Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Every Bike You Ride?

Posted Aug. 11, 2008, at 7 a.m.

Before you jump on someone else's motorcycle to take it for a spin, do you know if you're covered by motorcycle insurance? What if you're riding your own bike — does your motorcycle coverage apply in all situations? Here are a few things to consider before you decide to hit the road on a Harley — or any other type of motorcycle.

Motorcycle Insurance Basics

First, if you only have car insurance, you should know it doesn't necessarily cover your use of a motorcycle. So, if you decide to ride a bike but it doesn't specifically have motorcycle insurance, you might be riding it without insurance — an action you may want to reconsider due to the high risk of injury on motorcycles.

Second, remember that motorcycle insurance claims, like most other types of vehicle insurance claims, are handled based upon the specific situation or event. There are certain actions and situations outlined in your policy that state whether or not your insurance will cover them.

Finally, remember that motorcycle insurance may vary from state to state, as well as among insurance companies, so it's best to check with your particular company (or the company that covers the bike you're thinking about riding) before you hop on and take a spin around the block.

When Motorcycle Insurance DOES NOT Apply

Motorcycle insurance policies generally outline situations in which coverage would not apply in the Exclusions section of each coverage. Here are a few situations in which your Progressive motorcycle insurance policy will not provide coverage for potential claims. If you don't have a Progressive motorcycle insurance policy, be sure to check your particular policy — preferably before you ride a motorcycle — to see what it covers.

• Using your motorcycle like a delivery service or a taxi – If you deliver newspapers, food, etc., or if you charge to take people places, you probably won't have coverage if your motorcycle is damaged or someone is injured in an accident or other type of incident.
• Racing or stunts – If you participate in any kind of organized or arranged racing, your motorcycle insurance won't cover any damages to your bike.
• Intentional acts to hurt or damage – For example, if you're aiming to hurt or damage someone or something, your motorcycle insurance probably won't apply.
• Committing criminal acts – Even if you're not charged with or convicted of a crime, any injuries or damages resulting from criminal acts aren't covered by your motorcycle insurance.

Unique Situations When Motorcycle Insurance DOES Apply

Again, it’s always best to review your policy to see what is and isn't covered. Here are a few unique situations in which your Progressive motorcycle insurance policy will provide coverage for potential claims.

• Renting a bike – If your bike is in the shop, or you’re on vacation and want to go for a ride, your Progressive policy covers you if you decide to rent a bike.
• Damage to custom parts and equipment – If your custom parts or equipment are damaged, in most situations, Progressive will automatically cover at least $1,000 in damages. Additional coverage is available if you need more than that, too. A rule of thumb: Keep photos, as well as all receipts, of the motorcycle with its custom parts and equipment installed before your bike is damaged.
• Collision resulting in damage to safety riding apparel (SRA) – Be sure to check if you have coverage for SRA. If you do, Progressive may cover apparel such as helmets, leathers, goggles, riding boots, gloves, etc., in a collision that's covered by your insurance.

Since coverages may vary between insurance companies and even between states, be sure to review yours or contact your insurer with any questions you may have.

If you're unsure whether you'll be covered by insurance, find out before you ride a motorcycle. Progressive insurance representatives are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your motorcycle insurance policy. Just call us at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737) and we'll do what we can to help you.

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