Margaret Huntley Last Updated On: August 20, 2024

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Motorcycle Insurance in the Event of an Accident

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Insurance acts as a financial safety net in all kinds of situations. It can help you if your bike is vandalized, stolen, or damaged in an accident. However, the amount of coverage you have will determine how many situations you are insured in, as well as the size of your claim. 

Keep reading to ensure you have the best coverage in place for all types of situations, including motorcycle coverage after a wreck. 

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What Type of Motorcycle Insurance Policies Are Available?

Depending on how much coverage you desire—and the premiums you’re able to afford—your motorcycle insurance policy can vary.  These are some types of coverage you can purchase under your policy, and how they can help you in the event of an accident: 
  • Liability Coverage: In most states, this is the minimum amount of coverage that you’re required to have. This coverage extends to injuries caused to other people, and to any damages incurred on other people’s property in an accident.
  • Collision Coverage: This additional coverage can help you pay for repairs to your bike after an accident. While this is not required by the state, it may be required if your bike is leased or financed.
  • Medical Payments Coverage: This coverage is exactly what it sounds like, meaning that it helps you pay for any resulting medical bills after an accident. They could be your own bills or those of another person involved in the wreck.
Each of these types of coverage is subject to limits and deductibles. This means that when you file a claim, you are paid up to a certain predetermined amount, minus the deductible.  Motorcycle insurance policies can vary greatly, which is why it’s a good idea to do your research and speak with your insurance agent to better understand what kind of coverage will suit your individual needs. After all, the last thing you want to be worrying about is motorcycle coverage after a wreck happens, and doing your research ahead of time can give you peace of mind. 

Are Accidents Covered Even If My Friend Is Driving My Bike?

You have a great motorcycle, and now your friend wants a turn on it. You want them to experience the joys of riding, but will your insurance policy cover an accident while a friend is driving Unfortunately, there is variation between policies so it’s not an easy answer when it comes to motorcycle coverage after a wreck. Not all policies will cover an accident that occurs while a friend is behind the handlebars, but luckily there are some that do.  If, and to what extent, your friend is covered under your own motorcycle insurance policy will depend on the following:
  • If you have a comprehensive insurance plan that covers other drivers
  • How much coverage you have, and how much of that coverage extends to other drivers
  • If your friend has their own motorcycle insurance policy
  • Whether your friend’s policy covers other vehicles
  • If your friend’s motorcycle insurance policy is primary or secondary to yours (this will be stated in the policy documents)
If you think friends will be borrowing your bike, it’s worthwhile to double check your coverage before handing over the keys so that you don’t have to worry about motorcycle coverage after a wreck. 

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How Do I Determine What Kind of Policy I Have?

Read your insurance policy from start to finish. This is the best way to actually understand what coverage you have and how it all works. 

We know that the insurance jargon can be difficult to understand, and that’s why there are insurance brokers to help you. Not only can they help you comprehend your current coverage, but they can also help you adjust your policy to better suit your needs. 

You’re not alone. ConsumerCoverage can help get you free motorcycle insurance quotes so that you get the right coverage for the right rate. Safe driving!

Margaret Huntley Margaret Huntley is a creative writing and philosophy student at Western University. She has been working as a freelance writer for over two years and has written about everything from insurance, to poker, to health and wellness for international businesses.

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