If you’re shopping around for recreational motorcycle insurance, but you’re not sure where to look, don’t worry. There are a handful of simple steps you can take to find the right provider for your needs.
Motorcycle Insurance 101: Finding the Right Fit for You
Purchasing motorcycle insurance is a little bit like entering into a long-term relationship with another person: it’s essential to find a provider that understands your needs and does what they can to accommodate them. To boost your chances of finding the right broker, here are the steps you need to follow as you shop for policies:
1. Talk to a specialist
The first and most critical point when it comes time to shop for motorcycle insurance is to talk to a professional. A professional insurance broker will be able to provide you with additional details and insight regarding policy types and coverage information. Keep in mind, though, that the first specialist you talk to might not be the right one for you, so it’s wise to make a few appointments and follow-up with the individual you felt most comfortable with.
2. Get several quotes
The next step is to get several quotes from specialists you liked. Various companies price their insurance differently, and you might be surprised by how much the quotes you request differ from one another. Save copies of the quotes as you receive them so that you can compare them later.
3. See if you can bundle your policies
Once you’ve found a quote that looks attractive, contact the company to ask if they offer multi-policy discounts. Multi-policy discounts typically apply to customers who “bundle” their home, auto, boat, and motorcycle insurance into one package. The possibilities for insurance packages are virtually endless, and they can provide massive monthly savings through the right company.
4. Purchase extra coverage for bike modifications
While standard motorcycle insurance is critical, it’s important to know that your standard policy likely won’t cover any modifications you’ve made to your bike, including the addition of a sidecar or custom paint job. If you’ve been putting lots of time and resources into your ride, it’s wise to purchase additional coverage to protect that investment in the event of a crash or theft.
5. Determine which type of coverage you need
When it comes to motorcycle insurance, there are various types of coverage available, ranging from liability insurance to a complete insurance package. The kind of insurance you opt for will ultimately depend on your needs and the value of your bike, as well as how often you ride or use it.
6. Take a final look at customer reviews before you hire
By now, you should be well on your way to finding a specialist you like. Before you take the plunge, though, devote a few hours to searching the web for reviews of the specialist from whom you’re considering purchasing motorcycle insurance. Customer reviews can tell you a lot about a person or an agency, and you might be surprised at what you find online. If the specialist you were working with has a whole host of negative reviews, you might be better off heading back to the research stage.
No matter how good a policy may seem, it’s no match for poor customer service or bad business practices. With this in mind, don’t hire an broker until you can verify that they have a demonstrable track record of serving their customers properly.
Motorcycle Insurance Made Simple
When it comes time to shop for motorcycle insurance, the process can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, these six steps can help you navigate the buying period and find the specialist and policy that are right for you. Whether you need comprehensive coverage or just a simple liability insurance coverage, having a plan and sticking to it helps ensure you won’t overlook anything important and makes it easier than ever before to find a motorcycle insurance policy that you love and will be happy to stick with for years to come.