totaled
Subject to deductible, typically $250-$1,000
Comprehensive Details
Covers "other than collision" damage from listed perils
Does not require striking/being struck
Pays for repairs or value of motorcycle if totaled
Subject to deductible, typically $250-$500
Key Notes
Collision applies to multi-vehicle accidents and single-vehicle crashes
Comprehensive covers damage when no collision occurs
Both come with deductibles you must pay out-of-pocket before coverage applies
Understanding exactly what scenarios collision and comprehensive insure against is key to knowing which type of claim to file if your motorcycle is damaged.
Typical exclusions from comprehensive coverage
While comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of damage, there are some exclusions to be aware of that could leave you unprotected:
Wear and Tear
Gradual damage from normal use and aging
Examples: Fading paint/graphics, worn tires, rust
Mechanical or Electrical Failure
Engine seizing, transmission issues
Electrical shorts, starter failure
Requires separate mechanical breakdown coverage
Damage While Racing/Track Use
Racing competitively will void comprehensive
Even recreational track days may not be covered
Needs special policy endorsement or tracker coverage
Accessories
Covers only factory installed parts
Any modifications, custom parts, or accessories excluded
Needs accessory coverage endorsement added
Theft Conditions
Typically requires signs of forced entry if parked
May deny claim if keys were left in ignition
Regular perils like floods or falling objects still covered
Other Exclusions
Using motorcycle for commercial purposes
Riding outside geographical limitations of policy
Acts of war, nuclear accidents
Damage from vermin, rodents, insects
Tips to Avoid Denied Claims
Review comprehensive exclusions carefully
Add accessory coverage for any non-factory parts
Avoid racing/track use without proper coverage
Keep comprehensive coverage active even when stored
Knowing what is not covered can help you avoid comprehensive claims being denied unexpectedly. Discuss any specific concerns with your insurance agent.
Factors that affect comprehensive insurance costs
The cost of comprehensive coverage can vary greatly depending on your situation. Here are some major factors that influence premiums:
Motorcycle Value
More expensive bikes cost more to insure
Premiums based on replacement cost if total loss occurs
Comprehensive cost is higher for newer/luxury models
Deductible Amount
Required out-of-pocket amount if you file a claim
Typical options are $250, $500, and $1,000
Higher deductible leads to lower monthly premium
Location/Storage
Higher risk of theft in urban areas increases rates
Storing in locked garage lowers likelihood of damage
Parking on the street makes vandalism more likely
Credit Score
Drivers with poor credit pay higher premiums
Insurers view lower scores as indicating irresponsibility
Maintaining an excellent score saves the most
Claims History
Frequent comprehensive claims raise your rates
Going years without a claim leads to discounts
Loyalty discounts for long-time customers
Discounts
Discount Type |
Potential Savings |
|---|---|
Secure storage |
Up to 15% off |
Safety course |
5-10% off |
Bundling with other policies |
up to 25% off |
Affinity group |
5-10% off |
Anti-theft device |
Up to 25% off |
How to Save
Take advantage of any discounts you qualify for
Opt for higher deductible amounts
Ask about bundling multiple policies
Maintain good credit and avoid claims
Use antitheft devices and store bike securely
The factors above all impact what you pay for comprehensive motorcycle insurance. Control costs by reducing risks and earning available discounts.
Shopping for the right comprehensive motorcycle policy
Finding the optimal comprehensive coverage for your bike involves more than just comparing premium costs. Follow these tips for choosing the right policy:
Assess Your Risk
Where is your bike parked? Garage is best.
What safety/anti-theft devices are utilized?
How likely is damage from weather in your area?
Are accessories covered or do you need to add endorsements?
Establish Coverage Limits
Set collision and comprehensive limits equal to your bike's replacement value
Increase liability limits from state minimums to protect assets
Add UM/UIM coverage to fill gaps from uninsured drivers
Include accessory coverage for any aftermarket parts
Compare Quotes
Check rates from at least 3 insurers
National companies and local agents
Compare both premiums and coverage inclusions
Top Recommended Providers
Company |
Average Yearly Rate |
|---|---|
Geico |
$1,623 |
Progressive |
$1,789 |
State Farm |
$1,930 |
Consider Discounts
Take safety course for 5-15% off
Use antitheft devices for up to 25% off
Ask about bundling multiple policies
Check for affinity group discounts
Review Financial Ratings
Verify insurer is financially stable
Companies with A ratings recommended
Check rating sites like A.M. Best or Standard & Poor's
Work With an Agent
Local agent assistance understanding options
Helps customize policy and endorsements
Advocates on your behalf for claims
Finding the right motorcycle insurance requires weighing many factors. An agent can provide guidance picking optimal coverage tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Conclusion
Comprehensive insurance is a critical component of protection for your motorcycle. It safeguards your bike from perils like theft, vandalism, weather damage and more. insure your motorcycle also requires liability coverage to protect you financially in the event you cause injury or property damage to others.
Additional important options to consider include uninsured motorist coverage, accessory coverage for aftermarket parts, and medical payments to cover injuries.
When shopping for a policy, assess your coverage needs, compare quotes from multiple insurers, and look for available discounts. Working with a local insurance agent can provide guidance to ensure you get the right comprehensive motorcycle insurance tailored to your specific situation. Properly insuring your bike safeguards your investment and provides peace of mind.
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