Motorcycles can save money in a lot of different ways over traditional cars. Maintenance is typically lower as is the cost of fuel; the average mile per gallon of gas a car gets is 17 whereas a motorcycle can get around 50. The most gas efficient motorcycle on record gets over a hundred miles per gallon!
While it’s great to use a motorcycle either as a way to save money or to have fun, it is important to know what it will cost to insure your bike. While good coverage is recommended nobody wants to overpay for the insurance that they do carry.
Experienced Riders
For seasoned riders, motorcycle insurance operates in much the same way as traditional car insurance does. One downside is that fewer insurance companies insure motorcycles; for this reason it is imperative to shop around for the best deal. New motorcycle drivers should expect to pay a slightly higher premium; those who have been driving for a year or longer tend to receive a better rate.
Like driver’s education, a motorcycle driving course can help a new driver’s rate decrease. Members of a motorcycle club often receive an additional discount. Having a policy with more than one insured motorcycle can also receive a “multi-policy discount.” The rate you receive first depends on what type of bike you are riding. Certain years, makes, and models are more likely to be stolen. With some insurance companies, color also can determine the rate. For example, it is long been said that police tend to target red motor vehicles for speeding. Whether or not this is true is irrelevant when choosing a policy.
New Drivers and Financial History
More and more insurance companies are running credit checks to determine financial responsibility; this to them equates to not only how well you will keep up with the premium bills but also an overall statement of responsibility. It pays, literally, to keep the FICO score in the good or better range. Statistically, teenagers or young drivers have a higher accident rate. Students in high school or college should also strive for the best grades possible. Most insurance companies offer a good student discount; the percentage varies between carriers, but the savings can be substantial.
Surcharges
The vast majority of states have a surcharge that they can tack on; however, there is no set fee between states or even how it is acquired. In many states, it is referred to as “points.” For example, in State A you receive 3 speeding tickets in a year, you are required to pay a $50.00 per month surcharge for a specified amount of time. This is to both help deter risky driving habits as well as cover the cost of a less cautious driver. Other states have one-time surcharges. For example, some states have a $1,000.00 surcharge for refusing to take a Breathalyzer test.
