Can You Get Motorcycle Insurance With A Bad Driving Record?

Driving a motorcycle is risky, so it should not surprise you that many owners have a few blemishes on their records.

Unfortunately, this can make it rather difficult to qualify for insurance. If this is your predicament and you need some answers, here is everything you need to know about obtaining a policy despite having a bad driving history.

What Is A Bad Driving Record?

This is somewhat subjective. Depending on the company you are trying to get insurance from, this can be anything from getting into two at-fault accidents to receiving multiple speeding tickets. Here is a list of things that can hurt your driving record:

• Traffic violations
• License suspensions
• Points
• Speeding tickets
• DUI/DWI incidents
• Criminal record, especially when a motor vehicle was involved
• At-fault accidents
• Lapses in insurance coverage

Whether you have only one or two of these on your record or a large number of them, there is always a chance that a provider will see you as a liability and refuse to insure you.

Affordable Motorcycle Insurance

Typically, when a provider sees you as a liability, they set high premiums if they decide to offer coverage. That said, there are a few ways to qualify for a lower cost, even though your record is not squeaky clean.

Here are a few instances when having a few things on your record will not make a huge impact.

• Some providers are willing to give you a chance if you have moving violations that do not involve speeding or being intoxicated.
• Many providers will not look past three years if you have had speeding tickets. This will depend on what state you live in. If you already pay a high rate based on past tickets, you can ask that this be recalculated once the three-year mark has arrived.
• Heading to driving school is another way to reduce your premiums. Once you have had a few blemishes, go to some classes. This will show insurers that you are responsible and serious about getting your act together.

It is not always easy to qualify for affordable insurance when you have a bad record, but that does not mean it is impossible. Keep these points in mind as you move forward.

Filing An SR22 Form

When your record is particularly bad, like in the case of those who have driven while intoxicated, you may be required to have an SR22 form filled out on your behalf. This is a severe problem for some insurers since they state that they are financially responsible for you and that you have liability coverage.

Many major carriers are not willing to do this, so there is a chance you may have to seek out a lesser-known insurance company that specializes in helping those with bad driving histories.

Shopping Around

Instead of settling for a smaller insurance company by default, you should always shop around to see what type of rates you are offered. While you may have to pay a bit more in some instances, the coverage you will be offered may be superior.

For instance, a small carrier may be willing to insure you at a low cost, but they are a pain to deal with when it is time to file a claim.

If you have a bad record, the best thing to do is try your best to be safe moving forward. As you were told earlier, things like parking violations and tickets will fall off in a few years, and you will have a better leg to stand on. In the meantime, all you can do is get some quotes, consider smaller companies, and hope for the best.