motorcycle insurance

Does Your Motorcycle Insurance Cover Specialty Parts?

Posted on by agentinsure

Motorcycle enthusiasts in Sandy, UT, must maintain the same mandatory coverage as residents driving automobiles. While policies with adequate collision insurance typically cover repair costs, specialty parts are not always included. At The Smith Insurance Group Inc., we work diligently to ensure our clients have the financial protection they need.

What Are Specialty Parts?

Specialty parts refer to modifications or enhancements that go beyond the original design of a motorcycle. Just as hiring an unlicensed carpenter to replace shingles on your roof can void warranties, altering a motorcycle’s performance or aesthetics can impact insurance coverage. Specialty elements, such as the following, are often excluded from standard policies:

  • Enhancements: Many owners invest in wider tires to improve road traction or replace the exhaust, intake, and other components to boost engine capacity, torque, and performance.
  • Appearance: Modifications like adjusting a motorcycle’s height, swapping out handlebars and fenders, or replacing lights can give it a fresh look. However, these changes may also make the bike more challenging to operate.
  • Costs: Customized parts often cost more than standard ones. Some are handcrafted, while others use high-end materials like titanium or premium alloys. The combination of additional labor and expensive materials can exceed the coverage limits of a standard policy.

One key reason specialty parts may not be covered under your current policy is that the policy is based on standard parts and labor costs. Comprehensive motorcycle insurance typically uses these estimates to determine premiums. If you’ve made alterations or plan to customize your motorcycle, it’s essential to speak with a professional to update your policy and ensure specialty parts are covered.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you live in Sandy, UT, and need to update your motorcycle insurance coverage, contact The Smith Insurance Group Inc. today. Let’s get the process started to ensure your ride is fully protected!

Type of Coverage For Your Motorcycle in the Winter

Posted on by agentinsure

Motorcyclists often underestimate the value of insurance in the winter. Canceling your policy should never be an option. The staff at The Smith Insurance Group Inc. in Sandy, UT, can make you aware of the risks should you temporarily cancel your motorcycle insurance policy. Thankfully, there are several types of coverage available to protect your ride.

Lay-Up Motorcycle Insurance

During the winter months, the use of your motorcycle lessens as the roads become too slick for a smooth ride. Many cyclists choose to downgrade their existing policy to a lay-up insurance plan. Some insurance agencies call this coverage motorcycle storage insurance. It protects the bike from theft, damage, vandalism, and other non-comprehensive coverage while in storage. However, you cannot ride your bike during the policy’s lay-up period, as collision and liability coverage is suspended. If you choose to ride, you will will be liable for all damages in an on-road accident.

Seasonal Motorcycle Insurance

Another motorcycle insurance option is purchasing a seasonal policy during the winter months. The coverage allows you to customize the policy to your liking. Usually, the coverage reflects the amount of riding done during the fall and winter months. Riders will remove all liability coverage on the policy if they plan to put their bike in storage for the winter. Once again, if you choose to be inactive, be sure to reinstate all the comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage before getting back on your motorcycle. Seasonal insurance could protect your bike all year long.

Motorcycle insurance is the lifeblood for all riders during the summer months. However, the winter months allow cyclists to downgrade their policy in Sandy, UT, and other parts of the United States. The Smith Insurance Group Inc. staff can provide options that protect your motorcycle while in winter storage. Call and schedule an appointment today.