Why Is Having Motorcycle Insurance So Important?

There are some people who would rather skip out on getting insurance for their motorcycle because they do not ride it very often. The problem here is that it is a legal requirement to have insurance for your motorcycle. Not only that, accidents could happen to anyone at anytime, even on that day of the year you take your bike out for a ride. Although it may be tough to think about being in an accident, it is important to make sure that you have proper coverage in place.

Now, one thing you may enjoy hearing is that motorcycle insurance usually will not cost anywhere near what you would pay for car insurance. This is because most motorcycles are not used for daily riding all year long. Since this is usually the case, you will not have to break the bank to get the proper coverage you need for your bike.

If you choose to continue to ride without insurance you could find yourself in quite a bit of trouble. Not only could you get points on your license, you could end up having to pay fines and even lose your license entirely. If an accident were to occur you would find yourself paying out of pocket for damages to your motorcycle, damages to the other vehicle, medical bills and all the other things that come with getting in a car accident.

Don’t go without it! At Georgia Motorcycle Insurance we’re here to help! Give us a call at 1-86-Motorcycle

Commonly Asked Questions About Motorcycle Insurance

As motorcycle insurance specialist in Georgia we’ve heard it all! But, like anything else there are a few questions that we get more often when it comes to motorcycle insurance.

1)   If I lend my bike to a friend, are they covered under my insurance?

Yes they are. A good rule to remember is that “insurance follows the bike” and this is referred to as Permissive Use Policy. As long as the persons is using the bike with you permission, the bike is covered.

2)   What is a motorcycle “accessory” and why do I need separate coverage for it?

Far too often, people either underestimate the value of their accessories or they are unaware of what accessories they have. Sometimes it stems simply from a lack of understanding of what is considered a motorcycle accessory. An accessory is ANYTHING that was not included as standard by the manufacturer of the bike. This would include things like all custom add-ons (paint, chrome, etc), windshield, saddlebags and even your riding gear. Don’t forget to include any accessories added by your dealership or previous owner before you purchased the bike. Coverage for accessories is a separate part of your policy and your insurance carriers will work with you to determine the right amount of accessory coverage for your bike.

3)   What is liability and what does it cover?

Liability insurance is there to help you pay for either property or bodily damage that you do to others while operating you motorcycle. However, is does not cover your bike or your injuries.

Surely, you have more questions. So give us a call and we’d be happy to answer them for you. Call GA Motorcycle Insurance at 1-86-Motorcycle

What is Motorcycle Insurance?

Motorcycle insurance is insurance coverage for motorcycle riders. Motorcycle insurance coverage is very similar to automobile coverage – but there are some minor differences.

-       Liability:  In most states it is required that motorcyclists carry a minimum amount of liability in case of a third party injury, however most insurance experts would recommend three times the minimum. The liability package also offers Guest Passengers Liability coverage that offers injury protection for any passengers you might be carrying.

-       Collision: This coverage reimburses you for any damage to your motorcycle in case of an accident (minus your deductible). However this coverage only extends to the factory parts of your bike, so all extra parts and accessories will require extra coverage to receive compensation.

-       Comprehensive: This coverage reimburses you (minus your deductible) for circumstances other than accident, such as theft, fire or vandalism.

-       Uninsured Motorist: This coverage pays medical bills and any lost wages you incur as a result of an uninsured motorist hitting your bike.

-       Underinsured Motorist: This coverage reimburses you if your bike is hit by a motorist who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all the damages.

For more information call GA Motorcycle Insurance at 1-86-Motorcycle or click here.

Since July is Women’s Motorcycle Month, Ga Motorcycle Insurance is reminding female riders they can stay safe and still enjoy their rides this summer. A fast-growing segment of the biker population, women represent one-third of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s riding course and about 10 percent of the country’s riding population.

Women’s bikers are growing in numbers, with the number of licensed motorcycle riders increasing by 28 percent over the past five years. During that same time frame, the number of licensed male motorcycle riders has only grown seven percent.

“At Ga Motorcycle Insurance, we understand that bikes are an increasingly fun past time for many female consumers – especially during the summer months,” GA Motorcycle Insurance Agent said. “But it’s important to us that riders – both male and female alike – know how to ride safely, and motorists understand the proper ways to share the road.”

Motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled during the past 10 years, accounting for over 4,500 deaths and 78,000 injuries annually, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports more than two-thirds of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle.

In conjunction with Women’s Motorcycle Month, GA Motorcycle Insurance and the NHTSA suggest the following safety tips for motorcycle riders:

• Protect yourself: Choose gear that increases your visibility and provides protection if you were in a crash. Always wear a helmet that fits right, and has a DOT label showing that it meets federal safety standards.
• Keep control: Know your bike’s limits. Stick to the speed limit. Use your signals. Brake smart by using both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.
• Know the road:  Watch for hazardous road conditions, including potholes, wet leaves and railroad tracks.
• Make sure other drivers can see you: Never share a lane with a car. Don’t ride in blind spots or tailgate. Always use your headlights.
• Be respectful of others: Don’t weave through traffic or diver on the shoulder.

Motorists can follow these tips from GA Motorcycle Insurance and the NHTSA to help keep the roads safer for both themselves and motorcyclists:

• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see: Remember that bikers are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to the bike’s smaller size. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane.
• Allow the bike a full lane width: Although it may seem as through there is enough room in the traffic lane for both a automobile and motorcycle, remember the motorcyclist needs room to maneuver safely. Never share a lane with a motorcycle.
• Allow more following distance: Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions. In dry conditions, bikers can stop more quickly than cars.
• Always use your signals: This allows the biker to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle because motorcycle signals usually are not self-cancelling and bikers sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the biker is going to turn before proceeding.
• Be aware of road conditions: Minor annoyances to you may pose major hazards to bikers. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.

For more information on motorcycle safety topics, contact GA Motorcycle Insurance Agent at 1-86-Motorcycle.

Property Damage (PD):  Protects your liability when you accidently damage another’s vehicle or property.  Note: The difference in coverage pricing from 25,000.00 to 100,000.00 can often be less than $4.00 every 12 months.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Uninsured-Underinsured PD:  Protects your vehicles and property from an un-insured or underinsured motorist.  If a motorist damages your property without insurance or with minimal insurance, your policy positions you with protection.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Uninsured-Underinsured BI:  Bodily injury caused due to the negligence of  an uninsured or under-insured motorist is how this coverage protects you.
(This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Medical:  Medical expense coverage for those hurt “in”, “on” or “around” your vehicle regardless of fault.  The goal of this coverage is to provide funds for injury without the need to incur legal expenses.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Collision Deductible:  The funds your retain responsibility for in the event of a claim.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Comprehensive Deductible: The funds you retain responsibility for in the event of damage to your vehicle.  Example: someone slashing your tires, a broken windshield due to hail or a rock from the road.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Towing reimbursement:  Towing “reimbursement” up to the level of coverage.  If the call for service is direct to the insurance company, the insurance company will pick-up the cost of towing up to the limits of the coverage.  The towing company will charge only for the remaining funds due.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Rental Reimbursement:  As a result of a claim, the insurance company will pay for a rental in the amount of the coverage defined on a daily basis up-to 30 days.    (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Accessory Coverage:  Upgrades can be insured additionally.  Add-on side bags, chrome, windshield are an examples of how this coverage can help protect you in the event of a loss.
(This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

Lease/Gap Coverage:  Value of the vehicle vs the lease buyout.  Coverage applies to the first owner of the vehicle only.  (This is a synopsis of the term, please contact us for additional examples and perspective.)

NOTE: Other Coverage Issues
· Lease or Loan Gap added Insured must be original owner/lessee of vehicle, vehicle must be 3 yrs old or less, insured must purchase both Collision & Comp
· Coverage GL (Passenger Liability) insurance premium and limits will be included in the Bodily Injury Liability coverage premium and limits displayed on the dec page
· Towing Coverage included for all Harleys, Touring, & Touring Sport models
· Under the livery exclusion now provides coverage for use of cycle for charitable events
· Medical payments expanded Named Insured and Resident Relative now covered if injured in a motor vehicle accident using other than a motorcycle
· Collision coverage for helmets increased to $500