If you own a motorcycle, it’s important to note that there are some key differences between motorcycle insurance coverage and car insurance coverage in Tampa, FL. This is because there are differences in how these vehicles are handled (licenses, regulations, repairs, maintenance).
Here’s some information you should know about the differences in these types of coverage.
Why would differences exist?
All insurance is based on assumed risk and cost for the insurer. What are the costs likely to be when damage or an accident occurs? This is why there are some differences between standard auto insurance and insurance for motorcycles.
Motorcycles cost less than cars, but the risk of the accident causing major damage to both the rider and the bike itself is significantly higher. This is why motorcycle insurance tends to come with higher rates.
Think of it this way: a standard car has seatbelts, airbags and protection on all four sides from the elements and from impact. A motorcyclist has none of these protections, and could be thrown off the bike. In taking on a motorcyclist for an insurance policy, there is significantly more risk that the subject of the policy will experience significant or even life-threatening injuries.
Adding coverages
Just as there are additional coverages you can add on to a car insurance policy, there are some extra coverages you can get for a motorcycle insurance policy. Of course, the added policies you get for a motorcycle insurance plan might not be the same as those you’d find with standard car insurance.
Some of the most popular options include:
- Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage is available in standard car insurance, and it works similarly for motorcycles. This is coverage that applies to any damage to the motorcycle not caused by a collision, including fire, theft, vandalism, natural disaster or anything else for which you do not bear liability.
- Guest passenger liability: If you know you will be riding with a guest passenger from time to time, this is a good type of additional coverage to add. It will offer coverage to any passenger on your motorcycle in the event they sustain injuries during an accident. Standard motorcycle coverage will not necessarily protect any guests you have on the bike with you, so take your motorcycle habits into consideration when deciding whether you will add on this coverage.
- Lay-up policies: Motorcycles are seasonal vehicles, and lay-up policies are designed to take that seasonal nature into account. There are some policies that can have their costs slashed by having all insurance suspended during those periods of “lay-up,” such as winter, when you know you’re not going to be using the vehicle. This provides you with some significant savings, but if you take the bike out during that “lay-up” period, you do so at your own risk.
Interested in learning more about the differences between car insurance coverage and motorcycle insurance coverage in Tampa, FL? Reach out to the team at Affordable Car Insurance Tampa today for more information and to explore your coverage options.
