Along with opportunities for fun and unique adventures, owning a motorcycle comes with many responsibilities. And, like life itself, some of the benefits also come with risks—one of them being the possibility of a motorcycle accident.
The caveat I’ve heard during my five decades of riding motorcycles is this: It’s not if you fall, but when you fall. While that’s an oft-repeated saying, it doesn’t have to become an inevitable reality.
And even though all automobile drivers should have some form of insurance—whether it be by law or not—motorcycles generally are not covered under standard auto policies.
For younger riders, some of the biggest challenges come from elevated levels of adrenaline and youthful confidence, which can translate into a higher tolerance for risk, including an urge for speed. Motorcycles today are no longer simple machines; even smaller displacement bikes can produce more horsepower and torque than cars from just a few decades ago.
And even though all automobile drivers should have some form of insurance—whether it be by law or not—motorcycles generally are not covered under standard auto policies; motorcycles usually require their own motorcycle policy.
With that in mind, many new motorcycle owners discover—often too late—that their assumptions about insurance coverage don’t always match the realities of riding. Here are three other common motorcycle insurance myths and their corresponding realities.
Myth: A lightweight motorcycle can’t cause serious damage—or justify higher coverage limits.
Truth: Many new owners do not believe that a bike weighing less than 500 pounds can do damage that warrants higher liability or property damage coverage. That’s far from true. A bike of almost any size traveling at 50 miles per hour can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. That equates to increased liability on every level, quickly exceeding minimum limits. A relatively modest increase in premium can provide significantly greater financial protection.
Myth: State minimum coverage is enough for everyone.
Truth: Not always. Some can get by with the “state minimum,” particularly those with few assets. Younger riders generally have limited exposure, while older or more affluent riders may have more risk. Buyers of larger cruising and touring bikes also tend to be older and often choose more comfortable, heavier bikes. When it comes to motorcycle insurance, determining smart coverage limits is a conversation best had with your insurance provider.
Myth: Most motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle.
Truth: While many motorcycle accidents do involve other vehicles, roughly one-third are single-vehicle incidents, says Pete Frentzen, an insurance advisor at AAA. Frentzen points out that younger riders, especially those on sport bikes, are more prone to single-vehicle accidents since skills such as braking judgment and spatial awareness take time to develop.
Ways to protect yourself
Real-world motorcycle safety comes down to preparation—both on your bike and in your insurance coverage. Here’s how to gear up for safety.
- Take a riding course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Since 1973, MSF has been offering courses for riders of all levels. Its MSF Basic RiderCourse includes about five hours of online learning, followed by 10 hours of on-bike training over two days. As an added benefit, you may be eligible for discounts on your insurance for successfully completing safety courses.
- Make sure your policy includes comprehensive and collisionin addition to liability. Since many accidents involve property damage, having coverage for that—along with theft—is a smart financial move.
- Wear proper gear, starting with the most basic: a helmet. Protecting your head with a certified helmet (DOT, ECE, or SNELL) is the cheapest life insurance you can buy. Wearing a “skull cap” or riding without a helmet is a risky move, as head injuries are among the most common in motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s also wise to wear jackets with armor padding, high-quality boots that cover the ankles, and riding gloves.
- Eat properly and stay hydrated. Many riders get caught up in reaching a destination “on time” and neglect proper rest or drinking enough water. Mental fatigue can be deadly on two wheels.
- Watchother drivers carefully. This may sound simple, but in this age of distracted driving, it’s especially important. A good habit is to watch the front wheels of nearby vehicles rather than just their driver’s face or eyes. The front wheels often give the earliest indication that someone is about to change lanes.
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Motorcycle ownership is not to be taken lightly. The fatality rate among riders is nearly 28 times higher than for car occupants, according to the NHTSA. In addition, around 80 percent of motorcycle accidents lead to an injury. That level of risk makes smart motorcycle insurance coverage less of a luxury and more of a necessity.