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Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist or recently purchased a motorcycle to combat commuting costs, it’s important to protect your bike with New Hampshire motorcycle insurance. From covering damage to your motorcycle in the event of an accident to providing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that protects you against drivers lacking adequate coverage, the five points below highlight the important role motorcycle insurance plays in protecting yourself and the investment you make in your bike.

1.         Liability Protection – In the event that you are deemed responsible for bodily injury and/or property damage to other people resulting from an accident, your NH motorcycle insurance policy will provide protection in the form of liability insurance. This type of insurance does not cover you or your motorcycle, but depending on the specific policy, it may include coverage for a passenger. To be certain, it’s best to consult your independent insurance agent with any coverage questions you have.

2.         Collision Insurance – In addition to liability protection, it’s also important to have coverage for property damage to your motorcycle in the event of a crash, especially considering the significant number of motorcycle accidents that occur each year. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), some 106,000 motorcycles were involved in crashes in 2009 alone, including property damage-only crashes. With the average cost of a new motorcycle exceeding $10,000, an accident leaving your bike totaled or in need of major repairs could leave you in a financial predicament. Your NH motorcycle insurance policy will provide you with peace of mind, knowing you have coverage in the event that you collide with another vehicle or object on the road.

new hampshire motorcycle insurance3.         Comprehensive Coverage – Unfortunately, an accident isn’t the only way your motorcycle can sustain damage. Fire, theft and vandalism are among the other perils that can cause damage to your bike, which is why it’s important to ensure that your motorcycle insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, which protects your bike against these non-accident related events. Fortunately, motorcycle theft has been on the decline, dropping 11 percent from 2009 to 2010 according to the III, but there are still tens of thousands of bikes stolen each year. In fact, in 2010 alone, the number of motorcycle thefts among the top five makes stolen totaled nearly 40,000. With 12,260 motorcycles stolen in 2010, Honda represented the most stolen make, followed by Yamaha with 9,853 stolen bikes, Subaru with 8,969, Kawasaki with 5,470, and unknown makes with 3,420 stolen motorcycles.

4.         Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Even if you secure adequate insurance for your motorcycle, there is always a chance that you could collide with an uninsured or underinsured driver, and if this occurs, you will need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for lost wages and any medical treatment you require. If your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage includes property damage, then you will also be compensated for damage to your motorcycle. To be certain that your New Hampshire motorcycle insurance policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and to determine whether it covers property damage to your bike, it’s best to consult your insurance agent.    

5.         Coverage is Affordable and Flexible – When it comes to determining your motorcycle insurance rate, there are many factors that play a role, including your age, driving record, place of residence, type of motorcycle you own, number of miles driven per year, the coverage limits and deductible you choose to carry, and whether you have completed a training course. Depending on your needs, from the type of motorcycle you own to how often you ride it, most insurance companies will tailor a policy that will provide you with the right types and amounts of coverage for the specific risks you face. Many insurance companies will also offer discounts or credits you can apply to your motorcycle insurance policy. Below are some common ways to save:

  • Complete a training course, like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider course. Many insurance companies offer graduates of training courses 10 to 15 percent discounts on their policies. According to the III, riders under the age of 25 as well as those with accidents on their records may see savings after completing a course.
  • In some northern states like here in New Hampshire, riders may save by opting for a “lay-up” policy, which suspends all motorcycle coverage except comprehensive during the cold winter months.
  • Most insurance companies will reward you with a multi-policy discount, so if you insure your motorcycle with the same company that handles your home and/or auto insurance, you will likely see savings. Similarly, some companies will offer a multi-bike discount, so if you own more than one bike, it may be worth it to insure all of your vehicles with the same company.
  • If you are an experienced rider you may qualify for a mature rider discount.
  • Riders belonging to motorcycle associations or other organizations may also qualify for savings. Discounts vary from one company to another, so it’s best to consult your insurance agent who will analyze each company’s coverage options and available discounts to find the best policy for you.
  • Maintain a good driving record free of violations and you will likely see a reduction in your premium.

When it comes to obtaining New Hampshire motorcycle insurance coverage, there are many factors to consider, and an independent insurance agent will help you find the right policy for your specific needs. At Eaton & Berube Insurance in Nashua, NH, our trusted NH insurance agents will assess your needs, explain the different coverage options available to you, make recommendations to help you decide which deductibles and liability limits you should carry, and ensure that you don’t miss out on any discounts for which you qualify. To get a free motorcycle insurance quote, please call us at 603-882-2766 or submit our online quote form.