It’s finally summer which means that now, more than ever, you’ll see people cruising down the road on their Harleys enjoying the Texas sunshine. However, before you hop on your bike, ask yourself this question: Do I have motorcycle insurance coverage? If you think that your auto insurance policy covers your motorcycle, then the answer to that question is probably “no.”
It is no surprise that riding a motorcycle is statistically more dangerous than driving a car. Most motorcycle accidents are not caused by the biker, but by other cars on the road. That is why it is so important to have the right type of insurance coverage to protect you and your motorcycle should you be involved in an accident.
J. Thomas & Associates is your Houston Allstate insurance agency that can help you get the motorcycle insurance coverage you need without overpaying for what you do not need. Keep reading to learn more about motorcycle insurance and do not hesitate to call your Houston insurance agent with any questions you may have.
Car Insurance Does Not Cover Motorcycles
Under most auto insurance policies, you can drive another car and your liability insurance will follow you. However, this is not the case when you ride your motorcycle. Even though your car insurance policy may follow you from car to car, it does not apply to your motorcycle or damage caused to or by your motorcycle. For this reason, it is important to understand your insurance policy and ensure that you have the proper policy when you hit the road.
Motorcycle Insurance Is Required By Texas Law
Currently, in the state of Texas, motorcycle riders are required to have liability insurance coverage at the minimum. This is the more basic type of insurance and covers injuries and damage that you do to another person or vehicle, but does not cover your own injuries or vehicle. This motorcycle insurance policy must cover at least $60,000 in bodily injury per accident, $25,000 in property damage, and $30,000 in bodily injury for each injured person in the accident. Keep in mind that these figures may change over time and that the best way to ensure that you are meeting minimum requirements is to speak with your local insurance agent.
Types Of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
Just like auto insurance, there are multiple types and levels of motorcycle insurance. As we mentioned above, liability insurance is required to protect other parties during an accident. However, you don’t want to be left in the dust. Since many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers colliding with a motorcyclist, uninsured motorist coverage can protect you if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit and run. Additionally, comprehensive and collision insurance can cover you if you are at-fault, if your bike is stolen or damaged by Mother Nature, and pay for fixing or replacing your bike in an accident.
Customized Bikes Require Special Coverage
If you drove your bike off the lot and haven’t done more than change the oil, then you are probably fine with regular comprehensive coverage. However, what about those who pour thousands of dollars into customizing their motorcycles? Often times these upgrades will not be covered under a typical insurance plan, so be sure to mention this when you receive your free motorcycle insurance quote so your agent can determine the best coverage for you.
Other Riders May Not Be Covered
It is important to understand who will be covered on your motorcycle. If you have coverage that protects you if you are injured, you may be faced paying medical bills for your passenger if they are injured on your motorcycle and you do not have the proper coverage. If you rarely go anywhere without someone of the back of your bike, talk to your agent about a more comprehensive policy.
Helmets Matter
Texas does not require riders and passengers over the age of 21 to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle so long as they have passed required safety courses and are covered by an applicable health insurance plan. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,772 motorcyclists in 2015 alone and that another 740 deaths could have been prevented with helmets. We care about you and your safety, and while wearing a helmet may not affect your motorcycle insurance, it can affect your health insurance coverage and costs if you are in an accident — not to mention it can save your life.
Motorcycle Insurance That Works For You
If you have put years of blood, sweat, and tears into your motorcycle and would be emotionally and financially devastated if it were to be totaled, then you will probably need better coverage than someone who bought a $1,200 motorcycle off of Craigslist just to save on gas money while commuting to work.
At J. Thomas & Associates, we want to work with you to get you the coverage you need without overpaying. When you speak with our insurance specialists, they can go over exactly what type of coverage would be best to protect you, your bike, and other drivers on the road. Get in touch today to learn more about motorcycle insurance in Texas!
