It’s always fun to cruise around the streets of Philadelphia or take a long, relaxing ride in the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania.
But, just like any other vehicle, safety is paramount. Besides wearing protective gear, you also need something to cover your expenses in time of an accident because you never know when they may happen. That’s why riders look for the best motorcycle insurance policies in PA.
Of course, you may ask yourself, do I really need motorcycle insurance in PA? How much does it cost? What factors can affect the insurance rates? The answer is here.
Do I Need Motorcycle Insurance in PA?
In Pennsylvania, all motorcyclists are required to have liability insurance coverage. This includes at least $15,000 for one person’s death or injury and a minimum of $30,000 for multiple people injured in an accident. The policy will cover up to $15,000 per person’s medical expenses, with a maximum of $30,000 total in the event that more than one person is hurt.
Factors Affecting Your Motorcycle Insurance Rates
The cost of your insurance depends on how likely your insurer thinks you are going to make a claim and, if so, how costly it will be. Factors they consider include:
Location
The cost of motorcycle insurance can vary depending on the state you live in. Generally, states with cold winters tend to have lower premiums, while states that stay warm year-round may have higher premiums. This is likely because the riding season can be longer or shorter in different areas.
For example, in colder cities like Chicago, riders may not use their motorcycles as often due to the cold temperatures and shorter riding seasons, resulting in fewer accidents and lower insurance rates. Riders in cold regions can get a lower rate because they are less likely to get into an accident.
Driving & Claim Records
Having a good record on your bike insurance can save you money when it comes time to renew your plan. Finishing every year without a claim can get you a No Claims Discount (NCD) which can significantly bring down your rates.
Once you have accumulated five or six years of no claims, many insurance companies will stop providing discounts. However, other agencies may offer more.
The reverse is also true for all riders that collect penalty points, leaving the insurance provider no choice but to charge a higher rate because now they are more prone to an accident.
Motorcycle Make/Model
Generally, a bike with more powerful performance will cost more to insure than a bike with a smaller engine size. For example, an insurance policy for a standard bike or cruiser is going to be much cheaper than that of a sport bike.
The cost of insurance for a high-end bike is not necessarily higher than an average motorcycle. Insurance companies consider factors such as the bike’s make, your safety in riding, and the specific models of the bike to accurately determine rates and premiums.
Your Age
Just like buying insurance for a car, the insurance rate goes up for people under 25 years old. Based on statistics, the probability of accidents is higher in this demographic, leaving insurance agencies no choice but to charge more.
Motorcycle’s Mileage & Age
Similar to the rider, your bike’s age or mileage is another vital element that can impact insurance rates. Insurance rates usually go down for older bikes because of depreciation over time. The opposite is true for brand-new motorcycles.
The Amount of Coverage
The best motorcycle insurance is one that can offer maximum coverage while being reasonably affordable. When buying a policy, remember that the best motorcycle insurance is not always the cheapest because cheap plans won’t cover your bike, carried items, valuables, and severe injury cases.
How Much Is Full Coverage Insurance on a Motorcycle?
As said before, many factors can impact the final cost of insurance for a motorcycle, but the average cost in PA is around $670 per year which is somewhat cheaper than the national average of $700. Of course, there are policies that cost more or less than $670 a year.
It might depend on how different your driving history is from that of other drivers. In essence, your rates can be higher even if you have the same level of insurance as another motorist. Your driving history, age, place of residence, model of vehicle, and a host of other variables may all affect how much insurance will cost for your motorcycle
How to Find the Best Motorcycle Insurance Provider
With so many different options available on the market, it’s surely difficult to find the best motorcycle insurance provider because each has unique pros and cons. But there are several factors that any reliable agency should have:
A Solid Track Record
Before buying a policy, make sure to research the agency’s reputation by checking out their website, reading online reviews, and client testimonials to understand what doing business with them is like.
Flexible Coverage
Some companies offer ready-made plans with little flexibility, but the best motorcycle insurance companies consider your specific needs and conditions so they can tailor the amount of coverage accordingly.
Price
Like any other purchase, price is a vital factor to consider, but it is not the only one. Remember that the best motorcycle insurance policies are not the cheapest because you get what you pay for. But you need a reasonable price that matches your amount of coverage. In other words, make sure you get your money’s worth.
Best Motorcycle Insurance in Harrisburg, PA
Buying and riding a motorcycle is a lot of fun, but it also comes with responsibilities towards yourself and others. Getting insurance is mandatory based on PA state laws, but it doesn’t have to be that hard. You just need a reliable provider that offers a comprehensive plan with a flexible payment structure.
Luckily, you don’t have to look very hard for such a provider because we at The Kind Insurance offer such services. Plus, our professionals are just a phone call away, ready to answer your questions and set you up with the plan that you want!