How Does Motorbike Insurance Work?

2007
Bike insurance
Image source: HDFC Ergo

If you are thinking about purchasing a motorbike or if you have already purchased one, the next step is to get insurance. You may be wondering exactly how motorbike insurance works. The answer is that motorbike insurance is very similar to car insurance. This type of insurance will protect you from financial liability if you are in an accident while riding your bike. It can also help to pay for any damage to your bike, depending on the type of coverage that you get. 

If you own a motorcycle you will need to carry insurance for it, the same as if you are driving a car. This is a legal requirement and there is a minimum amount of insurance that you will be required to have in order to legally drive your motorcycle on the road. 

The cost of motorcycle insurance will vary based on several factors including the type of insurance that you choose, the type of bike you drive, your age, sex, driving record, and several other factors. 

While there are many things similar about car and motorcycle insurance, motorcycles have a few differences that you should know about. Here are some of the differences to consider when you are looking for motorcycle insurance. 

Passengers

When you are in a car you are more likely to have passengers. For this reason, most car insurance policies will be extended to cover the passengers in your vehicle as well. When you are looking for motorcycle insurance you will find that guest passenger coverage is typically separate. If you do not plan on having anyone else on your bike you do not need this type of coverage, but if you have someone who often rides with you, it is important to make sure that you have liability coverage for them as well. 

Accessories Coverage

If you have accessories on your motorcycle such as a backrest or saddlebags, you might need additional coverage for these things to protect them if you are in an accident. This type of coverage may also include your helmet and other safety gear. 

What Motorcycle Insurance Covers

There are different types of motorcycle coverage available, just like car insurance. The most basic coverage is third party liability insurance. This type of insurance will cover any damage that you cause to another person and their property. This is typically the lowest amount of insurance that is required by the government. 

The next level of insurance is third party liability with fire and theft. This type of policy covers the same as the third party policy, but also includes coverage for your bike if it is damaged by fire or if it is stolen. The site https://www.directasia.com/motorcycle-insurance provides comprehensive coverage that you can consider.

The third type of motorcycle insurance is comprehensive. This will cover both your bike and third party damages. As the name suggests, this is a full coverage policy. If you own a newer bike or have a loan on it, this is the type of coverage that you are going to need. 

Unique Motorcycle Coverages

There are some coverages that are unique to motorcycles as mentioned. A guest passenger liability policy will cover a person who is riding with you if they are injured during an accident. 

Added equipment and accessories coverage is additional coverage that will cover the cost of replacing any accessories you have added to your bike. This includes seats, helmets, protective gear, bags, etc. 

Carried contents or personal item coverage will cover the damage or theft of any items or gear that you have on your bike. This includes items such as cellphones or camping equipment

Essentially, motorcycle insurance works in the same way that car insurance does. When you are looking for coverage for your motorcycle you will want to make sure that you are getting enough coverage to protect you when you are out riding your bike. You are required to carry insurance by law, so make sure that you have at least the most basic coverage before you start riding. 

As with car insurance you should make sure to get quotes from several places before you purchase a policy. Read through the coverages carefully before making a purchase.