In most states, motorcycle insurance is required for all bikes. The minimum coverage required for motorcycles varies, but you may be wondering what your policy covers and whether damage to your valuable gear would be covered in the event of an accident. Read on to learn more about how to help protect your bike and expensive gear.

Many states require minimums for bodily injury and property damage coverage, but you can always purchase a motorcycle insurance plan that pays to replace your equipment, including your helmet and other bike accessories. If you only purchase the state-required minimum coverage for your bike, chances are that your valuable gear won’t be covered in the event of a collision or if damage occurs. For example, if you have a high deductible plan (which costs less per month), in the event of an accident where your bike, helmet and gear are damaged, you would be financially responsible for not only meeting the deductible, but also for replacing the other items that were damaged or destroyed. Since many custom helmets can cost hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, that additional financial strain can be an unwelcome surprise.

Some policies offer minimal standard coverage for helmets and gear, but not enough for most serious riders. For example, a policy that only covers $500 worth of protection for a helmet and gear won’t come close to covering the replacement costs of those items in the event of a serious accident, and you could be stuck with the bill if these items are damaged or destroyed.

For maximum coverage, you’ll want to find a plan that fully protects your helmet and gear, especially if you’ve invested a significant amount of money in these items. Keep in mind that in most cases, the coverage on these policies is limited to equipment that’s exclusively used for riding, so if you’ve invested in expensive gloves, jackets or other items, you’ll want to reach out to your agent to make sure these items are covered as well. In most cases, additional protections can be added onto your policy’s standard coverages through optional coverages, riders or endorsements.

Another important aspect to consider: some motorcycle gear manufacturers have their own warranties, which could apply in the event of a crash. Each company has their own terms and conditions, and some have limits on how long their warranties last after the original purchase date, so be sure to keep good records of your purchases in case this would apply for your situation. Check with the manufacturer to see what’s covered under their guarantees.

Regardless of the scenario, it is always a good idea to keep records of all your gear purchases – most importantly, saving receipts. In the event that you need to file a claim to replace your valuable gear, you’ll need to provide proof of when and where the items were purchased and their original purchase price. Taking a few minutes to organize your records can save you some major headaches in the long run.

Your Local Agent is Here to Help

Having trouble figuring out what’s covered under your current policy, or want to add some additional coverage to make sure your gear is also protected? Reach out to your local agent, and they’ll be happy to help you get the right coverage to protect your ride and everything that goes with it.