Indiana law requires an operator and owner of a vehicle, whether that be a regular automobile or a motorcycle, to have insurance to cover that vehicle in the case of an accident. This is important to ensure the safe operation of vehicles on the roads, but insurance is also important to compensate for any injuries or damages to your vehicle or motorcycle. Concerning motorcycles, Indiana law does require proof of insurance before registering your motorcycle.
Motorcycle insurance is also different from auto insurance in general, and a generic auto policy will not cover your motorcycle. This is important to note, because if you are a new motorcycle owner who has car insurance, you must either expand your policy by contacting your insurance company, and adding a motorcycle endorsement to your policy, or you must purchase entirely new insurance for your motorcycle.
What is a Motorcycle Endorsement?
A motorcycle endorsement is something a person can add to their existing insurance policy. Generally, this good for a person who has a motorcycle they ride year-round but is not their primary mode of transportation. An endorsement has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of having an endorsement added to a policy are that it can be cheaper, it still counts as insurance for the purpose of Indiana law, and it can be easier to obtain if a person is struggling to get a separate policy for their motorcycle.
However, there are disadvantages to having an endorsement as opposed to a full policy. An endorsement does not offer full policy coverage. If a person is in an accident on a motorcycle, an endorsement would not cover their full medical bills or repair costs.
What is Full Motorcycle Coverage?
Full motorcycle coverage involves either bundling auto coverage with motorcycle coverage, or in the alternative, shopping around for a separate motorcycle policy. Getting a separate policy for your motorcycle can be a hassle, but it does provide more coverage than an endorsement does.
The two biggest advantages to buying a separate insurance policy for your motorcycle are the extra coverage compared to an endorsement, and the customizability offered by most insurance carriers. By purchasing a separate insurance policy as opposed to adding an endorsement to your current policy, you are guaranteeing yourself more coverage. This also helps because in any accident you know that you have enough coverage to pay medical bills and pay for repairs for your motorcycle.
Most insurance companies also allow you to customize a motorcycle policy tailored directly to you, your use of the motorcycle, and the type of coverage. This is also beneficial, because it can allow you to insure your motorcycle the way you want, with the amount and type of coverage you want.
So What Is
While getting a motorcycle endorsement can be less expensive and less of a hassle, the better option available is getting full motorcycle insurance. A full motorcycle insurance policy covers more than just the legal minimum, as an endorsement does, and gives both you and your motorcycle more protection. Protecting both you and your motorcycle is important and allows for you to be reimbursed for your injuries and the value of the repairs to your motorcycle in the event of an accident.
What Should I do If I Have Been Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need attorney’s who have experience in the field. At Hurst Limontes LLC we have a long track record of dealing with these types of cases and will fight for you to get you the reimbursement you deserve.