Motorcycles, Boats, and ATVs

Motorcycles 

If you are in the market for motorcycle insurance, know that there are some important differences between motorcycle insurance and automobile insurance: 

Similar to auto insurance, most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage for motorcycles. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. However, it is very important to note that the basic motorcycle policy does not provide PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage for potential injuries to yourself as would be included in an auto policy nor will the PIP coverage on your auto policy cover you if you are involved in an accident while on your motorcycle.

An additional endorsement could be added to your liability insurance to provide PIP-style first-party medical coverage, in the event you want to be reimbursed for bodily injury expenses you incurred while on your motorcycle. You may also be able to purchase coverage for medical bills received from an injured party, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. Check also whether your liability coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides financial protection in the event that your passenger is injured while on your motorcycle.

Optional Coverage

Make sure you are aware of which insurance coverages are required for motorcyclists in your state. Other, usually optional, available coverages specific to motorcycle policies include the following:

• Collision (covering damage to your motorcycle)
• Comprehensive (covering damage caused by events other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (covering damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either does not have insurance or whose insurance is inadequate). 
• It is also worth asking about motorcycle accessories coverage for items such as add-ons, customizations, aftermarket parts and anything else you may have added to your bike since purchasing it.
• In many northern states, seasonal motorcyclists can consider buying a lay-up policy, in which all coverage except comprehensive is suspended during winter months. 
• Understand your state law and be sure to read your policy and know what is required when it comes to wearing a helmet. Scooters for yourself or your teenager also must have insurance.

ATVs

Some questions to ask your insurance agent or company:

• Are there age restrictions on who may operate the ATV?
• Does my policy cover friends or family who are operating the ATV?
• Is there a discount for taking an operator safety course or for riding with a helmet

Boats

Some other questions to ask your agent before putting your boat in the water:

• Does my policy have adequate liability limits?
• Who does the policy cover to operate the boat or personal watercraft?
• Is the towing of skiers or tubes covered by my policy? 

Safe Boating 

To be a safer boater, the U.S. Coast Guard suggests that you:

• Get a free vessel safety check by calling 1-800-368-5647.
• Monitor the weather forecast and let someone know where you're going and when to expect you.
• Check engine, fuel, electrical and steering systems, especially for exhaust-system leaks.
• Keep marine-type fire extinguishers accessible and in condition for immediate use. Make sure they are matched to the size and type of the boat.
• Equip the vessel with required navigation lights and with a whistle, horn or bell. Consider additional safety devices, such as a paddle or oars, a first-aid kit, a supply of fresh water, a tool kit and spare parts, a flashlight, flares and a radio.
• Make sure that every person on board the boat wears a life jacket and don't permit riding on the bow, seatbacks or gunwales. Every year, 80% of boater fatalities are attributed to a missing life jacket.
• Never boat under the influence.