One of the biggest struggles for any motorcycle owner is finding the right insurance for their bike. Many people find it hard to find a comprehensive insurance policy that covers a wide range of problems. When you own a motorcycle, it is your pride and joy. You want to make sure that nothing bad happens to your vehicle.
When something goes wrong with the mechanics of your motorcycle, fixing the problem can be expensive. Finding a policy that will help you cover the costs of your vehicle’s maintenance is vital. Here is the essential guide to finding the right policy for your bike.
Get a valuation estimate
Before you start looking for policies, you need to know what your bike is worth. That means that you need to get a valuation for your vehicle. Once you know how much your bike is worth, you can decide what type of policy you need. Many insurers will ask you to tell them how much the motorcycle is worth, and so it is worth finding out first. You can talk to a mechanic or dealer to find out the value of your motorcycle. Make sure that you get more than one valuation of your vehicle. Not everybody is a motorcycle expert, and you need to know the bike’s true value.
Make sure your bike is in great condition
You need to ensure that your bike is in great condition before you get a policy. Many insurers will ask you when you last checked over your bike. You need to ensure that you have a great-quality bike so that you can get the best insurance to suit you. Make sure that you take your bike to a specialist mechanic before you start looking at policies. The mechanic will tell you about any serious issues the bike has and fix them first.
Talk to other motorcycle owners
If you are unsure of which insurance to trust, ask people who already know. Motorcycle owners are your best source when it comes to finding out vital bike information. You likely know a few people who have motorcycles. If you don’t, you can reach out to people online in bike forums or via Facebook. Make sure that you ask clear, concise questions when talking about your motorcycle. People need to know what bike you have and how old it is so that they can help you.
Compare policies online
The easiest way to get a reasonable price on your insurance policy is to compare various agents. Rather than calling up all the different insurers, you can search them online. Knowing what each insurance company charges will mean that you understand how much your quotes will be. You should make sure that you choose an insurer who has a reasonable price and covers all vital repairs. You can ask for quotes online by filling out various forms. That means that you can decide where to buy your insurance without talking to anybody over the phone.
Never take the first policy you find
When you find a policy that you like, you should keep looking. It might sound like a pain, but once companies know they have competition, they will help you get a cheaper deal. Take your quotes to an insurer and see whether they can offer you something cheaper. You might find that you get a massive discount by talking to various companies. Taking the first offer you get means that you will pay more than the insurance is worth. Owning a motorcycle is an expensive game, but by shopping around, you can make it cheaper.
Make sure that the policy covers special parts
Getting the right policy to cover your specific bike is vital. Each motorcycle has different specialist parts. That means that you need to ensure that your insurance policy covers specialist maintenance and parts. That way, you can make sure that the policy suits your bike. Having a generic policy might seem like an easy option, but it may not cover everything for your motorcycle. That means that you might find that you lose money when it comes to paying for bike repairs.
Decide how much the motorcycle will cost you
When you are buying into a policy, you need to decide how much that policy will cost you over the course of the year. Make sure that you ask about any extra fees and charges you might need to pay. Sometimes companies hide fees in the small print. That means that if you don’t read the terms of your contract, you could end up paying more than you expected. Take the time to read over the terms and conditions of your contract. When you sign an agreement, it binds you to certain terms. Knowing your rights means that you will understand what fees you have to pay over the course of a year.
Ask loads of questions before you buy
Before you buy an insurance policy, it is vital that you ask loads of questions about it. Few people bother to ask questions when they pay for insurance, but doing so could save you money. Remember, you are a paying customer. That entitles you to know just what you’re paying for in your policy. You should ask the company questions about their coverage and policies so that you are sure you’re getting the best deal for you.
Remember to renew your policy on a regular basis
Once you have a policy that you are happy with, you need to make sure that you renew it on a regular basis. Each time you renew the policy, you need to revise the terms of the policy. When your policy is about to expire, make sure you research other insurance companies. Knowing how much the average policy is will mean that you pay the right amount for your insurance. If you don’t do your research, you could pay more than you should for a standard policy.