As the seasons begin to change, riders start to think about what to do with their motorcycle during the winter months. Do they save money and cancel their insurance or reduce their coverage? Each of these alternatives allows you to save on motorcycle insurance costs, but only by keeping coverage in place can you make sure your bike stays protected until the summer. Here are some insurance considerations to think about before changing your motorcycle insurance for winter.
Why You Should Keep Yourself Protected
Some insurance companies offer what is called “winter layup or lay-up,”. Laid-up motorcycle insurance policies allow you to effectively pause the liability, collision, and other parts of your coverage that would typically be used if you’re involved in an accident on the road. However, a lay-up policy maintains comprehensive coverage on the motorcycle, which offers protection against theft and non-accident sources of damage, such as a fire.
Laid-up policies are commonly offered in northern states of the U.S., where driving conditions from November through March are too hazardous for motorcycles. Many riders choose to winterize and store their motorcycles with no intention of riding them until the season changes, so lay-up policies are ideal.
If your insurance company doesn’t offer a lay-up policy, some insurers allow you to make changes to your motorcycle policy based on your coverage needs. For the months your motorcycle won’t be on the road, you have the option to lower your limits of liability or drop any other riding-related coverages. This helps lower your costs during the months your bike is in storage and your bike stays protected until the summer.
Exploring Money-Saving Alternatives
Some insurance companies offer what is called “winter layup or lay-up,”. Laid-up motorcycle insurance policies allow you to effectively pause the liability, collision and other parts of your coverage that would typically be used if you’re involved in an accident on the road. However, a lay-up policy maintains comprehensive coverage on the motorcycle, which offers protection against theft and non-accident sources of damage, such as a fire.
Laid-up policies are commonly offered in northern states of the U.S., where driving conditions from November through March are too hazardous for motorcycles. Many riders choose to winterize and store their motorcycles with no intention of riding them until the season changes, so lay-up policies are ideal.
If your insurance company doesn’t offer a lay-up policy, some insurers allow you to make changes to your motorcycle policy based on your coverage needs. For the months your motorcycle won’t be on the road, you have the option to lower your limits of liability or drop any other riding-related coverages. This helps lower your costs during the months your bike is in storage and your bike stays protected until the summer.
Preparing Your Motorcycle
A crucial part of getting your motorcycle ready for the winter is winterizing it, in addition to thinking about your insurance options. When your motorcycle is properly winterized, you can keep it in good working order, guard against damage, and make sure it’s ready for a smooth ride come springtime. You can make sure that your motorcycle stays safe, well-maintained, and prepared for the road when the winter months give way to warmer, more pleasant riding conditions by combining the appropriate insurance coverage with a thorough winterization strategy.
Final Notes
Changing your motorcycle insurance for winter is a decision that should be made with careful consideration. For details on motorcycle insurance coverage, speak with The Feltner Group or your local independent agent today!