Does motorcycle coverage include death benefits?

You can get coverage if you live in a state that allows payouts for motorcycle death benefits. But in the case of a fatal accident, beneficiaries should be prepped upfront on how to file a claim or work with the designated executor of your estate.

What does coverage for motorcycle death benefits include?

Personal injury protection (PIP) is one coverage option that includes death benefits. While some states offer PIP, many states don’t allow it because of the high risk of fatal crashes motorcycles carry. Check your state’s requirements when you’re looking at coverage.

A few motorcycle insurers have special add-ons like funeral expenses coverage instead.

If you have personal injury protection (PIP) or funeral expenses option, your coverage might offer several death benefits, including:

• Funeral expenses. These are expenses directly related to death and burial.
• Medical bills leading up to death. PIP pays for accident-related medical bills, including fatal crashes.
• Beneficiary amount. Some insurers offer a set amount to your beneficiary if you die. This may take the place of paying for funeral expenses.

In addition to these death benefits, PIP coverage can include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Childcare
• Home services like cleaning

Is motorcycle coverage with death benefits worth it?

Adding death benefits to motorcycle coverage could be worth it because of the high risk riding bikes carries. If the state you live in allows PIP, payouts to a beneficiary in the case of serious injuries or death after a crash.

Riders without life insurance or whose life policy won’t cover motorcycle deaths might also consider getting PIP. It includes additional coverage such as medical expenses that riders can use for other accidents.

Compare companies that offer motorcycle death benefits

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Name	Product	Roadside assistance	Accident forgiveness	Available states
Progressive motorcycle insurance		Optional	Yes (earned after 3 years with no accidents and 4 years of loyalty)	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...
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...
Esurance motorcycle insurance		Included free	No	43 states	Cover pricey riding gear while snagging bike-specific discounts for motorcycle licensing or safety courses.	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...
The General motorcycle insurance		Optional	No	43 states	Avoid riding interruptions with acceptance as a high-risk driver, help with filing an SR-22 and instant access to proof of insurance.	Get quotes More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How would beneficiaries receive a motorcycle death benefit?

The way beneficiaries get a death benefit payout varies by provider, but this is generally the process:

• Contact customer service. Reach out for guidance about the company’s specific claims process.
• File a claim. You may file a death claim using specific forms, or begin the process over the phone.
• Prove your connection to the deceased. Send the provider a copy of the death certificate, documentation proving you’re the estate executor and any other requested documents.
• Provide information about the accident. You may need to send a copy of the accident’s police report and other details about the accident.
• Receive payment. You could receive the payout by mail or direct deposit after you finalize paperwork.

What should I watch out for?

For the most part, receiving a settlement for death benefits is straightforward. However, here are some points to be aware of:

• Denied claims if the death is not linked to motorcycle riding.
• Denied claims if the accident is linked to suicide.
• State of policy limits of the death benefits.
• Income benefits can be denied if the rider was unemployed.
• Income benefits may not include future wages.
• If the proof for a loss of income claim is insufficient, it can be denied or delayed.

Can I get life insurance if I ride a motorcycle?

Believe it or not, if you ride a motorcycle you can still get life insurance coverage. In fact, you can still qualify for preferred rates.

However, if you race motorcycles, it’s likely you’ll face high premiums and be asked to complete a medical exam before being approved.

Since accidents involving a motorcycle usually result in a higher likelihood of death or injury, consider adding an accidental death benefit to your life insurance policy.

Bottom line

Because motorcycle riders are at high risk for fatal accidents, adding a death benefit to your insurance can leave your loved ones enough money to cover medical and death costs in the case of an accident. If you live in a state that allows motorcycle death benefits, review the best insurer options available.

Common questions about motorcycle death benefits

• Can a beneficiary claim loss of income for a fatal motorcycle accident?

  You could, if the rider has personal injury protection coverage. But most states don’t allow PIP for motorcyclists — insurers handle the situation according to their state laws. Some may provide lost income for debilitating injuries and hospitalization up to the rider’s time of death. Others may provide future lost income after death, up to the policy’s limits.

• Who qualifies as a dependent to the motorcyclist?

  Dependents typically include spouses and natural-born or adopted children who are minors. Some states also recognize unadopted children or other adults who rely on the motorcyclist for care and financial support. In addition, adult children may not qualify unless they show financial dependency.

• Can a beneficiary get death benefits from more than one policy?

  Yes, some states and policies allow beneficiaries to stack policy benefits, such as motorcycle funeral expenses coverage and life insurance benefits.