Spring is often a popular time for riders in Janesville to get their bikes out of the garage. Before you head out on the road, it is a good idea to think about your insurance coverage. At Adam Johnston Insurance, we want to help you understand how these policies generally work so you can make an informed choice.
Understanding Liability Coverage
In Wisconsin, most riders are required to carry Liability Insurance. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, “motorists must have a motor vehicle liability insurance policy in effect” (Wisconsin DOT, 2024). This type of coverage is meant to help if you are found to be at fault for an accident.
Generally speaking, Liability Insurance is split into two parts:
- Bodily Injury Liability: This may help pay for medical bills or legal costs if another person is hurt in an accident you caused.
- Property Damage Liability: This is often used to help fix or replace someone else’s property, such as their car or a fence, due to a covered loss.
It is important to note that Liability usually does not pay for your own injuries or damage to your own motorcycle.
Coverage For Your Own Bike
If you want protection for your own motorcycle, you might consider adding Physical Damage coverage. This is often required if you have a loan on your bike.
- Collision Coverage: This generally helps pay for repairs to your motorcycle if you hit another vehicle or an object, depending on the details of your policy.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This is sometimes called “other than collision.” It may help if your bike is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by fire or falling objects.
Because every policy has different limits and rules, I don’t know exactly how much your specific repair might cost until a claim is filed and reviewed by the carrier.
Medical Payments and Uninsured Riders
In some cases, you might want extra help with medical bills.
Medical Payments Coverage may help pay for medical costs for you and your passenger, regardless of who caused the accident. This can be helpful because “health insurance may not always cover every cost related to a motor vehicle accident” (Insurance Information Institute, 2023).
Additionally, Uninsured Motorist Coverage is often a wise choice. It is designed to help you if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance at all. Without this, you might be left paying for your own repairs and medical bills out of pocket.
Potential Ways to Save
Many people look for ways to lower their premiums. While we cannot guarantee you will always save money, there are common factors companies consider.
- Bundling: You might see a lower rate if you combine your motorcycle policy with your Homeowners or Auto insurance.
- Safety Courses: Completing a recognized rider safety course may lead to a discount in some situations.
- Seasonal Storage: Since we live in Wisconsin, some policies allow for reduced coverage during the winter months when the bike is not being ridden.
Talking To a Friendly Agent
Insurance can feel complicated when you are new to it. At Adam Johnston Insurance, we want to hear about your bike and how you use it so we can help you find a policy that fits your needs.
We are experienced at reviewing different options and explaining them in plain English. Every rider has a different situation, and we are here to be your advocate in the insurance world.
If you have questions about how a specific policy might work for you, feel free to reach out to our office in Janesville. We can sit down and look at the numbers together.
