Motorcycle specific insurance
Choppers and custom motorbikes need insurance, but because the bike is special, you often can't receive an internet insurance quotation. You must speak with an insurance agent or call the insurance provider instead.
Depending on how much it has been altered, a customized motorbike requires a certain kind of insurance coverage. Typically, you may acquire add-on coverage for the modifications to a basic motorbike insurance policy. If you own a kit motorbike or similar specialty vehicle, you will want "agreed value" insurance coverage because there is no established value for these vehicles.
- Insurance for custom motorcycles
- How to get quotes
- What's covered?
- Who needs custom motorcycle insurance?
- Custom motorcycle insurance discounts
How can one obtain specific motorbike insurance?
You must disclose the changes to your motorbike to the insurance provider when you insure a custom motorcycle in order to obtain the appropriate policy and level of coverage.
Without informing the insurance provider of the modifications, you could only be insured for the stock model, which won't take into account the worth of your additions. In other situations, the insurance provider can decline a claim or terminate your coverage since the motorbike doesn't match their records.
Your alternatives for insurance will depend on how customized your bike is.
You can often obtain a basic motorcycle insurance policy with add-on coverage for unique components and equipment for motorcycles with minor to moderate upgrades (CPE). This will pay for the expensive labor and parts for custom motorcycles.
- A coverage with an agreed value, where you and the insurance provider agree on the bike's value, is typically required for motorbikes that are custom-made, composed of composite materials, have rebuilt frames, or are expensive.
- If there is no established criteria for the bike's worth, if it is a vintage motorbike with rising value, or if it is a high-end or speciality bike, this sort of coverage will protect you. Although less customized bikes can employ agreed value coverage, they often cost more than ordinary policies.
- You could require motorsports insurance if your motorbike has performance add-ons like a nitrous oxide system. These motorcycles are typically too unsafe for normal insurance companies since they may reach high speeds after turbocharging or other performance enhancements.
- A liability-only coverage from a typical insurance provider will enough to fulfill the legal minimum insurance needs for DIYers and owners of inexpensive custom bikes.
If you get into an accident while using this kind of affordable coverage, the insurance provider won't cover the expense of fixing your motorcycle. The insurance will, instead, cover any harm and losses you cause to others. As a result, motorcyclists who wish to maintain their motorcycle's worth shouldn't choose it.
Get personalized motorbike insurance quotes
Often, you'll need to contact the insurance provider or an insurance agent in order to insure a bespoke motorbike.
Although while making a call may seem time-consuming, it's in your best advantage to do so in order to determine the bike's value and how much coverage you require.
The notable exception is Hagerty, whose internet site allows you to get prices for various bespoke motorcycles. You may select upgrades like greater horsepower, frame changes, unique rims, and bespoke paint costing more than $10,000. Remember that Hagerty provides "agreed value" insurance, which is typically more expensive than insurance from other providers. You can find the greatest bargain by comparing a few different businesses.
What is covered by personal motorbike insurance?
Custom motorcycle insurance policies include the standard coverage that you need to drive, as well as valuable add-ons to protect your custom ride.
- Liability insurance pays for the other person's medical expenses and property repair bills when you cause an accident. Most states require this type of coverage.
- Collision insurance pays to repair your motorcycle, even if you cause the accident. If the other driver causes the accident, their liability insurance will pay for your motorcycle's repairs.
- Comprehensive insurance pays to repair your motorcycle if it's vandalized, stolen or damaged from another event such as a fallen tree limb.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for medical bills and lost wages after a car accident. It's part of the minimum insurance requirements in 16 states, and in other states, you can get medical payments coverage, which is similar.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist covers your injuries and damage to your custom motorcycle if you're hit by a driver who is uninsured or doesn't have enough insurance. This can help you avoid any large bills after someone crashes into you.
Who needs specific insurance for motorcycles?
Motorcycle insurance is required for all motorbike owners.
If the value, operation, or construction of your motorbike has been altered, you'll need a specialized motorcycle insurance plan. Minor modifications, such as adding saddlebags or chrome, won't call for a special motorbike insurance plan.
If they travel on public highways or roads, motorbike owners are often required to have liability insurance for both personal injury and property damage.
Even a motorcycle that is just used for display and is never used on public roads probably needs insurance. Your bicycle may be taken, damaged, or even stolen while in transit. Without insurance, you would be forced to cover all costs yourself.
Owners of custom bikes should make sure the insurance covers the full worth of the motorbike due to the high cost of custom components, modifications, and labor.
Discounts for specific motorbike insurance
It's generally more expensive to insure a customized motorcycle or chopper. But these bikes are eligible for the same motorcycle insurance discounts as factory-built bikes.
- Motorcycle safety training
- Anti-theft devices
- Bundling discount
- Military discount
- Paying in full
- Enrolling in automatic payments
- Low mileage
- No recent accidents