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Compare motorcycle storage insurance
Rest easy protecting your bike against theft or damage while it’s in storage.
A motorcycle storage policy keeps you covered for theft or damage while your ride is being held in a garage or storage facility. But be aware that some insurers don’t offer this low-coverage option because the off season for riding is already built into its low year-round premiums.
What's in this guide?
How does motorcycle storage insurance work?
Also called layup, temporary, comprehensive-only or seasonal insurance — a motorcycle storage policy is meant to protect your bike from physical damage while it’s being stored in a garage or other enclosed space.
This policy is bare comprehensive coverage, meaning you can’t ride legally with storage insurance. It’s ideal for bikers who only ride a few months a year and don’t want to pay full price for insurance during the off months.
What does motorcycle storage insurance cover?
Your bike storage insurance covers similar areas as comprehensive coverage, including:
- Accidental damage
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Storms
- Flooding
- Earthquakes
- Fire
- Falling trees
- Other inclement weather
When can I use motorcycle storage insurance?
Riders might downgrade protection during months when the weather is less ideal for riding. You might also use storage insurance if you won’t be riding your bike for a known specific time.
Scenarios where you might consider a storage policy:
- During seasons commonly known for harsh or unsafe weather
- Active military duty
- Students away at school
- Health reasons
- Traveling abroad
- Broke-down or project bike you plan to repair in the future
How can I get cheap motorcycle storage insurance?
A storage policy is about as little coverage as you can get, but you might find other ways to discount your premium:
- Install an antitheft device. You’re already locking your bike up, but you can further discourage theft with an antitheft alarm or GPS locator.
- Raise your deductible. Shoulder more responsibility upfront in the event of bike damage to get a lower premium.
- Lower your maximums. If you expect an uneventful storage period, consider dropping the dollar amount your policy will pay for a claim.
- Bundle-up coverage. Keep all your daily and recreational vehicles on one policy, including your car, ATV, RV and home.
How do I get motorcycle storage insurance?
Check with your provider to see if they offer storage policies, or look for a specialty motorcycle storage insurer. To take advantage of this typically low-cost policy:
- If you’re applying for a new policy, compare multiple insurers using your personal information, driving history and bike make and model.
- If you’re continuing with your current insurer, call a representative to update your coverage.
- Get notified of your new premium, receive policy documents and make your payment.
- Ensure that your bike is properly stored and you’re not using it during layup periods.
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What should I watch out for?
Getting a motorcycle storage policy is fairly straightforward. However, consider these situations for a smoother transition:
- Your insurer requires year-round coverage. Some companies factor the riding on- and off-seasons in to a low premium already. Your insurer may not let you drop to comprehensive-only coverage, and could deny coverage if you consistently cancel and renew based on the season.
- Riding without liability. Storage policies don’t meet state insurance requirements. You’ll need to stay off the road, even if you come back to town early or have a fair-weather day.
- Riding without collision coverage. Similarly, storage insurance won’t cover collision damage, since you won’t be riding the bike.
- Getting back on the road. You’ll have to up your coverage before riding season begins again.
Compare motorcycle storage insurance
Bottom line
Protect your bike from accidental damage and theft while you’re not riding. Storage, or layup insurance can help you maintain coverage at a lower cost. However, you might compare motorcycle insurers who offer this lessened protection for the best fit.
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