Do You Pay Motorcycle Insurance Throughout the Year?

When you request a motorcycle insurance quote, you might receive one, two, or three different rates to review.

The first premium you see is often the monthly cost. Motorcycle insurance companies create six- or twelve-month plans, so the first cost is what you’ll pay to maintain coverage every 30 days. If you fail to make a payment, the policy cancels.

With the second rate, you’ll receive a six-month price. You’ll pay this amount for six continuous and consecutive months of motorcycle insurance. If you’re on an annual plan, the following premium must be paid to continue the protection.

The final rate is called the PIF – pay in full. It is what you’d pay for twelve consecutive months of motorcycle insurance. It can also apply to 180-day policies when they are the longest option from the insurer.

You pay for motorcycle insurance throughout the year, but there are some strategies you can take to keep your costs low.

Are There Alternatives to Annual Motorcycle Insurance?

The only alternative to traditional motorcycle policy structures is temporary insurance. If you only ride a motorcycle for a few days or weeks at a time, this option might save you some money.

It should be noted that the per-day insurance rate for temporary policies is often higher than the per-day coverage for a six- or twelve-month plan.

Here are some different insurance options to consider if you’re ready to take your motorcycle on the road.

1. Pay the Annual Policy Rate

You can save 10% to 20% on your motorcycle insurance needs by paying in full compared to the monthly premium. Although the cost is high, the long-term savings are worth considering. Riders who keep their bikes on the road throughout the year benefit most from this strategy.

Some insurance companies issue policy renewals every six months. In that situation, you’d want to pay in full each time the opportunity is given.

2. Raise Your Deductible

Comprehensive and collision insurance policies use a deductible. It often ranges from $250 to $1,500 when purchasing motorcycle coverage.

When you have a higher deductible, you’re taking on more risk if a claim needs to be filed, which means your costs are lower. You’ll pay more if an accident or a problem requires repair or bike replacement, but it can keep your expenses under control.

3. Run the Minimum

Buying 300/150/300 liability insurance for your motorcycle will pay considerably more than a policy capped at 25/50/25. If money is an issue, consider the minimum liability costs to operate the bike legally. After that, try to invest in as much comprehensive collision insurance as you can afford.

4. Get Seasonal Insurance

If you only ride your bike for six months out of the year, paying for liability coverage doesn’t make sense. Your actions won’t cause harm to another because you’re not riding the bike! You’ll want comprehensive coverage when you winterize the equipment to ensure any storage-related damage (flood, fire, pests) won’t cause you to pay the entire repair bill.

Temporary insurance makes sense when you only ride for a portion of the year. With some insurers offering up to six months of coverage under these plans, it helps to shop around to find the right combination of cost and policy benefits.