Generic specifics:
Collision covers damage to the bike done in a “collision” - striking a vehicle or object, or rollover. This is generally the main driving factor in coverage prices because it covers the physical bike parts, labor, etc.
Comprehensive covers damage by everything else - fire, wind, falling objects, the bike falling over, theft, etc. Comp is generally VERY cheap because much less likely to be a claim related to it.
Most importantly, liability. You may not think you could cause alot of damage on a bike… its more common then most think. You lose control, hit a house, burn the house down and you’re on the hook for their expenses over what your insurance covers (blood from a stone my ass, try being garnished for however long it takes to pay them off) to rebuild, replace belongings, hotel bills, etc. Not even getting into injuring a person… In other words go with AT LEAST 100k liability, but 300k is not at all obsurd. Liability coverage is also generally cheap.
SUM - Uninsured / under insured Motorist This covers you if your in an accident with somone (where the other party is at fault) who is not insured, or is insured for the state minimums (WHICH WAAAAAY too many people are) of 25/50/10. If you’re hurt, and your expenses are more then $25k, the SUM covers the extra. You cannot carry more SUM then you do Liability (protects others from you), so match it to your liability choice.
insurance is cheap. MUCH cheaper then paying out of pocket or being liable for damages.
I can reference what I and a few others pay on coverages but it may not mean shit to you specific situation (year / make / model; age; driving record; credit; etc). My recommendation is t go online and quote through Progessive, GEICO, or a site where you can change coverages easily to see the price differences and decide for yourself whats worth it.
That said, IMO:
- If you’re willing to walk away (didnt pay much for the bike) from the bike if you wreck it then skip collision. If we’re talking ~3k plus then it might be worth it to go with collision and a $250 - 500 deductible. 1000 deductible on a 3000 bike doesn’t make a lot of sense (since you’d get ~2k in a total loss), but it’d be cheapest.
- If you store the bike outside, on the street, or park in public places alot the you should def get comprehensive. Even if you don’t do those things, check it out anyways since comp is usually ‘pretty cheap’, and you should look at the lower end of deductibles - meaning that you’ll be covered for smaller losses. I have $100 comp ded on mine and wouldnt recommend more then $500 max.
- I wouldn’t personally carry less then 300k/300/50k liability on any bike (i have an umbrella beyond that anyhow if it goes over, which is a whole other topic). Quote 100/300 & up to see how much more youre wiling to pay. Keep in mind that liability can also cover your passenger in a claim (but not you).
- Custom additions and accessories - this is self explanatory. If you have add ons and items that you want / need to replace after a claim, add them to the quote and decide if its worth it. If its $200/year to insure custom items worth $500 its kind of counter productive, but if its $20/year then it makes sense
Ride safe and smart. Not for insurance reasons, but so that YOU can continue to enjoy yourself
:tup:
