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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.

We all love the feeling of freedomg while driving our motorcycles, be sure to be well protected whien driving on your state's roads

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:

  1. Bodily injury liability - Covers medical bills and related expenses if you injure someone else

  2. 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.

Other readers were also interested in the following posts:

How can I Lower My Comprehensive Insurance Cost? 8 Practical Tips 

Why Comprehensive Coverage is a Must-Have for All Vehicle Owners  

Why Comprehensive Car Insurance is So Expensive?

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