August 10, 2009

Can You Get Auto Insurance and Motorcycle Insurance on the Same Policy?

While there are some companies that will provide auto insurance and motorcycle insurance on the same policy, that is normally not something you want to do because of higher auto insurance rates.

Most companies do not provide auto insurance and motorcycle insurance on the same policy because they simply can’t do it. These companies write motorcycle insurance for one year, while their auto insurance rates are for six months. So a combined policy with these companies is not even possible because the auto insurance rates and motorcycle rates are figured differently.

There is also the issue of coverage being different for auto insurance and motorcycle insurance in various states. In Pennsylvania, for example, motorists have limited and full tort options for coverage while motorcyclists do not.

While some companies combine coverage for auto insurance and motorcycle insurance, the primary reason for not putting both on the same policy is that your motorcycle would then be rated as getting as much use as a car. For most people, their motorcycle is used far less than a car and so they would wind up paying auto insurance rates for their motorcycle coverage when they only need to pay for motorcycle insurance coverage.

By writing the auto insurance and motorcycle insurance policies separately, you don’t pay auto insurance rates for your motorcycle. You pay motorcycle rates.

Auto insurance and motorcycle insurance are important to provide coverage for damage and medical expenses in the event of an accident. It gives you the peace of mind to know you and your family are covered should the unexpected happen. Auto insurance and motorcycle coverage also provide replacement of a vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

Most companies will provide a discount if you have more than one policy with their company. So not putting both vehicles on one policy will likely save you money in the long run, avoiding paying auto insurance rates for both vehicles.

Because of the risk associated with motorcycle riding, one of the most important coverage types to have is medical coverage. Traveling the same roadways with cars, pick-up trucks, and SUVs, you are at a distinct size disadvantage. Make sure that if an accident occurs you and your passenger are covered for a trip to the emergency room, hospital stays, and dental work.

In some states, insurance companies also offer personal injury protection coverage. While this sounds like medical coverage, it also provides coverage for lost income due to a motorcycle accident. Additionally, it covers services you would normally do yourself during your recuperation time.

And like auto insurance coverage, motorcycle coverage is normally broken down by collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured driver.