How to Compare Motorcycle Insurance Quotes

Find the right policy and you'll have cash left for fashion finds.

Hitting the open road on motorcycles and scooters has become more appealing since gas prices began climbing. Fact is, easy riders of all ages are donning helmets and kick-starting bikes, but even the biggest risk taker isn't foolish enough to take his cycle out of storage or the garage without nailing insurance to protect body and bike. Like all goods and services, you'll want to compare more than just rates before choosing the most comprehensive protection for yourself and your back-seat riders.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance company quotes
• Policy research
• Recommendations
• Company ratings

Instructions

1. Compare by company. Get beyond the cute or riveting commercials to examine companies offering to protect your life and bike. Review each insurance company's stability, insurance industry ratings (look for Best A+), service complaints (Consumer Reports and other investigative publications will help) and satisfaction ratings. If you have an accident, you'll want to know that the company behind your policy also is behind you.

2. Compare by price. Your driving record, age, home address, the state in which you live, your job and your lifestyle will determine the quotes you get from insurance companies to cover you and your cycle. Firms like Progressive and multiple online sites (see links below) advertise free comparison services, so take advantage of their offers to see price spreads. Once you get three or four rates, add them to your list of considerations. Make sure you advise those calculating your rates about any DMV or specialized motorcycle riding training you've undertaken, as these could benefit you when they tackle the calculation.

3. Compare by coverage. Examine exactly what each insurance company you're considering has to offer and opt for the most comprehensive coverage package you can afford. Some do nothing but cover bottom line accident indemnity. Others offer bells and whistles that include vehicle replacement, extended medical coverage, enhanced liability limits and emergency road service. Only you know what will rank high on your scale of importance should an accident destroy your bike, so take a moment to list everything being offered, then rank order them to see what comes out on top.

4. Compare by deductible. It's no secret that the bigger the deductible, the lower the premium rate, but when does the deductible become a liability in terms of your ability to come up with that much cash in the name of saving a few bucks on your premiums? Actuaries compute the likelihood that someone in your age and lifestyle bracket will experience an accident and they base their assessments on a wide variety of factors. Take this into consideration when you play the deductible card.

5. Compare by benefits. Some insurance companies offer club memberships as a perk. Others offer online emergency accident reporting software that gives you the ability to do everything from photograph an accident to filing a report with your insurer's claims office. Look for claim bonuses, premium discounts for infrequent riders, money-back rewards for accident-free riders, stolen bike replacement limits and policies that insure riding gear and valuables in addition to the bike's body. Ask about coverage that offers lifetime guarantees on repairs. Insurance companies are competing for your dollars, so take advantage of that fact.

6. Compare by testimonials and recommendations. Think about the number of times you've turned to a friend or family member for a referral. You'll likely get the good, the bad and the ugly--in some cases, you might locate a person with a long history of insurers. Take advantage of their wisdom. If you belong to one, touch bases with members of your motorcycle club, or head for your favorite blog to ask bikers for their recommendations.

7. Compare by agents. You know that money can't buy an advocate, and that's exactly what you need if you're involved in an incident that puts you and your bike out of commission. Vocal consumers are not hesitant to complain about insurance agents who let them down. Check in with the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List and other entities in the business of following up on consumer complaints.

8. Compare the advantages of buying motorcycle coverage from a new source versus piggybacking on your existing policies. It's no secret that bundling insurance saves money and keeps assets under one corporate brand, but remember that insurance companies can't be all things to all people. Some are highly regarded in home and property indemnity while others can't be surpassed for life or health. Companies are diversifying to attract policyholders and, in many cases, you would be well served by sticking with your agent. Don't, however, let this be the deciding factor. Take the time to make a choice that's as great as the ride you're working so hard to protect.

References

• 4Free Quotes
• Progressive
• E-wisdom