insurance

[street bob 06]

I am not in the states a this time and planning to come home. My wife is getting everything ready for my return and she talked with our insurance company about activating my full coverage. They ask if we wanted "custom parts coverage". They said it's because it is a Harley, but they didn't offer it to us before??? Is this worth it or is it just something they get more$$$ out of us. What are your thought and does anyone have experience with this.

[Majicbringer]

It depends what ins. co. you go with as to what which policy covers. I have Progressive and the policy I have covers the bike as is, extra goodies and everything. It's not bad considering it's about the cheapest insurance I could find. Surprised me, actually, as I was bargain hunting. But it doesn't cover my gear.
It also varies state to state. If you're in Mass, the insurance co.'s in that state have the lawmakers by the nads. Progressive and other competing co.'s can't even get a foot in the door, and the one's that are there are $$$. the bike I have costs me $110@yr. My friend has the same bike in MA and it's over $1000.
The "custom parts" thing would also be a worry if you have custom parts. If you have, say , a SE Fatboy or something then a good many of the "custom" parts are actually stock and should be already covered.

[street bob 06]

Hey thanks, I have progressive for the last two years and they haven't asked about it before. The only "custom" parts I have are just after market seat and will be pipes. I'll keep checking and let you all know what I find out.

[Whopper]

Whoa! $110 per year? I'm paying $400 per year in 'Bama. Time to do some bargain hunting!

[street bob 06]

I did some checking with progressive and they do have “custom part coverage”. It covers aftermarket parts and paint in increments of $1000. I don’t know how much more it is, it will very on where you live of course. If you go to progressive.com under motorcycles you can find it. Now I just need to find out if it is worth it or will they fight you for every cent.

Stay Safe

[Ed. Hugo]

I had a Jersey insurance company on my bike the last 30 years & never filed a claim. I have never had a ticket or accident in my life except for 3 deer that I hit in my pick-up.
Recently I had to get more extensive coverage on my V-Rod & the $600.00 (yearly) figure my insurance company quoted me seemed high. I ended up with a quote from Geico for $272.00 yearly & took it.
Why such a difference & especially with my driving record is a mystery to me but it was a learning experience> Never assume that you are getting a good price & shop around.

[texan321]

Insurance is a tricky thing. Insurance companies rates and coverage vary by state - county - ZIP code - it also depends on your credit rating. Insurance companies will lower rates and coverage to "write" more policies in that state. But when the claims come in - they start raising the rates. Now they don't want to tell you - they don't want to write the coverage - so they raise rates. So, it is best to always check around when you insurance is due - you will find if you get to comfortable with your bike insurance - you are paying to much. It also doesn't have much to do with the "experience" rating (claims etc). Also - if an insurance company gets to many policies in one area - guess what - they won't renew you.
I have been back riding for 8 years and have have had 6 different insurance companies.. so I am always checking ...they aren't loyal - neither am I.

[BlueBob]

And also keep in mind that price can change considerably based on what kind of coverage you have. I maintain $100k-$300k liability and unisured motorist. Jacks the price up quite a bit (esp the uninsured motorist which isn't even mandatory in CO), but I think it's worth it as my fender-fluff isn't my wife and, hence, not covered by my medical. Also check your deductible. Mine is $125, and that jacks up the premium too. A $500 deductible is probably a little more reaasonable and common.

If your state doesn't require you to have uninsured motorist, drop it. Just make sure you don't give tri-care any reason to deny your medical (like popping wheelies on a crowded interstate). This will drop your premiums considerably.

Also, the bike your covering makes a big difference. My souped up sporty was $200/year. My FXDB with the same coverage is $600.

P.S. My coverage for accessories was included. No extra $$$. The longer you stay with Progressive, the cheaper they get and the more goodies they throw at you.

[texan321]

Bob - I was with Progressive on my 1997 RoadKing $378.00 - when I went to get insurance on the 2007 Ultra - they wanted $1,045.00 for just the Ultra + the additional for the RK... couldn't do it. Changed to Geico I am now paying - with extra coverage $423.00.. which is just fine with me...but will start shopping again in June..........

I had Geico and paid $500 for my first year. The second the upped the price to $1080 as they were restructuring their territories. Keep in mind I made no claims, had no violations. Went with Progressive which gave me the same benefits for $385 a year full coverage including all my aftermarket items.