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Does motorcycle coverage include death benefits?
Protect loved ones against expenses in a fatal accident.
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
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
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