Benefits of Protecting Your Bike with Motorcycle Insurance

No matter if you are a weekend road warrior seeking adventure or looking for a cost-efficient way to get around town, there is nothing like riding a motorcycle.

As with any vehicle driven on a public road, you will need motorcycle insurance to protect yourself, your passenger, and others.  Motorcycle insurance in Louisiana can range in rates and benefits, so you will want to shop around to find the best protection for your bike.  Here a few things to understanding when shopping for motorcycle insurance in Lake Charles Louisiana.

Louisiana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
At a minimum, Louisiana requires motorcycle owners to purchase a liability insurance policy.  Liability coverage pays for damage to others’ injuries or damages to their vehicle if you cause an accident. The least amount of liability insurance you must buy is $15,000 for bodily injury or death to another person; $30,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $25,000 in destruction or damage of their property.

We suggest you consider buying additional liability beyond Louisiana’s state minimum to protect your assets in case the accident exceeds your limits.  Minimum liability may not be enough to pay your legal expenses and claims if you are sued, and a plaintiff could go after your assets to make up the difference. Do check with your insurance underwriter to ensure your bodily injury liability policy covers passengers; some underwriters require a separate passenger liability coverage to insure them.

Another consideration is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  Louisiana drivers are known for carrying minimum insurance coverage; adding this coverage can help pay medical bills resulting from an accident caused by a driver who failed to carry insurance or who doesn’t have enough insurance.  Uninsured/underinsured insurance can also include property damage but check with the insurer as you might need to purchase it separately.

Motorcycle insurance options
Coverage options for motorcycle insurance in Louisiana is similar to the standard options you’ll find for auto insurance. In addition to uninsured/underinsured motorist and liability coverage, most insurers provide these options:

Collision: Pays to repair damage to your motorcycle, minus the deductible you choose.

Comprehensive: Pays if your motorcycle is damaged or stolen in an event other than an accident with another automobile.   An example would be a collision with and animal, your deductible still applies.

Medical payments (Louisiana MedPay): is a separate medical payments policy that pays for medical bills if you and your passenger is harmed in an accident. Unlike your personal injury protection, medical payments coverage will not cover lost wages and other associated costs.  Clearly, riding a motorcycle comes with additional risks, no matter how vigilant you are.  Medical payments coverage would come in handy especially if you or your passenger do not have health insurance, high deductible health insurance or simply not enough health insurance.

Most Insurance companies offer add-on options, although it varies.

Trip interruption coverage:  Can reimburse you for transportation, lodging, and food if your motorcycle becomes disabled in an accident more than 100 miles for home (this number can vary, check with your insurer regarding the distance required for approved claims).

Coverage for custom accessories, equipment and parts:  Louisiana insurers include various custom parts and accessories with your comprehensive and collision coverage – generally up to $3,000, this number can vary.  However, for many riders, part of the lure of owning a motorcycle is customizing it.  If the custom paint, chrome parts, or accessories you add are worth more than your motorcycle, you should consider purchasing custom parts coverage, available in increment up to $30,000.

Transport trailer coverage: 
Most insurance companies offer protection for transport trailers up to $7,500.

Roadside assistance:  This can be valuable as it includes labor and towing if your bike breaks down.

Motorcycle insurance lay-up periods
Most insurers offer what is called lay-up insurance for winter months when most drivers store their motorcycles away.  Throughout the lay-up period, your motorcycle insurance in Lake Charles Louisiana will safeguard against theft and other events known to happen while your bike is stored.   This coverage saves you money on your annual insurance policy.  Keep in mind that insurance will not pay if you drive your bike during the lay-up period and are involved in an accident.

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