Finding the Right Chopper Motorcycle Insurance for You

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Chopper motorcycle insurance can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available. You need to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

The cost of chopper motorcycle insurance varies depending on factors such as your age, location, and riding experience. For example, if you're a young rider, you may pay more for insurance than an older, more experienced rider.

To find the right insurance for you, start by considering your budget and what you can afford to pay each month. You may also want to think about the level of coverage you need, such as liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Most chopper motorcycle insurance policies require you to have a minimum amount of liability coverage, which can range from $10,000 to $50,000.

How to Insure Your

To insure your chopper, you should start shopping for coverage with large national insurance companies like Progressive, Geico, and Dairyland. You can find coverage options in your area by entering your zip code. Insurers like these often have a wide range of policies to choose from.

For more insights, see: Motorcycle Liability Coverage

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Finding coverage with these companies can be challenging, especially since custom motorcycle insurance is not the same as the coverage offered for factory-built bikes. Custom bikes have a hard time getting insured because their value is difficult to determine. A professional appraisal can help set a value that insurers will agree to.

Some states require custom bikes to pass safety inspection before they can be insured. In North Carolina, for example, bikes newer than 35 years old must pass a safety inspection. This means you'll need to make sure your chopper meets the necessary requirements before getting it appraised.

If you're having trouble finding an insurer, it might be because most choppers have extremely high replacement costs, especially if they have many handmade parts. This can make insurance companies see custom choppers as too high a risk.

Types of Coverage

Chopper motorcycle insurance provides financial protection against various risks. Most states only require liability coverage at the minimum, which protects you financially against damages to another motorist's person or property, but does not protect your bike in the event of an accident.

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Liability coverage is the bare minimum required by most states to be legal on the road. This type of policy covers you in the event of an accident that causes damage or injury to pedestrians, other vehicles or your passengers.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your bike from non-traffic accidents and mishaps, such as damage from "Acts of God": fire, flood, wind, and other weather events. It also covers criminal activity like theft and vandalism.

Collision insurance protects your bike if it's damaged in an accident, whether the collision is with another vehicle or a stationary object. This type of coverage is essential for custom choppers or bobbers with handmade or custom aftermarket parts.

Some states require antique bikes to be registered or licensed as antique if they're greater than 20 years old, while others allow people to license and register their bikes as historical. If you plan on riding your antique bike often, it's a good idea to request quotes from several companies to compare rates and policies.

Comprehensive and collision insurance are two types of coverage that protect your bike from damage and theft. Comprehensive insurance pays for damage from flooding, hitting an animal, and other events beyond your control, while collision insurance pays to repair or replace your bike if it's damaged in an accident.

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Some custom bikes may not qualify for comprehensive insurance, including kit bikes, rebuilt or retitled bikes, or bikes with a non-original frame. If your chopper is less than 25 years old, and the manufacture is listed in the NADA appraisal guide, it may be eligible for up to $50,000 in "agreed value" and custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage.

Quoting and Discounts

Increasing your deductible can decrease the amount of your premium. This is a simple way to lower your costs, but make sure you can afford the higher deductible in case of an accident.

To get the best quote, provide your bike's make, model, and year, as well as your vehicle identification number. This will give you a more accurate quote and ensure you're buying a policy that covers your bike.

Some carriers offer discounts for completing a motorcycle training course, which can also help you qualify for a discount on your premium. Additionally, bundling your motorcycle insurance with your car, home, renters, RV, or boat insurance can earn you a multi-policy discount.

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Here are some discounts you might be eligible for:

  • Multi-policy discount
  • LoJack discount (if you equip your bike with LoJack theft prevention systems)
  • Prompt payer discount (if you pay your premiums on time for a year)
  • Responsible driver discount (if you show no accidents or traffic violations over the previous three years)
  • Paid in full discount (if you pay off the entire premium amount upon renewal)
  • Safety course discount (if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course)

Requesting Quotes and Discounts

Requesting quotes and discounts on motorcycle insurance can be a bit tricky, but there are some tips that can help you get the best deal.

First, provide your bike's make, model, and year for a more accurate quote. You'll also need your vehicle identification number to buy a policy.

Adding anyone else who may be a potential driver of your bike is also a good idea.

Communicate any enhancements or modifications you've made to your engine, as this can affect your premium.

Taking a motorcycle training course can also help lower your premium.

If you increase your comprehensive or collision deductible, you may be able to lower your premium.

Even if you're keeping your bike in storage, consider comprehensive coverage to keep your bike safe.

Here are some additional tips to consider:

Quoting Bike

Increasing your deductible can decrease the amount of your premium. This means you'll pay more out of pocket when you make a claim, but your premium will be lower overall.

A classic chopper motorcycle parked on a grassy field with a helmet on the handlebars, under a cloudy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A classic chopper motorcycle parked on a grassy field with a helmet on the handlebars, under a cloudy sky.

Completing a motorcycle training course can help you qualify for a discount. I've seen this firsthand with friends who've taken the course and ended up saving a significant amount on their bike insurance.

You can earn a multi-policy discount by bundling your motorcycle insurance with other types of insurance, such as car, home, renters, RV, or boat insurance. This can be a great way to save money on all your insurance premiums.

Some modifications to your bike can actually increase your premium, not decrease it. Disclose any modifications you've made, like a turbo or nitrous oxide kit, to get an accurate quote.

Cost and Coverage

The cost of chopper motorcycle insurance can be a bit of a surprise, especially if you're not familiar with the different types of coverage. Most states only require liability coverage, which doesn't protect your bike in the event of an accident.

You'll likely want to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy to ensure your custom chopper or bobber is protected. Collision coverage will help pay for damages if your bike is involved in an accident, while comprehensive coverage may cover non-traffic accidents and mishaps, such as damage from weather events or theft.

Cost

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Credit: pexels.com, Three bikers with motorcycles against a backdrop of urban graffiti and a gritty brick wall.

The cost of motorcycle insurance can be a significant expense, but it's a necessary one to ensure you're protected on the road. The vast majority of states require coverage for motorcycles.

Motorcycle insurance premiums are based on many factors, some of which are in your control. You can shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers to find the best deal.

The cost of insurance can vary depending on your location, with some states having lower premiums than others. Speak to a licensed agent or broker for more information about motorbike insurance in your state.

Ultimately, the cost of motorcycle insurance is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected in case of an accident.

Bottom Line

Finding the right motorcycle insurance can be a challenge, but it's essential to protect yourself in every situation.

There are enough options to choose from, giving you peace of mind on the road.

The value of motorcycle insurance lies in its ability to shield you from unexpected events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the cheapest for motorcycle insurance?

According to national averages, Dairyland offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance, with an average monthly cost of $22.

What insurance company is best for motorcycles?

For motorcycle insurance, consider Dairyland, Allstate, or Progressive, each offering unique coverage options and benefits. Choosing the best one depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Kristin Ward

Writer

Kristin Ward is a versatile writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. Kristin's writing portfolio showcases her ability to tackle a variety of subjects, from personal finance to lifestyle and beyond.

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