What Factors are Considered to Calculate Your Motorcycle Insurance Premium?

Around the US, millions of motorcycles carry people of different ages, driving records, and backgrounds. Just like automobile owners, most states require those motorcycle riders to have insurance. Although there are exceptions, the owners of motorcycles are required to have at least some insurance. They will need to understand how their monthly premiums are set.

What Factors Affect Your Motorcycle Insurance Premiums?

When it comes to the cost of motorcycle premiums, several factors must be taken into account. The truth is that motorcycle insurance rates are set by several considerations that are based on statistics. Insurance companies consider all the information provided to them by the motorcycle owner and then compare the common risk factors with other motorcycle drivers. The result is a premium that is based on common risk.

How old you are is one of the most significant determining factors for setting up motorcycle insurance. Generally speaking, motorcycle owners from their teens until they reach age 26 generally pay a far higher rate for their insurance premiums than those from 26 to about 65. This is because statistics show that most motorcycle accidents involve young people who do not have the experience of older riders. For many, this will be the determining factor in the premiums they pay.

• Driving Record

It’s probably not surprising that the more accidents you have on your driving record, the higher your premiums will be. While accidents can happen to anyone, those who have been in several accidents have shown the tendency to be at higher risk for yet another one. However, after a pre-set time has passed, usually two to three years, and no accident has occurred, the rates for most in that category will go down.

• Driver’s Skill and Experience

This refers to the overall number of years riding bikes and the driver’s age and skill level. The skill level may be determined by joining a recognized motorcycle club that offers courses in improving driving skills. After passing such courses, it is possible to reduce the premiums for motorcycle drivers. This is especially true when combined with the years of driving and the accident record.

• Make and Model of Motorcycle or Bike

Some make and models of motorcycles get involved in more accidents than others. While it may seem coincidental, insurance companies consider it a statistical factor. So, if you are considering purchasing a motorcycle and want to save on the premiums, choose a make and model that offers lower rates.

• Custom Accessories

Certain custom accessories may have a positive or negative influence on your premiums. Generally speaking, accessories that inhibit your ability to control the motorcycle or, statistically speaking, create a greater risk will naturally increase your premiums. However, there may be additions that you can make to your motorcycles that may reduce the rates. Be sure to check with your insurance company.

• Location and Weather

Motorcycle drivers, in particular, are vulnerable to the weather and elements and their location. This is because those on a motorcycle are far more vulnerable to slippery conditions or bad weather than cars and trucks. In specific areas around the country, the statistics demonstrate that more accidents occur than in other places.

For example, desert areas generally have dry conditions on flat surfaces that are safer for motorcycles than areas with frequent precipitation and hills, curvy roads, and other conditions that create more accidents. Motorcycle riders will need to take this into account when they get insurance.

• Credit History

Your credit history speaks to your ability to pay bills and keep up with credit cards, loans, and other payments. The better your credit history, the more you can use it to lower your monthly insurance payments. Insurance companies will view your credit differently depending on some factors, but you can generally make significant inroads in reducing your premiums by improving your credit history and score.

• Deductibles

By choosing the deductible level, you can raise or lower your premiums. Generally, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly insurance premiums. The downside is paying more for the repairs before the insurance kicks in. However, if you can save the deductible total, you should choose it because it will save you on monthly insurance rates.

• Frequency of Riding

This is one of the most overlooked discounts for motorcycles and vehicles. You may qualify for lower insurance rates if you only ride your bike on weekends or drive it below a certain number of miles each week. This is because the less frequently you drive your motorcycle, the less likely you will be in an accident. So, if you can keep your riding down to a minimum, you can enjoy lower rates thanks to this often-overlooked discount.

In addition, these factors below may not be as important as the ones mentioned above, but they may still save you a considerable amount of money.

When it comes to the insurance you purchase for your motorcycle, elements outside your driving record come into play. You may not be fully aware of many factors affecting motorcycle insurance rates, yet they play a vital role in the premiums you will pay.

• How Your Motorcycle is Stored

Theft is one of the biggest issues with insurance companies regarding motorcycles. This is because, unlike cars and trucks, a motorcycle can easily be lifted into the back of a vehicle. So, how you store your bike will substantially influence the rates you pay. Keeping your vehicle in the garage and protected parking areas may lower the rates that you spend on your insurance.

• Additional Coverage

The more coverage you add, the more you will pay for your insurance. You should evaluate all the coverage you want for your motorcycle to see what you will need and perhaps what you do not. For example, suppose you store your bike in a secure location and only use parking garages with security. In that case, theft coverage is something that you might consider dropping as it is unlikely to happen. However, it would help if you always examined the merits of all insurance before committing.

• Bundling

One of the simplest ways to save money on your insurance rates is to bundle it with your home and other vehicles under the same company. Many insurance companies offer 20% or more reductions when you bundle your home, auto, and motorcycle rates, so look over what you have and see if you can save money through bundling.

• Occupation

Your job is one determining factor, particularly if your job involves using your motorcycle. Generally speaking, the more you drive your bike out on the roads, the higher the possibility of having an accident. Insurance companies base their rates on statistics, so having an occupation that puts your motorcycle on the road more often will pay higher rates.

• Training Course and Certification

One of the easiest ways to lower the premiums is by taking a certified training course. After passing the course, you will earn a certification that will help reduce the rate of your premiums. You will need to check with your insurance company to see what training courses and certifications are recognized as ones that will lower your monthly payments before you take the course.

• Discounts

Check with your insurance company to see if they offer any other discounts for motorcycle insurance. You may be surprised to find discounts that you otherwise might overlook. Start with your insurance company’s website and then call the agent to see if any discounts might be available for your insurance coverage.

• Paying Annually

Of the different discounts listed here, one of the most overlooked is paying annually instead of month to month. Many insurance companies offer substantial discounts if you can pay for the term of the insurance at once rather than spread it out.

Finally

All it takes is a little research to find the various factors that may lower your motorcycle insurance premiums, so take a few minutes to see if you can pay less for the same coverage.

All these factors impact motorcycle insurance premium rates, so be sure to talk to your insurance company representative to see how much you can save on your motorcycle insurance rates.