Custom motorbikes and choppers must be insured, but because the bike is unique, it is difficult to obtain an insurance price online. Instead, you must contact the insurance company or an insurance agent.
The sort of insurance you require for a customised motorbike is determined by how much it has been modified. In most circumstances, you may purchase a normal motorbike insurance policy with customization coverage added on. Because there is no standard for determining the value of a kit motorcycle or other speciality bike, you will require a "agreed value" insurance coverage.
- Custom motorbike insurance
- How to Get Quotes
- What is included?
- Who requires customised motorbike insurance?
- Discounts for custom motorbike insurance
How Can One Obtain Personalised Motorbike Insurance?
When insuring a custom motorbike, you must inform the insurance provider about the changes to your bike in order to obtain the appropriate type of policy and amount of coverage.
If you don't notify the insurance provider about the modifications, you could only be insured for a stock model, which doesn't take into account the worth of your improvements. In other circumstances, the insurance company may refuse a claim or cancel your coverage if your motorbike does not match the information on their insurance records.
Your insurance options will be determined by the extent of personalization on your bike.
For bikes with minor or moderate alterations, a normal motorcycle insurance policy with add-on coverage for custom components and equipment is generally sufficient (CPE). This will cover the expensive custom motorbike parts and labour.
The value of the modifications will be used to determine the add-on coverage. The cost of modifications to your suspension and exhaust, for example, would influence how much coverage you require in addition to the bike's basic value, which may be determined using the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) motorbike assessment guide or Kelley Blue Book.
Motorcycles that are handcrafted, composites, have rebuilt frames, or have a high value will normally require an agreed value coverage, in which you and the insurance carrier agree on the value of the bike.
This sort of coverage will protect you if there is no standard for determining the worth of the bike, if it is a vintage motorbike that appreciates in value, or if it is a high-end or speciality machine. Although agreed value plans can be used for bikes with less modifications, they are normally more expensive than conventional policies.
Motorcycles with performance enhancements, such as a nitrous oxide system, may require racing or motorsports insurance. Because the motorbike is capable of high speeds after turbocharging or other performance improvements, traditional insurance companies frequently consider these machines to be too unsafe.
A liability-only coverage from a conventional insurance firm will fulfil the minimal insurance requirements for affordable custom bikes and DIYers, allowing you to legally operate on the roads.
If you cause an accident while riding your motorbike, the insurance company will not pay for repairs. Instead, the insurance will cover the costs of any damage or injuries you cause to others. As a result, it is not a good option for motorcyclists looking to safeguard the value of their motorbike.
You may be required to present documentation of how your motorbike has been changed, depending on the motorcycle, the insurance carrier, and the extent of modification. This might include getting the motorbike evaluated, explaining the bike's specifications, or sharing receipts.
Best insurance companies for custom motorcycles
Company | Rating | Custom parts coverage | Agreed value insurance |
State Farm | 4.5 | Yes | |
Nationwide | 4 | Yes | |
Geico | 4 | Yes | |
Hagerty | 4 | ||
Harley Davidson Insurance | 4 | ||
Foremost | 4 | Yes | |
Markel | 3.5 | Yes | |
Safeco | 3.5 | ||
Allstate | 3 | ||
Progressive | 3 | ||
Dairyland | 2.5 | Yes | |
Rider | 2.5 | Yes |
How To Get Personalized Motorcycle Insurance Quotes
In order to insure a custom motorbike, you will often need to contact an insurance company or an insurance agent.
Although a phone conversation may seem inconvenient, it is in your best interest to discuss the bike's value and determine how much coverage you require.
The only exception is Hagerty, which offers online rates for select unique bikes via their web form. You may select upgrades like higher horsepower, frame changes, bespoke rims, and unique paint worth more than $10,000. Keep in mind that Hagerty provides "agreed value" insurance, which is typically more expensive than insurance from other firms. Evaluating many organisations might assist you in obtaining the greatest bargain.
Usually, determining the worth of a custom motorbike online is too complicated. When you call, you may describe your bike's modifications so that you can tailor your insurance coverage exactly like you did your bike.
What Is Custom Motorcycle Insurance?
Custom motorbike insurance packages feature regular coverage as well as beneficial add-ons to safeguard your customised machine.
- When you cause an accident, liability insurance covers for the other person's medical claims and property repair fees. This sort of coverage is required in the majority of states.
- Even if you caused the accident, collision insurance will cover the cost of repairing your motorbike. If the other motorist is at fault, their liability insurance will cover the cost of your motorcycle's repairs.
- Complete insurance covers the cost of repairing your motorbike if it is vandalised, stolen, or damaged by another incident, such as a fallen tree branch.
- After a car accident, personal injury protection (PIP) pays for medical expenditures and lost wages. It is part of the minimum insurance requirements in 16 states, and equivalent coverage is available in additional states.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects you and your custom motorbike if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This might help you avoid huge fees if you are hit by someone.
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), mopeds and scooters, and dirt motorcycles may have different coverage needs and possibilities. Instead of purchasing a personalised motorbike insurance policy, speak with your insurance provider about the characteristics of your ride.
Who Requires Customised Motorbike Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance is required for all motorbike owners.
If your motorbike has been changed in ways that affect its value, operation, or construction, you'll need a custom motorcycle insurance coverage. Minor modifications, such as adding saddlebags or chrome, will not necessitate a bespoke motorbike insurance coverage.
When riding on public highways or roads, most states require motorbike owners to obtain bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
Even a motorbike that is solely for display and never sees the open road will most likely require insurance. In transit, your bike might be stolen, defaced, or even wrecked. You'd have to pay for any charges out of pocket if you didn't have insurance.
Owners of custom bikes should ensure that the complete worth of the motorbike is covered by the insurance due to the high cost of custom components, modifications, and labour.
Discounts For Custom Motorbike Insurance
A customised motorbike or chopper is often more expensive to insure. Yet, these motorcycles are qualified for the same motorcycle insurance reductions as factory-built motorcycles.
- Motorbike safety instruction
- Anti-theft gadgets
- Discount for bundling
- Military discounts are available.
- Full payment Enrollment in automatic payments
- Very low miles
- There have been no recent accidents.
Commonly Asked Questions
Custom motorbike insurance is typically more expensive than normal motorcycle insurance, which averages $60 per month. The cost is greater since the insurance policy includes additional coverage for unique components and labour.
Yes, you will need insurance that fulfils your state's minimal insurance requirements if you ride your custom motorbike on the road. Even if you don't ride your custom bike or chopper on the road, an insurance coverage can protect you if it is stolen or destroyed.