Insurance Tips for First-Time Motorcycle Owners in California
There’s nothing more exciting than buying your first motorcycle, but before you can cruise the open highways and byways across California, it’s important to be safe – and legal. Along with safety accessories like a helmet and mirrors, you need the right motorcycle insurance policy that protects you—and Cost-U-Less has the insurance tips for motorcycle owners in California you need to get the right policy.
In California, motorcycle drivers need to have minimum liability coverage. But many motorcycle financing programs require additional coverage, and there are lots of advantages to getting additional layers of motorcycle insurance for new riders.
See how you can get cheap motorcycle insurance quotes that still give you reliable coverage.
Understanding Motorcycle Insurance Basics
All drivers need to carry insurance in California—and that includes motorcyclists. The state mandates that you need to maintain a minimum amount of liability coverage for any injuries or damage if you’re at fault for an accident.
If you ride without this coverage, you can face fines, license suspension, and even jail time, so make sure you’re covered before you even ride your bike home.
One of the top insurance tips for motorcycle owners in California is to go beyond the basics. Along with minimum coverage, bikers can decide to purchase additional coverage for their own injuries and property. While additional coverage is more expensive, it is especially important for new and inexperienced motorcyclists who are more likely to be in an accident.
Depending on your insurance provider, you can bundle home insurance or renters insurance, car insurance, motorcycle insurance, and more, simplifying the process and potentially saving you money.
Types of Coverage for California Motorcyclists
Before you can harness insurance tips for motorcycle owners in California, it’s important to understand how the coverage works. There are four main types of California motorcycle coverage, and you can increase the limits depending on your budget and preferences. All drivers must have mandatory liability coverage, and the others are highly recommended.
Mandatory Liability Coverage
You must maintain state-mandated minimum insurance coverage in California. Liability coverage applies to the losses someone suffers if you’re responsible for the accident, so you minimize your out-of-pocket costs. California motorcyclists must have:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 for one person and $60,000 per incident
- Property damage liability coverage: $15,000 per incident
While this is mandatory coverage, drivers should consider increasing their liability coverage. If the costs of the damage exceed the above figures, then you’ll be responsible for paying the difference.
Optional Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Mandatory liability coverage doesn’t apply to your own injuries and property damage. You can protect yourself with collision coverage (for incidents where your bike collides with another bike, vehicle, or object). You can also add comprehensive coverage for non-collision incidents, such as theft, weather, fire or vandalism.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While insurance is required, some drivers will be on the road illegally. They may also have a policy that doesn’t cover the total cost of damage, while also not having enough money to make up the difference. In these circumstances, you can make a claim if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Personal Injury Protection and Gear Coverage
Depending on your main policy, comprehensive and collision coverage is likely to only apply to the motorcycle itself. It won’t cover your gear, like boots or your helmet. This additional coverage is for these accessories and gear so you suffer minimal losses after an accident or loss.
Personal injury protection (PIP) is optional coverage for medical-related damages. It can cover medical costs and even lost wages caused by a qualifying motorcycle accident.
Navigating California’s Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
For new motorcycle drivers, it’s important to fully understand your obligations and the laws surrounding motorcycle insurance. If you don’t maintain minimum liability coverage, you might face:
- Fines of up to $200 and more, depending on the circumstances
- License suspension
- Having your motorcycle impounded (and being responsible for all related fees)
- Being required to carry SR-22 insurance after multiple infractions
If you’re purchasing insurance for the first time, an insurance broker or insurance agent can walk you through the requirements, additional coverage options based on your risk factors, and strategies for saving money. California requires motorcycle drivers to be covered before purchasing a bike from a dealer, so shop around independently before going to the dealership.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
The first step is making sure you get enough coverage to follow the law—but what else should you consider? Keep these general preferences and factors affecting motorcycle insurance premiums in mind as you choose your motorcycle coverage:
- Monthly premium price discounts: Look for policies and service providers that offer discounts for safe driving or other elements.
- Deductible: Find policies with a deductible that you’re comfortable with.
- Customer service: Choose service providers with a reputation for fast and helpful service.
- Insurance for custom motorcycles: For high-performance or customized motorcycles, your motorcycle insurance coverage options will go up in price because of the associated risks and costs of replacement or repair.
- Comprehensiveness: Ideally, your insurance provider will offer multiple different policy types (for your motorcycle and other parts of your life) so you don’t have to keep track of multiple providers.
- Risks for you and your area: Consider additional coverage based on if you drive along risky roads, if you think there’s a high risk of your bike being stolen, or if you plan on purchasing a lot of gear and accessories.
Tips for Keeping Insurance Costs Down
Reliable motorcycle insurance doesn’t have to be expensive if you follow the right insurance tips for motorcycle owners in California. One of the most important steps you can take is shopping around and comparing quotes so you know you’re getting a good deal. Assess the policies to make sure you understand what they cover so you’re comparing apples to apples.
Also, look for available discounts. For example, you might be able to significantly lower your premiums if you have a safe driving record, and the discount can grow the longer your safe driving record is. You might also be eligible for discounts if you bundle your coverage.
Finally, consider the motorcycle itself. High-performance and heavily modified motorcycles are more expensive to insure. But reliable models with safety features are a lower risk to insure and can be significantly less expensive. Staying on top of motorcycle maintenance can also make it cost less to insure.
Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim
With the right provider, filing a motorcycle insurance claim is simple. Once you’re safe after an accident, document as much as you can, including the details of the event, the damage, and any injuries you receive. Then you can file a claim and upload the details online.
Your insurance agent can offer you advice regarding the next steps so you can streamline the motorcycle accident insurance claims process and get a fair payout.
Ride With Confidence. Get Your Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today!
Driving a motorcycle is fun, and having the right coverage can give you peace of mind at the same time. Your coverage should include mandatory liability coverage at a minimum, and it’s worth considering additional coverage to reduce your risk.
Once you’ve picked up some insurance tips for motorcycle owners in California, it’s time to pick a policy. Cost-U-Less Insurance specializes in serving California drivers with affordable coverage and friendly customer service. Get a fast quote online to start the process. You can also call (800)390-4071 or visit a nearby office for personalized assistance.
FAQs
Do I Need a Motorcycle License to Purchase Insurance?
You do not need a motorcycle license to purchase insurance, but it’s generally recommended. Without a license, you might face higher premiums and coverage limitations.
What Happens If I Ride Without Insurance?
Riding a motorcycle without insurance is a crime in California. If you’re caught, you can incur fines and potentially have your license suspended.
Can I Insure My Bike Without Full Coverage?
You can insure your bike with mandatory liability coverage. But full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage, offers you more protection, and some dealerships may require it.
