Compare motorcycle accessories coverage

Gearing up before getting on the road helps keep you safe, but it can cost a pretty penny to replace after an accident. Find coverage for your helmet, eyewear, riding leathers and more included in some comprehensive and collision policies or as an add-on.

How does motorcycle accessories coverage work?

When an accessory, like riding gear, is damaged or broken after an accident, file a claim to replace or fix it up to your policy limit. Some companies include $500, $1,000 or even $3,000 worth of accessory coverage free with a standard policy or included with comprehensive and collision coverage.

Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase accessories coverage as an add-on. If you do need to purchase coverage or a higher limit, many companies go as high as $30,000 in accessories coverage.

What’s included with motorcycle accessories coverage?

Most insurers with accessories coverage protect basic riding gear, such as your helmet, leathers or saddlebags. However, some companies cover easily removable gear, while others group accessories and modified parts coverage together. Example items that may fit in the accessories category include:

Is motorcycle accessories coverage worth it?

Getting gear coverage works well for riders with expensive accessories or a lot of gear. While you might consider your helmet, GPS or fairing a necessity, your insurer could tag them as customizations or accessories, and may not protect them under collision coverage.

Review items your company defines as accessories and estimate their value to help you make a decision. For example, if your deductible is $500 but your saddlebags are only worth $400, it might be worth paying to replace them out of pocket.

How much does motorcycle accessories coverage cost?

The additional cost to insure your accessories depends on the limits you choose. In many cases, your insurer may include some coverage with your bike policy or if you add comprehensive and collision coverage, which could cost up to $100 extra per year.

What’s not covered by motorcycle accessories coverage?

While accessories coverage can help many riders using expensive or custom gear, there are a few items that may need additional coverage:

• OEM parts. Accessories coverage doesn’t cover replacing damaged bike parts with original manufacturer parts.
• Personal belongings. Personal items may not be protected either, such as your cell phone, computer or luggage — even if it’s packed inside your saddlebags.
• Customizations. While some companies lump accessories and customizations under one coverage, others may not. If not, you might pay a higher premium for having both custom parts and accessories coverage.

Motorcycle accessories coverage in action

Rob added comprehensive and collision coverage on his $15,000 bike, which included $1,000 in accessories coverage. Adding both types of coverage increased his premium an extra $100 per year. However, when a bike accident left him with $2,000 of physical damage and $500 of damage to riding gear, Rob only had to pay his $500 deductible for collision coverage. This saved him $1,400 for the year.

Bottom line

Covering expensive riding gear could save you hundreds or thousands if you get in an accident. Plus, you could enjoy this option for free if it’s included with your bike insurer. To get the best gear coverage, consider which insurers are right for you.