Ready to Ride? Get Your Motorcycle Insurance Here

Our friends living in the south can’t know the thrill of springtime and finally riding your “bike” along the newly ice free roads of the Mohawk Valley. And when we say “bike,” we mean your ride, beast, or to non-riders, motorcycle.

So we thought this would be a good time to brush up on some rules, regulations, safety, and insurance issues before the riding season begins in full force.

First off, in New York State you must get your cycle inspected at least once every 12 months. You also need liability insurance if you are going to operate on public highways. Your bike’s equipment must be in working order. That includes lights, brakes, mirrors, a horn, and muffler.

Helmets are mandatory in New York State and for good reason. One out of five crashes result in head and neck injuries. And they account for a majority of serious and fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

Proper eye and face protection is important and the right clothing can protect you in a collision. That includes a jacket and pants to cover your arms and legs completely. And even special jackets in summer designed to protect you from overheating.

Finally, ride responsibly. Especially now, in the springtime. Cars are not used to looking for motorcycles at intersections. This is not a good time to weave in and out of a line of traffic. Or for speeding.

So be cautious of vehicles around you and those stopped at traffic lights and stop signs. Maintain adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you, scan your path of travel 12 seconds ahead, and be alert and prepared to act.

Motorcycle Insurance for the Utica Area

As we said above, you must have motorcycle insurance, including Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability. This covers you if you’re sued for injuring others in an accident or damaging their property.

But what if you’re injured in an accident that’s not your fault but the person who caused it has no insurance? This is where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage will respond. If you sue and win, you can revert back to your own policy to collect under this coverage.

Another big concern for our clients is physical damage on the bike. The average cost for a motorcycle in 2022 was $10,000. You can get them for less, but they can also cost upward of $60,000!

The answer is to add Collision and Comprehensive Insurance. As with your car insurance, collision pays if your cycle is damaged in a moving accident.

Comprehensive covers your bike for damage that isn’t a result of an accident, unless the accident and damage was caused by an animal. So, for example, Comprehensive responds in case of theft, hailstorm, or a falling tree. Also, if you strike a deer or other animal.

You can even get coverage for full replacement cost, custom parts, and medical payments.

Medical payments coverage is important because motorcycle insurance does not include the same “no fault” or Personal Injury Protections that you get with your car or truck insurance.

Depending on your bike, where you live, and your driving record, we’ll shop our insurance companies for the right coverage at the best price.

So call us today and get that bike insured. And enjoy the upcoming riding season on the Mohawk Valley open road!

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.