Compare full coverage motorcycle insurance

Full coverage for your motorcycle means that you’re protected against most types of damage, including liability, comprehensive and collision. While this coverage costs more than liability-only coverage, you’ll get more protection if an accident occurs, leaving you with fewer out-of-pocket expenses.

What does full coverage motorcycle insurance cover?

By definition, full coverage means that your motorcycle is covered for the minimum state requirements plus physical damage to your bike. Typically, a full coverage policy includes comprehensive and collision, which are standard types of coverage that aren’t legally required.

The following is what is usually included with full coverage:

• Bodily injury liability. Protects others from expensive medical bills when they’re involved in an at-fault accident. This is required by state.
• Property damage liability. Pays for damage to the other vehicle involved. Also, legally required.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist. Helps you pay for medical bills or bike damage when the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. Some states require this coverage.
• Personal injury protection. Covers medical bills for your own injuries. This coverage is optional in some states but some at-fault states prohibit bikers from getting this insurance because of increased risk.
• Comprehensive. Optional coverage that gives you peace of mind against motorcycle theft, storm damage, falling tree branches or hitting an animal.
• Collision. Optional coverage that pays for bike repairs or total replacement if it’s damaged in an accident.

Full coverage motorcycle insurance in action

Jake sideswiped a car while riding his motorcycle around town one weekend. He incurred $300 in damage to the car’s side door, $600 in damage to his bike and $350 for a recurring shoulder injury after the accident.

Jake’s liability coverage took care of the car’s damage. However, unlike a liability-only policy, collision covered his own bike’s damage and PIP took care of the medical bill. Jake only paid the deductibles, which were $250 each for collision and PIP.

How much does full coverage motorcycle insurance cost?

Full coverage on a $15,000 bike could cost $200 or more per year, while a liability-only policy might cost half that price. The amount you’ll pay depends on the kind of bike you drive, your age and other factors. Full coverage policies cost more because of the higher chance your insurance company will have to pay out a claim.

Is full coverage motorcycle insurance worth it?

Because you’re more likely to claim bike damage from a collision, you might find full coverage helpful in multiple situations:

• You’re paying off a loan for your motorcycle. Since you and your lender share the investment in your bike, your lender may require full coverage. You’ll name your lender as an insured on your policy so that it can receive some payment if something happens to your bike.
• You own a luxury, custom or antique bike. These bikes may have special or expensive parts to protect, allowing you to get the repairs you need after an accident.
• You drive cross-country. The more miles you cover on your bike, the higher the chance of an accident.
• You live in a high-risk area. Crowded cities or towns with high theft rates might mean you’re likely to make a physical damage or comprehensive claim.
• You can’t afford to replace your bike out of pocket. You might not have the bucks to replace your bike if the worst happens. But a few extra dollars in premiums might give you the financial protection you need.

When you might not need it

Full coverage can be a good idea for most bike owners, but you might consider less coverage if you:

• Can pay for another motorcycle out of pocket
• Don’t have a motorcycle loan
• Drive an older motorcycle worth less than the coverage
• Have a limited income
• Have other means of transportation if your bike gets damaged

What’s not included?

Full coverage might get confusing when you realize there are items that aren’t covered by just state minimums plus comprehensive and collision. You might still need to add extra coverage you’d prefer for your motorcycle. But in general, you can only get some of these add-ons if you already have collision and comprehensive coverage.

• OEM parts. Stick with the parts that are original to your bike, even after an accident.
• Custom or modified parts. Likewise, make sure you can repair damage to the mods on your motorcycle, like extra chrome or special headlights.
• Safety gear. Protect your riding leathers, helmet and other gear from damage or theft.
• Roadside assistance. Get help when your bike breaks down on the side of the road. Typically covers things like flat tires, an empty fuel tank or dead battery.
• Trip interruption. If you get stranded after a breakdown or accident, this reimburses you for food, lodging and transportation while away from home.
• Gap insurance. These days, you might have a loan to pay the pretty price for your bike. Protect your wallet against making loan payments even after your bike gets totaled.

Bottom line

Full bike coverage typically covers all your needs for liability and physical damage. However, it doesn’t include some items you might want protection for, such as customized parts or gap insurance. While full coverage policies can cost double compared to liability only, you can find the best rate by shopping with multiple providers.