How motorcycle insurance covers bike theft

Your motorcycle’s theft coverage could pay for itself in the long run. However, you may need to buy several types of coverage for well-rounded protection, and theft coverage doesn’t come standard with all motorcycle insurance policies. Even if you pay an extra couple of hundred dollars a year, theft coverage could save thousands if your motorcycle is stolen or a burglar damages your bike during an attempted theft.

Does motorcycle insurance cover theft?

Yes, motorcycle insurance can cover theft but only if you buy comprehensive coverage as well as insure other mods and riding gear that you have. Consider these types of coverage to protect your bike:

• Comprehensive. Covers fire, theft, falling tree branches, natural disasters, glass damage or hitting an animal. May include some coverage for equipment.
• Safety equipment. Protects against safety equipment theft for items like bike helmets, riding leathers and safety glasses.
• Original manufacturer parts (OEM). Allows you to repair or replace your bike with original parts.
• Customized parts. Helps you repair or replace anything you’ve modified or customized to your heart’s content.
• Personal effects. Offers protection for personal items like your phone. May be included in another coverage or offered separately.

What damage from theft does motorcycle insurance cover?

If someone attempts to swipe your bike, it could incur damage in several ways. These types of theft or damage may be included with your comprehensive coverage or another add-on:

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Name	Product	Roadside assistance	Accident forgiveness	Available states
Allstate motorcycle insurance		Included free	Yes	All 50 states	One of the longest lists of coverage options for bikes, plus free perks like equipment coverage for your high-end riding gear.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Progressive motorcycle insurance		Optional	Yes	All 50 states	Enjoy some of the widest coverage with the lowest price thanks to add-ons and freebies like replacement cost coverage.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Liberty Mutual motorcycle insurance		Optional	No	All 50 states	Enjoy unique perks along with your wide bike coverage, like free accident forgiveness after going claims-free with any insurer.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What should I do if my motorcycle is stolen?

If your bike is stolen, you could recover your vehicle or get a full replacement. After you discover theft has happened, follow these steps:

1. Call the police. File a police report as soon as you can. They may locate and return your bike if it’s still close by.
2. Document what happened. Consider writing down any details you know about the event, including the bike’s location or how the thief gained access.
3. Get proof of damage. Collect any proof of the theft or damage incurred, such as pictures at the scene and evidence left behind.
4. File a claim. Submit information to your insurance company to start the claims process.
5. Get a replacement bike. Once an adjuster settles your claim, you can shop around for the best replacement or repair damages on your recovered bike.

How to file an insurance claim for motorcycle theft

During this untimely situation, you can file a theft claim quickly with a few steps:

1. Contact your insurance company by phone or file a claim online.
2. Provide details, such as the location and date and time of the incident.
3. Provide your police report number.
4. Talk with an adjuster within one to two days to finalize details.
5. Receive your settlement check to repair or replace your motorcycle.

How to get an antitheft discount for motorcycle insurance

Many top motorcycle insurers offer rewards for keeping your bike safe, typically up to 10%. Ways you might receive an antitheft discount:

• Antitheft alarm. Get an alarm that warns you when someone gets too close to your bike.
• Garage storage. Take precautions by locking up your bike when you’re not using it.
• Theft recovery system. Outfit your motorcycle with a tracking device to locate it after theft has occurred.

How do I prevent motorcycle theft?

While theft can happen more easily to a motorcycle, you can prevent getting left empty handed in multiple ways. Those include:

• Installing an antitheft or recovery device. Aside from a discount, these could help you know when theft is happening.
• Locking the ignition. Keep the ignition locked after you turn off the engine to confuse thieves or prolong timing.
• Locking up your bike. While out joyriding, you can lock up your bike to a stationary object, or other bikes if you’re riding in a group.
• Storing in a garage. Keep your beloved bike in an enclosed area like a garage or shed to prevent pickups when you’re not riding.
• Hiding behind objects. Motorcycles have the advantage of a smaller size than cars, making them easy to hide behind cars, bushes or other large objects. This may help when you can’t use other options.

Bottom line

You can cover motorcycle theft with comprehensive coverage as well as add-ons for safety equipment and specialized parts. You could also go the extra mile to protect your bike by using precautions like an antitheft device or garage storage.

Get the best deal on theft coverage by comparing multiple providers.

Frequently asked questions about motorcycle theft

• Which motorcycles are stolen the most?

  Several motorcycle brands have the most theft incidents, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson.

• How many motorcycles get stolen each year?

  There were over 44,268 motorcycle thefts in the US in 2017, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That’s out of 773,139 total vehicles stolen. While that number seems high, vehicle thefts have been dropping since 1991.

• What are the chances of recovering my stolen motorcycle?

  Motorcycles have a 42% chance of recovery, which means you’re more likely to claim a total loss rather if theft occurs. However, prevention and insurance can help make up for this loss.