Reader question:

Does having a motorcycle insurance policy have any effect on my actual auto insurance policy?

Michael

That’s a very good question, Michael.

Motorcycle insurance policies are separate from regular auto insurance policies, but not entirely. It is very much the case that in order to insure your motorcycle you will have to take out a different policy, and that you cannot add a motorcycle to your auto insurance policy or the other way around. Many companies that offer one kind of policy do not offer the other. If you get into a collision while driving your motorcycle, you will not be covered by your auto insurance policy. There are some states that do not require you to have a motorcycle insurance policy, but considering the increased danger of driving a motorcycle, I would advise you to ignore those allowances and get one anyway, for your own physical and financial protection.

One of the biggest interrelations between motorcycle insurance and auto insurance is that if you get into an accident and make a claim on one policy, it will have an effect on the premium rates of your other policy. This is the case even if the policies are separate and with separate companies. It is considered much the same as having a previous claim on your record, and might be covered under accident forgiveness even if it is not insured with your company.

If you have a motorcycle insurance policy, you might be able to get some of the same benefits that you would normally get with a normal auto insurance policy. This is especially the case if you add your motorcycle insurance policy on with the same company you get your auto insurance policy with, so that you can get the multiple policy discount. Some companies, like GEICO, offer both types of insurance. Some other discounts, like good driver and student and low mileage, might also apply to a motorcycle insurance policy as well as an auto one.

Cheers,

Fashun Guadarrama.