27 Apr Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This event spreads safety information about motorcycles on the road. As the weather gets warmer, the number of those driving motorcycles will increase, and with that, all drivers on the road must be more aware of their surroundings to prevent accidents.
Reduce Your Risk As A Rider
There’s nothing like the freedom you feel when riding but if you’re on the road, you’re at risk. To ensure you’ve got the coverage and financial protection you need, consider the following motorcycle insurance coverage options.
Liability Insurance Coverage
Required by most states, liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident.
– Bodily injury liability – typically covers the other driver or your passenger’s expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
– Property damage liability – typically covers the expense of repairing damage to others’ property (vehicles, homes, fences, etc.).
Collision Insurance Coverage
Collision insurance covers damage, minus your deductible, to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Keep in mind, collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like collision insurance coverage, your policy will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either is uninsured or underinsured to cover your damages. This coverage typically pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages. For more information on underinsurance/uninsurance coverage, check out another one of our articles by clicking here.
Optional Equipment Coverage
If you decide to customize your motorcycle, you should look into obtaining additional or optional equipment coverage. Most comprehensive and collision insurance coverages will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Riders
Always wear safety gear.
Even if it is not required by state law, it is crucial to wear a helmet to prevent head injuries if an accident occurs.
Be Visible.
Use your headlight day and night so you are easier to see.
Give Yourself Space.
Drive defensively by giving yourself time and distance to account for other motorists’ driving.
Stay In Your Lane.
Make sure to remain in your lane. Do not weave in and out of lanes.
Watch The Weather.
When riding, make sure you have a plan of action if bad weather occurs.
Other Motorists
Always Check Twice.
Before changing lanes, check to make sure you didn’t miss a motorcyclist who could have been in your blind spot.
Use Caution.
When passing or changing lanes, make sure there is enough room to do so.
Pay Attention.
Pay attention while driving at night for motorcycles; they are smaller, so they may not be as easy to see as a car.
Keep A Safe Distance.
When driving behind motorcycles—or any other vehicle—ensure you have enough space to stop safely if an accident or problem occurs.
Drive Defensively.
Always drive defensively to avoid accidents and account for other drivers’ actions.
For more information on motorcyclist safety, coverage and protection, contact or connect with us today!
