Insurance Coverage

[bbartsch]

A deer tried to hitch a ride on my new BMW F-800 GSA.  Thank goodness I wear safety gear.  But now my insurance company (Liberty Mutual) is saying the safety gear isn't covered!  Anybody have similar experiences?

[GlibGuy]

A deer tried to hitch a ride on my new BMW F-800 GSA.  Thank goodness I wear safety gear.  But now my insurance company (Liberty Mutual) is saying the safety gear isn't covered!  Anybody have similar experiences?

Depends on the language in your policy.  I'm not familiar with Liberty Mutual (except for their negative TV commercials) but most policies do cover gear up to a certain amount.  With some it's an optional coverage and you may not have chosen or been offered.  Can you check with your agent?   

[stevegrab]

And if it is covered (or any accessories) you'll need receipts for them to prove what you paid. Hope you can get the money for them.

[HawkGTRider]

It's been a while since I had to do this, but in my last crash, I produced what the damaged items would cost to replace. It was either that or just have an estimation of original purchase price. My insurance guy took what I had, and I was happy.

[bbartsch]

Liberty Mutual did good on the bike.  They even waived the deductible because I pointed out a couple of items that didn't need to be replaced.  However, they do not cover personal safety equipment (or medical).  By the time I replaced helmet, jacket, and boots, it added up to a significant number.  (Plus I added riding pants this time.)  I'm looking to change insurance company before the 2016 riding season starts.  Does anybody have any recommendations on insurance companies that cover personal safety equipment in addition to the bike?

[GlibGuy]

As I said back in June; most either provide coverage for gear OR offer it as an option that can be added.


I neglected to mention though that each state's policy is different and I am not familiar with every state.  I was licensed in VA and TN and both have companies that either include or offer optional coverage for gear.


If your company doesn't offer I'd check with Progressive (they're the biggest writer of bikes), Nationwide, State Farm or Allstate.

[GlibGuy]

As I said back in June; most either provide coverage for gear OR offer it as an option that can be added.


I neglected to mention though that each state's policy is different and I am not familiar with every state.  I was licensed in VA and TN and both have companies that either include or offer optional coverage for gear.


If your company doesn't offer I'd check with Progressive (they're the biggest writer of bikes), Nationwide, State Farm or Allstate.

And to be clear, I was LICENSED to sell insurance in VA and TN.

[TrophyRider]

Take a look at Rider Insurance. Good coverage, reasonable rates. I have never made a claim so i can't vouch for service.

[Patmo]

I had used Progressive for many years and yes, they did cover gear and modification to the bikes.  I don't remember if it was optional coverage or not, but my son had occasion to use it on the way to Mail Pouch one year.  After purchasing a new Thruxton last February, I switched insurance companies.  Progressive wanted to double my insurance yearly premium because I added at 7500.00 bike to my other two?  I switched to Dairyland and my rate for 3 bikes is almost exactly what I had before.  I carry full coverage year round on all my bikes.  I have coverage for gear/accessories up to 5,000 dollars.  I don't remember what it costs me, but it isn't much...the total premium is 407.00 dollars a year for 12 months/3 bikes.

[normkern]

I had to go with Safeco when I bought my new '14 FJR. Most wanted over $900/yr for full coverage at the higher level I was seeking. Safeco covered me for about $625. Last year the renewal was about $450 and I just renewed this year for $362.

My '03 Honda ST1300 equivalent coverage the last year I had it was about $270 as I recall. It was an 11 yr old bike, so the Safeco premium seems reasonable for me.

Never had to file a claim on either one, so can't say how good coverage is.

Norm Kern
Dayton, OH

[GlibGuy]

I had Safeco in my agency for personal auto and home (2003 - 2007 or so) and their claims service was excellent then.  I didn't write any motorcycle with them as their policy was fairly basic at that time.  Again, this was in Virginia and generally, each state decides the kind of coverage they allow insurance companies to offer and this includes endorsements ("bells and whistles").   That's why each state usually has an insurance "bureau" and an insurance "commissioner" with the control in the legislature or state corporation commission. 

I saw a lot of the "mainstream" companies adapt to what Progressive was offering so I'd say Safeco has all the goodies.

[GlibGuy]

If you can find an insurance agent that is a motorcyclist, he or she should be a good guide as to which companies in their state offer the best value for coverage, service and price. 

[bcd]

FWIW, my Progressive policy in Ohio covered accessories and riding gear after my crash last year.  The only problem was I didn't actually add up my accessory values, I only estimated, so it fell short.  But that's on my, not on the company. They were very nice to deal with in my case. And I upped my accessory coverage!