Your motorcycle is one of your most prized possessions. Motorcycle insurance helps you protect your asset. The policy helps cover potential repairs and medical expenses if you suffer an injury. You're also covered if your motorcycle accidentally causes property damage. Perhaps you let one of your friends ride your motorcycle occasionally. One day, your friend is riding your motorcycle, and they are involved in a collision, which causes serious damage to your motorcycle. Depending on your motorcycle insurance in CA and whether your friend also has insurance, things may become complicated.
Most states require motorcycle owners to purchase minimum liability coverage. If your friend is responsible for causing damage while riding your motorcycle, the liability coverage should help pay for the repair costs. However, liability coverage does not pay for your friend's medical treatment if they suffer an injury while riding your motorcycle.
You can add medical payments coverage to your motorcycle insurance in CA to assist with your friend's medical treatment if they are injured while riding your motorcycle. Collision coverage covers your repair costs if your friend wrecks your motorcycle. If you have collision or comprehensive insurance, keep in mind that they have separate coverage limits. If the total damages exceed the coverage limit, you'll be responsible for paying the remaining balance unless you add extra coverage. Your motorcycle insurance policy also includes a deductible, the amount you are responsible for paying towards a claim before your insurance takes over.
There could be complications even if your motorcycle insurance covers other riders. Your friend's motorcycle insurance may act as a form of supplemental coverage. It's recommended that you discuss your policy with your insurer. Some policies have language that explains how claims are handled when multiple policies are connected. Sometimes, your friend's insurance may serve as the primary insurance when filing a claim. However, some insurance companies do not cover damages to non-owned motorcycles. It's recommended that you look over your insurance policy carefully before letting your friend ride your motorcycle.
If you and your friend believe in being the primary insurance on a claim, the repair costs will likely be divided between the two insurance policies. If your friend doesn't have insurance, you will likely be left responsible for covering a significant balance out of pocket.
Any custom upgrades that you've made to your motorcycle are not covered through your friend's insurance. Collision and comprehensive policies generally do not cover custom parts and accessories damage. If your friend wrecks your custom motorcycle, you could face a financial catastrophe. It's recommended that you avoid letting someone else ride your motorcycle after you have customized it.
In most cases, you should avoid letting your friend ride your motorcycle. It's simply not worth the risk of something going wrong. If you have any questions regarding your motorcycle insurance, contact our team here at Fuller Insurance Agency, and we will assist you.
