What do insurance companies consider custom parts and equipment, and are they covered by your policy?

Personalizing your motorcycle is almost second nature: You want to make your bike reflect your personality, so getting a custom paint job or adding flashy saddlebags is a simple way to do this. Adding accessories and parts is easy, but do you know if your insurance policy covers those added items?

To determine whether your accessories and parts are covered, here's a quick overview of what insurance companies often consider custom parts and equipment (CPE).

How Insurance Defines Custom Parts and Equipment on Motorcycles

A basic motorcycle insurance policy outlines what situations and types of damage are covered for your motorcycle. Most motorcycle policies also define what types of parts and equipment are covered, but if you add parts — sissy bars, custom exhaust, alarms, etc. — they may not be covered without purchasing additional coverage.

Motorcycle policies often define CPE as equipment, devices, accessories, enhancements and changes, other than those that the original manufacturer installed, that alter the appearance or performance of the motorcycle. The definition is fairly straightforward, but simply put, if you add something to your motorcycle that the maker didn't originally have on it, and it changes how your bike looks or rides, you've added custom parts and equipment to your motorcycle.

Often, a basic motorcycle policy will provide coverage for CPE up to a specific limit, such as $1,000. However if your accessories or parts are valued at more than $1,000 or whatever amount is automatically covered by your policy, it's a good idea to add additional CPE (or Accessory coverage, depending on your state) to your policy so those parts are covered in case they're ever damaged.

Types of Custom Parts and Equipment

States may differ in what they consider to be CPE, but generally the following items qualify as custom parts and equipment:

• Alarm systems
• Cams
• Custom exhaust, custom plating
• Electronic equipment (antennas, CB radios, radios, other devices used exclusively to send/receive audio)
• Extended forks that did not come standard on the motorcycle, meaning they were added after the bike left the manufacturer
• Extra chrome
• Fairings
• King/Queen seat
• Lowering kits
• Luggage rack
• Pistons
• Saddlebags
• Safety riding apparel (theft is not covered)
• Sidecars
• Sissy bars
• Special/custom paint
• Special seat
• Trailers designed to be pulled behind a motorcycle
• Trike conversion kits
• Windshield

Uninsurable Custom Parts and Equipment

Certain types of CPE generally cannot be insured, such as:

• Intercom kits and headsets
• Radar detectors
• Tires

Do You Need CPE/Accessory Coverage?

Look at the amount of CPE on your bike to determine its value, then check your insurance policy to see how much CPE coverage is automatically included with Collision and Comprehensive coverage. If the value of your CPE is more than the included coverage, consider purchasing additional CPE/Accessory coverage to protect these valuable pieces of equipment.

You may be able to purchase up to $30,000 of CPE/Accessory coverage, depending on what your state offers. You also may need an inspection completed depending on the type or amount of CPE you have. Your insurance company should notify you of this when you purchase CPE/Accessory coverage.

Finally, remember to keep all receipts of your custom parts and equipment, and take pictures of your bike with the equipment permanently installed on it. This can help expedite a claim if you ever need to make one.

To add CPE/Accessory coverage to your Progressive Motorcycle policy, or to get a motorcycle insurance quote from America's No. 1 motorcycle insurer, call us at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or get an online quote 24/7.