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Purchasing motorcycle insurance in Ontario is a must-have for any rider, and it's not just about covering yourself in case of an accident. The cost of motorcycle insurance in Ontario can vary depending on your age, riding experience, and type of bike.
In Ontario, you'll need to have at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. This will help protect you financially if you're involved in an accident that injures someone else.
Your motorcycle insurance premium will also be influenced by your riding history, with a clean driving record keeping your costs lower.
A fresh viewpoint: Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claims
Types of Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle insurance in Ontario is a must-have, and it comes in two forms: mandatory and optional. Mandatory motorcycle insurance is the type of insurance you're required to have by law.
There are different types of optional coverages you can add to your policy, including Collision Coverage, Comprehensive Coverage, and "All Perils" Coverage. These coverages can help protect your motorcycle in case of theft, vandalism, or other non-collision-related damages.
You'll need to choose the right protection for your motorcycle, and that's where understanding the different types of motorcycle insurance comes in. Here's a breakdown of some of the key coverages:
Types of
There are several types of motorcycle insurance coverages to choose from. You can opt for mandatory coverage, which is required by law.
Mandatory coverage is a must-have for all motorcyclists. It's the type of insurance that protects others in case of an accident.
Optional coverages can provide additional protection for your bike and its accessories. These can include collision, fire, theft, and vandalism coverage.
Here's a breakdown of the types of motorcycles we insure:
- Traditional motorcycles
- Mopeds and scooters
- Sidecars
- Three-wheel motorcycles
Each type of motorcycle has its own unique insurance needs. Make sure to check if your make and model is eligible for coverage.
Off-Road Vehicle Road Use
You can drive an off-road motorcycle on the road in Ontario, but you need to have at least standard coverage and an M2 licence.
In Ontario, you cannot drive an off-road motorcycle on the road without having motorcycle insurance. You must have at least standard coverage and an M2 licence to drive an off-road motorcycle on the road.
Coverage Options
When you're shopping for motorcycle insurance in Ontario, you'll want to consider your coverage options carefully. Full coverage is available to protect your bike and its accessories against a wide range of risks, including collision, fire, theft, and vandalism.
You can choose from a variety of coverages, including mandatory and optional ones. Mandatory coverage is required by law to operate a motorcycle legally in Ontario.
A standard motorcycle insurance policy includes third-party liability coverage, accident benefits, and uninsured motorist coverage. This provides protection against potential lawsuits and claims, as well as medical costs and damages if an uninsured rider is at fault.
You can add additional protection for a fee, including collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and "All Perils" coverage. Collision coverage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle if you're in an at-fault collision, while comprehensive coverage covers damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, and other perils.
Here are some common optional coverages you can add to your policy:
- Collision Coverage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle, up to the actual cash value minus your deductible, if you are in an at-fault collision.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Replace or repair your motorcycle if the damage is caused by theft or attempted theft, damage that occurs through vandalism, fire, falling objects, lightning, explosion, windshield damage, or impact with an animal.
- "All Perils" Coverage: This combines Collision and Comprehensive coverage along with increased theft protection.
Mandatory Coverage in Ontario
In Ontario, you need to have a valid M1, M2, or M class license, be 16 years old, and have the proper insurance to drive a motorcycle.
To operate a motorcycle legally in Ontario, you'll need to have third-party liability, direct compensation, uninsured automobile, and accident benefits coverages.
You can't drive an off-road motorcycle on the road without having motorcycle insurance and an M2 license.
Here are the mandatory coverages you need to have:
- Third-Party Liability Coverage: This can protect you from being held personally liable in case of injury or damage to others and their property resulting from a vehicle accident.
- Direct Compensation Coverage: This protects you against damage to your vehicle and anything inside in case you get into an accident which you’re not at fault for.
- Uninsured Automobile Coverage: If an uninsured or unidentified driver is at fault, this coverage can provide you with financial compensation for medical costs and damages.
