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Seasonal motorcycle insurance provides coverage for the seasons you ride in the most — spring, summer and fall. And it reduces your coverage and your premium when winter comes around. Compare seasonal, lay-up, temporary or motorcycle storage policies.
Different companies handle seasonal motorcycle insurance in different ways.
For example, many northern companies offer motorcycle lay-up policies, in which all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months — which covers your bike if, say, a tree falls on your garage. These policies offer both flexibility and savings since policyholders don’t have to maintain full coverage or cancel the policy entirely.
Other companies may not offer a specific lay-up policy but do allow similar reductions if asked. In this case, you’ll likely need to speak with a representative to work out the situation.
Once you’ve purchased a seasonal motorcycle policy, you can use your motorcycle under your policy’s protection during the seasons stated in your policy. These usually include spring, summer and fall.
In the off season, however, you should refrain from using your bike at all, since it won’t be fully insured. If you’re maintaining comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may also require you to store the bike in a garage.
Seasonal motorcycle insurance can cover all your basic needs plus any add-ons. However, the main characteristic of this policy is that it won’t cover the months you choose to forgo insurance.
Coverage that may be included during your policy period:
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Opting for seasonal coverage could save money and prevent waste since you’re not paying for motorcycle insurance all year long. This coverage works well for drivers who:
If your current insurance company doesn’t offer seasonal motorcycle insurance, you’ll need to maintain coverage and pay a premium year-round. It’s not ideal for saving money, but could help you stick with your current preferred insurer and keep any perks like a loyalty discount, claims-free bonus or accident forgiveness.
Another option is to cancel your policy for the winter. Keep in mind, though, that canceling a 12-month policy early may not provide the same savings. That’s because some insurance companies factor the usual riding season into their rate already, providing a lowered rate year-round. In addition, your insurance company may choose not to insure you again if it sees a cyclical pattern of canceling and renewal.
Jackie loves riding her motorcycle in her small Pennsylvania town during most seasons. But she knows she’ll stop riding once the cold weather hits. Jackie calls her current insurance company to see whether it offers lay-up policies.
She discovers that it doesn’t have an official seasonal policy, but the company agrees to reduce her coverage during the winter months. The reduced policy will provide Jackie with minimal liability limits and higher deductibles on all other added coverage. This situation proves ideal for Jackie, who may want to take her bike out for a ride during an unusually warm winter day.
Under a seasonal motorcycle policy, coverage varies based on the current season of the year. Usually, spring, summer and fall will provide full protection for the coverage you choose to purchase.
However, during the off season, your coverage will be suspended or reduced. Note that comprehensive coverage often remains intact during this time. Coverage that may get suspended or reduced includes:
Seasonal motorcycle insurance can offer savings if you’re not using your motorcycle during certain seasons, like winter. In effect, this policy means your bike may not be adequately insured for riding during the off-season.
Compare motorcycle insurance options for the right amount of seasonal coverage for you.
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