Question 1: What insurance coverage should I have for my motorcycle?
Answer: In addition to state-required liability insurance, you should consider these optional coverages based on your needs and risk tolerance:
- Collision Coverage – Pays for damage to your bike in an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Covers non-collision damage (e.g., theft, vandalism, fire, weather).
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection – Protects you if hit by someone with insufficient or no insurance.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical expenses for you and your passenger.
- Accessory or Custom Equipment Coverage – For aftermarket upgrades, gear, and electronics.
Higher-value or custom motorcycles benefit most from full coverage.
Question 2: Are aftermarket modifications covered by insurance?
Answer: Not by default. Most standard motorcycle policies exclude aftermarket parts unless they’re declared during the policy setup.
- You must document upgrades (photos, receipts, descriptions).
- Add an accessory endorsement or custom parts coverage to insure them.
- This may raise your premium slightly but protects your investment in gear like exhausts, fairings, luggage, and electronics.
Question 3: How do motorcycle-specific laws differ from car laws?
Answer: Motorcycles are subject to unique legal requirements that often differ from those for cars, such as:
- Helmet laws (mandatory in some regions, optional in others)
- Lane positioning rules (riding staggered, using full lane width)
- Lane filtering or splitting laws
- Passenger age or equipment requirements (footpegs, helmets)
- Equipment laws (e.g., turn signals, mirrors, exhaust decibels)
These vary widely by state or country, so it’s critical to check local regulations.
Question 4: Is lane filtering or splitting legal?
Answer: It depends on where you ride:
- Legal in some areas (e.g., California allows lane splitting)
- Illegal or unaddressed in others
- Some countries (like Australia or parts of Europe) allow filtering at low speeds
Before filtering or splitting lanes, verify local laws and understand that legality doesn’t always equate to safety—use discretion and defensive riding techniques.
Question 5: What should I do if I’m involved in a motorcycle accident?
Answer: Take these steps immediately:
- Check for injuries and move to safety if possible.
- Call emergency services (911 or local equivalent).
- Document the scene – take photos, collect witness names, and record officer info.
- Exchange information – name, license, insurance, and vehicle registration.
- Notify your insurance company ASAP.
- Seek medical care even for minor pain (some injuries are delayed).
- Consider consulting an attorney before making detailed statements.
Stay calm and prioritize safety and accuracy in documentation.
Question 6: How does motorcycle insurance differ from car insurance?
Answer: Key differences include:
- Seasonal or “lay-up” coverage options for off-season storage
- Coverage for riding gear, such as helmets, jackets, gloves, and electronics
- Higher per-mile risk, especially for sport and high-cc bikes
- Rating factors differ: rider experience, license status, training, garage location, and type of motorcycle all impact premiums
Motorcycle insurance tends to be more customizable, with greater importance placed on the rider’s behavior and safety record.
Question 7: What are common motorcycle traffic violations?
Answer: Typical infractions that can result in tickets or license points include:
- Speeding, especially in rural or open areas
- Improper lane changes or illegal filtering/splitting
- Helmet law violations (not wearing, or improper gear)
- Equipment violations (e.g., illegal exhaust, no mirrors, defective lights)
- Reckless riding or stunting (wheelies, burnouts, racing on public roads)
Repeat offenses can lead to license suspension or insurance surcharges.
Question 8: Do I need insurance for a motorcycle I only ride occasionally?
Answer: Yes. If the motorcycle is registered and operated on public roads, it must have active liability insurance at minimum—even if ridden only a few times a year.
- Consider seasonal or lay-up coverage during winter or off-months
- Some insurers offer on-demand or usage-based plans if you’re a very low-mileage rider
Even stored motorcycles benefit from comprehensive coverage (for theft, fire, etc.).
Question 9: What documents should I always carry when riding?
Answer: Every rider should carry:
- A valid motorcycle license or endorsement
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Emergency contact information
- Any critical medical info (e.g., allergy alerts, blood type, conditions) – ideally on a card or in a helmet tag
Keeping documents organized and accessible can make emergencies or stops easier to handle.
Question 10: How do I handle being pulled over while on a motorcycle?
Answer: Stay calm and follow these best practices:
- Signal and pull over safely, preferably to the right shoulder.
- Turn off the engine and remove earplugs.
- Keep both hands visible—on the bars or tank.
- Wait for the officer’s instructions before removing your helmet or reaching for documents.
- Be polite, cooperative, and respectful—this can go a long way in reducing tension or avoiding citations.