- Accident Benefits Coverage: Financially protects drivers and passengers that get injured or killed in an accident, at fault or not.
You'll need a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability coverage, but most standard policies now provide no less than $1,000,000.
Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage will provide supplementary medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner, income replacement, and death benefits if you're injured or killed in an accident, at-fault or not.
Additional Coverage
To drive a motorcycle in Ontario, you are legally required to have third-party liability, accident benefits, and uninsured motorist coverage.
There are also additional coverage options available, including collision or upset coverage, which addresses damages caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers damages from non-collision events like hail or graffiti.
Here are some of the additional coverage options available in Ontario:
- Collision or upset coverage: Covers damages from collisions or upsets.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages from non-collision events.
- All perils coverage: Offers both collision and comprehensive protection, as well as increased theft protection.
- Specified perils coverage: Protects your motorcycle from specified perils, such as fire or theft.
Optional Coverages
Optional coverages can provide you with extra protection for your motorcycle.
Collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle if you're in an at-fault collision. This coverage can pay up to the actual cash value minus your deductible.
Comprehensive coverage can replace or repair your motorcycle if the damage is caused by theft or attempted theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, lightning, explosion, windshield damage, or impact with an animal.
All Perils coverage combines Collision and Comprehensive coverage along with increased theft protection. This coverage offers the most comprehensive protection for your motorcycle.
Here's a breakdown of the different types of optional coverages:
The Value Plus Option can keep your new or used motorcycle from losing value for up to 5 years in the event of total or partial loss.
Broaden your view: Agreed Value Motorcycle Insurance
High-Risk Drivers
Being considered a high-risk driver will increase the cost of your motorcycle insurance. High-risk drivers pose more of a risk than the average rider in Ontario.
An insurance company will look at your driving history to see the number of insurance claims you've made, accidents or collisions, traffic tickets, and your license level and age. For example, a driver under the age of 25 is generally seen as more of a risk because they likely don't have a lot of on-road experience.
There is an option to purchase high-risk motorcycle coverage for motorcycle owners that are seen as more of a risk than the average motorist. Your Ontario insurance broker can assist you in determining if this coverage is right for you.
A fresh viewpoint: High Risk Motorcycle Insurance
Cost and Pricing
Motorcycle insurance in Ontario can be pricey, with the average cost ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per year, depending on various factors.
Insurance companies consider your age, driving history, and the type of bike you drive when calculating your premium.
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Ontario is higher than car insurance, with an average annual cost of $2,500.
A newly licensed driver can expect to pay even more, with some estimates starting at $100 per month.
Your driving record, location, and the value of your motorcycle also play a role in determining your premium.
Here are some estimated annual costs of motorcycle insurance in Ontario:
- Home: $960/year
- Car: $1,150/year
- Tenant: $330/year
- Landlord: $4,000-$9,000/year
- Motorcycle: $2,500/year
If you're a young rider under 25, you'll likely pay a pretty hefty fee, with some estimates ranging from $250 to $500 per month.
With a clean record, you could still pay around $250 per month, but this is not a guarantee.
Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate of your motorcycle insurance premium is to get a quote from a reputable insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the cheapest for motorcycle insurance?
Dairyland is the cheapest option for motorcycle insurance, with an average monthly cost of $22. They are followed closely by Progressive and Harley-Davidson, at $23 and $24 per month, respectively.
Does CAA insurance cover motorcycles in Ontario?
CAA insurance covers motorcycles in Ontario, but only under CAA Plus and Premier coverage, not under Classic Membership
Sources
- https://www.desjardins.com/en/insurance/recreational-vehicles/motorcycle.html
- https://kbdinsurance.com/blog/how-much-is-motorcycle-insurance-in-ontario/
- https://www.streetrider.ca/site/blog/2023/03/09/everything-you-need-know-about-ontario-motorcycle-insurance
- https://rates.ca/insurance-quotes/motorcycle-insurance
- https://www.ahainsurance.ca/car-insurance/motorcycle-insurance-ontario/
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