What does motorcycle insurance cover?
Motorcycle insurance works a lot like auto insurance. It includes liability coverage for injuries and damage you cause to others, and you can add coverage for the bike itself.
- Liability: helps pay for other people's injuries and property damage when you're at fault.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist: helps pay for your injuries when the driver at fault has no insurance or not enough. On a bike, this is the one we spend time on.
- Collision: helps pay to repair the bike after a crash, minus your deductible.
- Comprehensive: helps with damage that isn't a crash, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or hail.
- Add-ons: depending on the policy, coverage for custom parts, riding gear, or roadside help.
What motorcycle insurance does Illinois require?
Illinois requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/20 on motorcycles ridden on public roads. The law covers motor vehicles designed for public highways (625 ILCS 5/7-601 (opens in a new tab)), and motorcycles are motor vehicles (625 ILCS 5/1-147 (opens in a new tab)).
| State | Injury, per person | Injury, per accident | Property damage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $25,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 | 625 ILCS 5/7-203 (opens in a new tab) |
| Arizona | $25,000 | $50,000 | $15,000 | A.R.S. 28-4009 (opens in a new tab) |
Scroll sideways to see the whole table.
Illinois policies must also include uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least 25/50 (215 ILCS 5/143a (opens in a new tab)).
What does Arizona require for motorcycles?
Arizona requires liability coverage of at least 25/50/15, shown in the table above. The law covers motor vehicles operated on its highways (A.R.S. 28-4135 (opens in a new tab)), and motorcycles are motor vehicles (A.R.S. 28-101 (opens in a new tab)). For questions about Arizona rules, contact the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (opens in a new tab).
State minimums are a floor, not a recommendation. If you cause a serious crash, you may have to pay costs above your limits yourself. Ask us about higher limits or an umbrella policy.
What do boat, ATV, and RV policies cover?
These policies typically cover damage to your boat or vehicle and your liability if you injure someone or damage their property while using it. If you finance a boat or RV, your lender may require coverage, and a marina or storage facility may ask for proof of insurance.
Boats and personal watercraft
Boat coverage typically includes damage to the hull, motor, and trailer, plus liability on the water. Tell us where you keep it, whether that's a Chicago harbor, a slip on the Chain O'Lakes, or a trailer in the driveway, and where it goes in the winter.
RVs and travel trailers
A motorhome is driven like a car, so its policy typically includes auto-style liability coverage. A travel trailer or camper policy usually focuses on physical damage. If the camper spends most of the year parked, tell us.
ATVs and off-road vehicles
ATV policies typically cover liability, damage to the vehicle, and theft. Coverage can depend on where and how you ride.
What do these policies usually not cover?
Most policies typically don't pay for normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown. Other common limits include:
- Freeze damage if a boat or RV isn't properly winterized, depending on the policy
- Racing or speed contests
- Renting it out or giving paid rides, unless the policy covers that use
- Custom parts and equipment above a set limit, unless you add coverage
Exclusions vary by policy. If you're unsure about a situation, call and ask before it happens.
How we work on these policies
We ask how you actually use it. A bike ridden to work every day from April to October is a different policy from one that comes out a few Sundays a summer. A boat on a trailer is different from one in a slip. Custom pipes and a paint job can be worth more than a policy's standard limit for custom parts. Riders tend to find that out at claim time, so we ask about it up front.
We also look at these alongside your auto and home coverage, because the liability limits should line up, especially if you carry an umbrella. If something happens on the road or the water, our claims page covers what to do first.
What to have ready when you call
When you're ready, call us for a quote.
- Year, make, model, engine size, and VIN or hull ID for each motorcycle, boat, ATV, or RV
- What you paid, and the value of any custom parts or equipment
- Where you keep it in season, and where it's stored in the off-season
- Driver's license numbers and dates of birth for everyone who will ride or operate it
- Any safety or training courses you've taken
- Your lender's name, if you financed the purchase
- Your current declarations page, if you have insurance now
Common questions
Does my auto policy cover my motorcycle?
Usually not. Most auto policies typically don't cover motorcycles, so riders generally need a separate policy. Same goes for the boat and the camper.
Can I drop coverage while my bike is stored for winter?
Usually you can reduce coverage for the winter, but not drop it entirely. Call us before you change anything. Dropping all coverage can leave a stored bike unprotected from theft or fire, and Illinois (625 ILCS 5/7-601 (opens in a new tab)) and Arizona (A.R.S. 28-4135 (opens in a new tab)) require liability coverage on a registered motorcycle ridden on public roads. There may be a middle option.
Does my homeowners policy cover my boat?
Most homeowners policies typically offer limited coverage for boats, if any, especially for larger boats and motors. We can read your home policy with you.
Is my custom paint and chrome covered?
Often only up to a set limit. Many motorcycle policies include a standard amount for custom parts and equipment, and anything above it usually needs added coverage. Tell us what you've put into the bike so we can check the limit.