It’s no secret that motorcycle insurance rates are higher than other vehicle insurance rates. This is because motorcycles are inherently more dangerous to drive than cars. If you don’t plan to go on your bike during the winter and want to save money, you may be tempted to cancel your motorcycle insurance. Still, it’s important to think twice before doing so because you might want to focus on reducing your coverage, not canceling.
Canceling Your Motorcycle Insurance in the Winter
If you’re not going to be using your motorcycle during the winter months, it may be a good idea to cancel your insurance. This will save you money on your monthly premiums. However, make sure to cancel your insurance in writing. This will ensure that there is a paper trail documenting the cancellation. You may also want to send the letter via certified mail so that you have proof that it was delivered. Keep in mind that if you cancel your insurance, you will no longer be covered in the event of an accident.
How To Save on Motorcycle Insurance During Winter
If you don’t want to cancel your insurance during the winter months but still plan to take your motorcycle off the road, there are a few ways to save on insurance.
Ask About Seasonal Motorcycle Insurance Rates
Many insurance companies offer lower rates for motorcycles that aren’t driven in the winter. There is a smaller chance of accidents happening when the bike isn’t being used. If you’re storing your motorcycle for the winter, make sure to cancel your insurance during the off-season. Otherwise, you’ll be paying higher rates for no reason.
Reduce Your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
If you’re not using your motorcycle during the winter, you may want to reduce your coverage. This will save you money on your monthly premiums.
Cancel Motorcycle Insurance
If you’re not going to be using your motorcycle during the winter, it’s a good idea to cancel your insurance. This will save you money on your monthly premiums. However, make sure to cancel your insurance in writing. This will ensure that there is a paper trail documenting the cancellation. You may also want to send the letter via certified mail so that you have proof that it was delivered. Keep in mind that if you cancel your insurance, you will no longer be covered in the event of an accident.
Ask If Your Insurance Company Has Storage Insurance
If you’re going to be storing your motorcycle for the winter, make sure to ask your insurance agent if your insurance company offers storage insurance. This will protect your bike if it’s damaged while in storage.
Take Your Motorcycle Off the Road
If you’re not going to be using your motorcycle during the winter, you can take it off the road. This will protect your bike from being damaged. It’s also a good idea to have your motorcycle inspected by a mechanic before you put it into storage. This will help ensure that it’s in good condition when you start using it again in the spring.
Raise Your Deductible
You can switch to a higher deductible insurance policy. This will save you money on your monthly premiums, but it will also require you to pay more out-of-pocket if you have an accident. Ask your insurance company for their deductible options.
Enroll in a Safety Course
Companies often offer a discount between 10 and 15 percent for taking a safety course. If you’re in Florida, it’s required that new motorcycle drivers take and pass the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) through an FRTP authorized sponsor before they can have the motorcycle endorsement added to their license.
However, you can check with your local Florida DMV to find more approved courses. You can also visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website for classes.
If Your Motorcycle Insurance Policy Doesn’t Have Lay-up Policies, Shop Around
If your current insurance policy doesn’t offer a lay-up, it’s a good idea to shop around and get motorcycle insurance quotes from insurance carriers that do. Many companies will give you a motorcycle insurance quote. This will allow you to suspend your coverage without having to cancel it. This is an excellent option if you plan on using your bike again in the spring.
Lower Your Comprehensive Coverage
If you’re not going to be using your motorcycle during the colder months, you may want to consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage. Lowering your comprehensive coverage will save you money on your monthly premiums. However, if your bike is stolen or damaged while it’s in storage, you won’t be covered.
Lower Your Liability Coverage
If you plan to take your motorcycle off the road during the winter, you may want to consider dropping liability coverage. This will save you money on your monthly premiums. However, if you are in a motor vehicle crash and someone is injured, or their property is damaged, you will be responsible for paying out of pocket.
Why Shouldn’t I Cancel My Motorcycle Insurance in the Winter?
There are a few reasons you shouldn’t cancel your motorcycle insurance in winter.
- If you cancel your insurance, you will no longer be covered in the event of a motorcycle crash.
- If something happens to your motorcycle while it’s not insured, you’ll have to pay for the damages out-of-pocket.
- Canceling your insurance could also affect your credit score. If you withdraw your insurance, it could affect your credit score. This is because insurance is seen as a sign of responsibility.
- You may also have to pay a cancellation fee. If you cancel your insurance, you may pay a cancellation fee. This fee will vary depending on the company that you’re insured with.
- Canceling may violate the terms of your finance or lease agreement. If you have a lease or finance agreement on your motorcycle, violating the terms could result in the loss of your bike.
Things Can Still Happen To Your Motorcycle During the Winter
Just because your motorcycle isn’t on the road doesn’t mean it’s safe. There are still several things that can happen to it during the winter. For example, your bike could be stolen or damaged by weather conditions. If you cancel your insurance and something happens to your motorcycle, you’ll have to pay for the damages out-of-pocket.
Theft
Your motorcycle is a big target for thieves when it’s not in use. Theft rates tend to go up during the winter.
If your bike is stolen while it’s not insured, you’ll have to pay for the damages out-of-pocket.
Weather Damage
Motorcycles are susceptible to weather damage. For example, they can be damaged by hail or snow.
If weather conditions damage your bike while it’s not insured, you’ll have to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket.
Are You Sure You Won’t Ride Your Motorcycle in Winter?
If there’s even a chance that you’ll ride your bike during the winter, it’s best to keep your insurance policy active. This will ensure that you’re covered in case of accidents.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Contact the Fran Haasch Law Group attorneys if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are committed to protecting motorcycle rider rights. We have years of experience helping riders get the compensation they deserve.
