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frequently asked questions

managing your motorcycle insurance coverage

Want to make sure you have the coverages you need? The answers to these frequently asked questions can help you get started.

Basic coverage

Specialty coverage

International coverage

Basic coverage

What coverage do I absolutely need on my motorcycle insurance policy?

This varies by state, but a standard motorcycle insurance policy requires at least bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.

Bodily injury and property damage liability cover you in the event of an at-fault accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage will help you repair or replace a damaged or stolen bike.

Other states may require additional coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You can customize limits and deductibles and see all of your coverage options in one place when you get your free motorcycle insurance quote.

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What is motorcycle PIP insurance?

PIP is an acronym for Personal Injury Protection, also known as no-fault insurance. In general, motorcycle PIP insurance covers the medical expenses of people riding on the insured motorcycle and pedestrians who are struck by the insured motorcycle in an accident. PIP can also cover lost wages caused by a motorcycle accident.

PIP coverages and limits vary by state, but we recommend setting limits high enough to cover costs that your health insurance may not cover.

Take a look at our insurance glossary for detailed definitions of various insurance coverages.

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Does my motorcycle insurance policy include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

Check the specifics of your policy to find out. Motorcycle insurance offered through Esurance does offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

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I don't ride my bike very often. Can I have insurance coverage on my motorcycle only during the months I ride?

You can, but gaps in coverage can leave you unprotected against things like fire, theft, and vandalism. Plus, you might want to ride on warm days during the off months.

With the motorcycle insurance offered through Esurance, you can earn benefits and loyalty rewards like accident forgiveness.

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Does my motorcycle insurance policy cover the trailer I attach to my bike?

In most states, up to $3,000 of custom parts and equipment/accessory coverage is included on a motorcycle insurance policy. When you buy a motorcycle insurance policy, you can raise that number up to $30,000. This coverage does include trailers designed to be pulled behind an insured motorcycle, ATV, or other off-road vehicle.

Please note that your motorcycle insurance policy does not cover trailers that attach to your car or truck. These fall under the domain of your car insurance policy.

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Will my rental bike be covered under my motorcycle policy?

Yes. With the motorcycle insurance offered through Esurance, all coverages from your policy will transfer to your rental bike at no extra cost.

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Will my motorcycle insurance policy cover me if my bike gets stolen?

Yes, so long as you have comprehensive coverage on that motorcycle. Comprehensive coverage typically protects you from non-collision claims, including theft, fire, and vandalism.

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Will my motorcycle insurance policy cover me if my bike gets totaled?

Yes, as long as you have total loss coverage on your motorcycle policy. If you have total loss coverage, your insurer will pay the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of a current model year motorcycle of the same make and model.

If you do not have total loss coverage, actual cash value coverage ensures that your bike is covered for its current-day worth. For a limited-production motorcycle, agreed value coverage might be required.

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Specialty coverage

What extra coverage can I get on my motorcycle insurance policy?

In addition to the typical comprehensive, collision, and liability coverages, a number of other motorcycle insurance options are available. These include:

  • Roadside assistance
  • Accessory coverage
  • Transport trailer coverage
  • Trip interruption coverage
  • Total loss coverage

When you get your free motorcycle insurance quote, you can customize your coverages to fit your needs.

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Does my motorcycle insurance policy cover me to ride other bikes?

This depends on the bike you're riding. If it's a rental, your motorcycle insurance coverage still applies. If you're riding a bike you own or can regularly use but that isn't included in your policy, coverage might not apply. Check your policy contract for details.

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Does my motorcycle insurance policy cover me if I want to race on a track? Do I need separate insurance coverage?

Due to the increased likelihood of an accident or damage, your motorcycle insurance policy will not cover damages if you participate in any kind of racing with your bike.

Motorcycle insurance through Esurance insures high-performance motorcycles with racing technology, such as the Suzuki Hayabusa, Suzuki GSX-R, Honda CBR, and the Ducati 996 Supersport. However, insuring a racing bike isn't the same as insuring a bike in a motorcycle race. If you do race your bike and file a claim afterwards, your claim could be denied.

If you ride a motocross bike that isn't street legal, such as a Honda CR and CRF Series, Suzuki RM Series, and the KTM SX and M/XC Series bike, check on the specifics of your policy before riding to the track.

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Does my motorcycle insurance policy include towing coverage?

Yes, as long as you have roadside assistance coverage. Roadside assistance covers the cost of towing your bike to a repair facility, as well as the cost of certain types of labor at the breakdown site, such as fuel delivery. It also provides towing for trailers attached to your motorcycle.

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International coverage

Does my motorcycle insurance policy cover me if I ride across the border to Canada or Mexico? How about if I take my bike abroad?

While each policy is different, a motorcycle insurance policy from our partner generally will cover you when you ride in Canada, and generally will not cover you while in Mexico or abroad. We recommend speaking with a licensed agent to determine the best way to secure coverage before you ride across the border or overseas.

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Didn't find what you were looking for?

Email your question to partnerproducts@esurance.com and we'll answer it as soon as we can.

This page is intended to provide you with general information about motorcycle insurance, and to help you understand the various kinds of coverage. It does not describe or refer to any specific policy or coverage. For information about your particular coverages, including limitations and exclusions, we encourage you to read your policy contract and consult your insurance representative with any questions.

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