Choosing an insurance company can be difficult; each one boasts their own savings, discounts, and gimmicky extras. However, when you get into an accident, you find out the real intentions of the insurance companies, their bottom line. Since motorcycle insurance is required in Kansas and Missouri, how do you choose the right insurance company?

Starting with the necessities, the minimum in both Kansas and Missouri is 25/50/15 ($25,000 for the bodily injury or death of a person in one accident; $50,000 in an accident with two or more people; and $10,000 of personal property coverage).

Coverage options for motorcycle insurance are similar to the standard ones you’ll find for auto insurance. In addition to liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, most insurers offer these options:

  • Collision: Pays out for damage to your motorcycle, minus your deductible amount. A deductible is the amount you select when you buy your policy that’s deducted from a claim check.
  • Comprehensive: Pays out if your motorcycle is stolen or damaged by something other than a collision with another vehicle. Animal collisions are covered. A deductible applies.
  • Medical payments (MedPay): Medical payments coverage pays for medical bills if you and your passenger are injured in an accident. Unlike personal injury protection, medical payments coverage doesn’t cover lost wages and other costs. Let’s state the obvious: Driving or riding a motorcycle comes with risks, no matter how careful you are. Medical payments coverage can come in handy if you don’t have health insurance or you don’t have enough.
  • Personal injury protection: Generally pays out for medical bills for injuries you, your passenger or pedestrians suffer in an accident regardless of who’s at fault. Although some insurers offer PIP, insurance companies may not be allowed to sell the coverage to motorcyclists because of their high rate of accidents.

Insurance companies typically offer add-on options, although some may offer one or more as part of their standard policies. For some of these, limits and deductibles apply.

  • Trip interruption coverage: Pays out for lodging, transportation and food if your bike is disabled in a collision far from home, usually defined in your policy as 100 miles or more.

 

While it may cost more to have the extra coverage, it is worth it. Keep in mind, as a motorcyclist, you are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries while on the road.

Almost all insurance companies are going to try and sell you on low prices and savings, but you should be selecting based on other factors. First, reviews, ratings, and testimonials. You probably wouldn’t eat at a restaurant with a one-star rating and terrible reviews, so why would you buy insurance from a company that has the same? Second, coverage options. When you get into an accident, you want to be covered, and the state minimums might not cut it; see what extra coverages the insurance company offers.

No matter what company you choose, if you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, get a personal injury attorney. The insurance company will still try to close your claim as quickly as possible to save themselves money, and on average you will get 2-5 times more with a personal injury attorney.

At The Pottenger Law Firm, we understand that your entire life can be altered in a single accident. With 25+ years of experience, we can get you the compensation to cover your medical bills, loss of wages, and other expenses. Call us at 816-531-6006, or send us a message to arrange a free consultation.