Motorcycles – Ride Safe and Smart

Whether you took your first ride as a baby strapped to your mother’s back or you only recently discovered the joy of riding a motorcycle, chances are strong that you’re hooked. For the enthusiast, there is nothing quite like it. It may be the freedom and the power that lures you, or perhaps it’s the chance to take in each and every smell along the way in an olfactory ride like none other. Whatever attracts you to the ride, you shouldn’t take it without buying motorcycle insurance first.

You wouldn’t dream of leaving your home unprotected or even of taking the family car out for a spin with no coverage. Why would you do anything less for your beloved bike? How long would it take you to save up the money to replace it if anything happened to it? How would you be able to respond if you cause a wreck and someone else is seriously injured or their property is destroyed? You could be on the hook for big bucks to make things right again.

What’s in a typical motorcycle insurance policy?

Your standard motorcycle policy will offer coverage much like what you’ll find on your auto policy, such as:

Bodily Injury Liability
• Property Damage Liability
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property and Bodily Injury
• Medical Payments
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
• Towing & Storage

You can also buy additional coverage such as roadside assistance and Custom Parts and Equipment coverage. The latter is a must for those whose bikes have accessories such as custom paint jobs, expensive electronic equipment, or trailers which are pulled behind.

Protect the Driver, Too

Of course, if you don’t take steps to protect yourself, you might not be riding for long anyway. Follow these basic safety precautions so you can keep riding for a good, long time.

• Take a training course and get licensed: Make sure you know – and master – basic riding skills such as braking and cornering.
• Follow up with refresher courses every few years: As times change, new information becomes available.
• Know the limits of your own skills and those of your bike, and observe those limits.
• Drive defensively, following posted speed limits at all times.
• Stay sober: Don’t drink and drive.
• Always wear protective gear, especially a helmet that meets your state’s standards.

Know what you’re doing and make sure you and your bike are protected. It’s the best way to let go and enjoy the ride.

Source: AutoInsurance