Liability insurance coverage

Most states require you to carry liability coverage. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident, but it doesn’t cover you or your motorcycle.

Bodily injury liability: If you’re at fault in a crash, you may be responsible for covering the damages for your passenger or the other driver. If so, bodily injury liability typically covers the other driver or your passenger’s expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Property damage liability: If you’re at fault in an accident that causes damage to others’ property, property damage liability covers the expenses, such as damage caused to vehicles, private homes, fences and other structures.

Collision insurance coverage

Collision insurance covers damage to your bike if you’re involved in an accident. It will pay for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Keep in mind that collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like collision insurance coverage, your policy will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who isn’t adequately insured and can’t cover your damages. This coverage typically pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages. If your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage includes property damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered.

Optional equipment and accessories coverage

If you decide to add on any optional accessories such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers or sidecars, consider purchasing optional equipment coverage. Most comprehensive and collision insurance coverages will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle.