If you have a motorcycle it is a good idea to have insurance on it. Many people insure them through their car insurance but sometimes these policies don’t take in the specific needs of the motorcycle rider.

There are many things to consider when you are thinking about purchasing motorcycle insurance. There are many options and it is important to pick the options that are best for your particular situation. Most states will require you to get at least liability insurance but you must think about your needs before you purchase.

If you are a new motorcycle rider or if you have ridden for awhile, you may consider a safety course usually given by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). This course helps you become a better rider and it can save you 10-15% on your overall insurance premium. Another good idea is to maintain a good driving record because this can also give you a discount with some insurers.

Other things that will be taken into consideration when you approach a motorcycle insurance policy will be the type and style of your motorcycle, its age and the number of miles you drive each year. They will probably also ask you where you store your motorcycle — make sure it is in a safe space.

Types of Coverage to Consider:
There are several different types of coverage to consider for your motorcycle. Here are the basic types:

 Liability insurance — Some people think that this covers them in an accident but it actually only protects the other person (people) involved in an accident that you may cause. It covers bodily injury and property damage for the other person (s). If you get this policy, you may also consider making sure that your guest passenger is covered if you have someone who rides with you.

 Collision coverage — this is good to have because it covers your motorcycle if it is in an accident. Usually, the insurance company will pay for damages once you have paid a deductible. They will generally only give you the blue book value if your motorcycle is totaled.

 Comprehensive coverage — You will want this type of coverage if you want to protect your motorcycle from fire, theft, vandalism or any other event that is different from a collision. They will only cover factory standard parts so you may have to get other insurance to cover any customization you do.

 Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — this is a good insurance to have in case someone else hits you. If they don’t have insurance or don’t have enough insurance, you are still covered if your motorcycle gets damaged. This is also good to have because it will pay for your medical bills, lost wages or other damage that may be incurred.

Many insurance companies want your business so beyond these policies many have chosen extra features to make them more attractive. They have added coverage like towing and labor, lease/loan gap coverage in case your bike is totaled and you are still paying for it or rental coverage if your bike is stolen. Because coverage is different, it is important to shop around.