Motorcycle Insurance FAQs
Our Motorcycle FAQs provide you answers to motorcycle insurance questions asked by California residents just like you.
Don't search for insurance without knowing the facts. Access our California Motorcycle Insurance FAQs for answers to some of the most common California motorcycle insurance questions. A:One way to lower your insurance premium is to successfully complete a California Highway-Patrol approved safety course for motorcycles. If you belong to a motorcycle association, you may get a better rate for insurance. Another choice you can make is to increase your deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages—that is, the amount of money you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins paying. Insuring your motorcycle with your car- or home-insurance company may result in a discount. Finally, shop around to get the best policy for the best price. A:You will be asked quite a few questions to help determine your risk level: for example, you will likely be asked your age, as rates are lower for more mature drivers; your driving history including years experience and driving record; the brand, type of motorcycle (sport vs. cruiser, etc.) and size of its engine because sport bikes generally cost more to insure, as do bikes with larger engines; where and how often you ride; your yearly mileage or how much you intend to ride; and if the motorcycle is usually garaged or parked, and where. A:That is an important factor to check when you are buying motorcycle insurance because the wording on different insurance policies is slightly different, In California, in general, for an accident that is your fault, a passenger on your motorcycle would be covered by your liability insurance unless the person is a relative or resident of your household. Remember that the minimum state-required amounts are fairly low in California, and may not be enough. Some insurers who do not cover the passenger under the liability insurance sell Guest Passenger liability that pays for bodily injuries to your passenger in an accident that is your fault. You could also get coverage for a passenger through your optional Medical Payments (MP/MedPay), no matter who is at-fault. A:Motorcycle insurance normally pays for the bike as it was purchased from the manufacturer. Some policies may pay for parts added, as long as they are of the same type that the manufacturer would provide. Other additions and changes often have limited coverage, or no coverage at all. For expensive upgrades and accessories you have added, you may need to purchase additional insurance, such as Custom Parts and Equipment coverage. Be sure to save receipts and information so that you can verify the value. (Remember also that if you cause an accident, you will not be paid any benefits for damages to your bike unless you have optional collision coverage. If you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you will want to have optional uninsured motorist coverage to collect for damages.) A:Keep in mind that injuries from a motorcycle accident tend to be more serious than those from an automobile accident. You will likely need more medical payment protection for yourself and passengers. Also make sure that anybody you allow to drive your motorcycle is adequately covered under your insurance policy. A:This is the training program that has improved motorcycle safety in California by training thousands of riders. Currently, any new motorcyclist under the age of 21 is required to take this training program. A:
Most companies do not offer coverage for custom-made motorcycles if those bikes don’t fit their underwriting criteria, such as having approved turn signals and less than a maximum rake. Some of these companies will insure the motorcycle for actual cash value as opposed to replacement value. However there are specialty insurance companies that focus on this type of insurance. Finding an agent who rides can help you get information about coverage available in your area.
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