What To Do After Buying a Motorcycle

After buying a new motorcycle, your inclination may be to begin riding right away. Although you may want to hop on your new bike and go, there are some important steps that owners should take into consideration before cruising. First, you should make sure that you have all the proper training and licensing necessary so that you may operate your new bike safely and legally. Also, make sure you have read your motorcycle’s owner’s manual and have acquired all of the necessary safety gear. Knowing your bike and having the correct safety equipment can be lifesaving. The following are some of the recommended safety gear that motorcycle riders should consider:

• Motorcycle Helmet
• Riding Jacket
• Protective Gloves
• Closed-toe Boots or Shoes
• Eye Protection
• Earplugs
• And More

It is also important to develop the habit of checking your motorcycle before going on any ride, no matter the distance of your trip. It is always recommended to check the following:

• Tires
• Mirrors
• Headlights & Taillights
• Clutch & Throttle
• Brakes
• Horn

Do I Need Insurance Before I Ride?

Virtually every state has mandatory minimum insurance requirements that you must comply with in order to legally operate and register your motorcycle. In addition, if you are financing your motorcycle, your lender will likely require you to have certain minimum levels of insurance.  That said, it is always a good idea to explore coverage options that exceed the minimum requirements that may be required by your state or lender.

What Coverages Should I Consider for My New Motorcycle?

Whether your motorcycle is your daily ride or just a seasonal toy, the basic coverages available for many different motorcycles are quite similar. Depending on your needs and wants, the following are some of the typical coverages that are available:

• Bodily injury liability
• Comprehensive insurance
• Collision insurance
• Medical Payments
• Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

How Much Is Insurance for First Time Riders?

Similar to other motorized vehicles, like car, ATV, RV, and snowmobile policies, motorcycle insurance pricing may vary depending on a variety of factors. Before getting your insurance quote, here are some things that may affect your rate.

• The make and model of your motorcycle. The newest and fastest model motorcycle will typically tend to raise your rates compared to an older and slower bike.
• The state that you live in will also affect your quote. With each state having different laws and regulations that drivers must follow, this can alter rates.
• Where and how much will you be driving your new motorcycle? Will you be using your bike daily, or for seasonal leisure?
• The age, gender, marital status, and education of the rider can also affect your quote.
• Your personal driving record will also factor into your costs. Having prior tickets, violations or accidents can potentially raise your rates.

Request a Quote for Your New Motorcycle

Comparing multiple insurance quotes is a great way to potentially save. While many websites may show an average price for an insurance company, what you may pay could be drastically different depending on the state you live in, your claims history, and the amount of coverage you choose. Requesting a custom quote for your motorcycle insurance is a great place to start when it comes to comparing coverages and saving. Reach out to one of our local offices to start the process today.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.