Government Policymakers Focus on Boosting Motorcycle Safety

Having the Proper Insurance Coverage Is Essential For Motorcyclists

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, October 20, 2008 - Motorcyclists are encouraged to always wear helmets and other protective gear, never drink alcohol and ride, be properly licensed and get proper training. But purchasing the right insurance coverage is also a necessity, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

"Motorcycle insurance is widely available and affordable. Indeed, most insurers that sell auto insurance policies also sell motorcycle insurance coverage," said Michael Barry, vice president, Media Relations for the I.I.I.

In August 2008 the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a public service campaign focusing on motorcycle safety after the DOT found that in 2007 motorcycle fatalities accounted for 13 percent of all roadway fatalities while the number of motorcycle riders or passengers killed on the nation's roads increased 6.6 percent over the previous year. These figures came amid historic drops in the number of overall highway fatalities and injuries. "U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has said that reducing motorcycle fatalities represents our nation's greatest highway traffic safety challenge," noted Barry.

The federal government's actions come as rising fuel prices have caused more Americans to consider purchasing a motorcycle, with many of these vehicles capable of getting 50 to 70 miles per gallon. If you are in the market for motorcycle insurance, most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It does not cover you or your motorcycle.

An additional option within your liability insurance is first-party medical coverage, in the event you want to be reimbursed for bodily injury expenses you incurred while on your motorcycle. You may also be able to purchase coverage for medical bills received from an injured party, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. And check whether your liability coverage also includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides financial protection in the event that your passenger is injured while on your motorcycle.

Other, often optional, coverages available to motorcycle owners are: collision (covering damage to your motorcycle); comprehensive (covering damage caused by events other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism); and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (covering damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either does not have insurance or whose insurance is inadequate). Always ask your insurance agent or company representative which insurance coverages are required in your state.

Be sure to also ask your insurance agent about motorcycle accessories coverage for items such as add-ons, customizations, aftermarket parts and anything else you may have added to your bike since purchasing it.

Many factors can affect how much you will pay in motorcycle insurance premiums, including:

• Driver's age and driving record
• Where the driver lives
• Model, style (sports bike vs. cruiser) and age of the motorcycle
• Number of miles the motorcycle is driven each year
• Where the motorcycle is stored

There are also ways of saving money on motorcycle premiums, with discounts ranging anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent, depending on the company and the state. Some common discounts include:

• Multi-bike discounts for those insuring more than one bike
• Motorcycle association discounts and mature rider discounts for experienced riders
• Installation of antitheft devices
• Discounts for graduates of training courses, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Rider Course. (Riders under the age of 25, usually considered at higher risk, and motorcyclists who have already had accidents stand to save the most if they complete this type of course.)

In many northern states, seasonal motorcyclists can consider buying a "lay-up" policy, in which all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months.

For more information about motorcycle insurance, go to the I.I.I. Web site.

For a complete list of state motorcycle helmet use laws, go to Issues Updates: Motorcycle Crashes.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.