Motorcycle Insurance Massachusetts

Compulsory coverage – Mandated by Massachusetts law

Bodily injury to others: protects you against legal liability for the accidental injury or death of others caused by the operation of your motorcycle, but only if the accident occurs in Massachusetts. You will be covered up to the statutory limit of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Injuries to the driver or passengers on your motorcycle are excluded under this part. If you drive outside of Massachusetts or in places where the public has no right of access, or if you drive with guests on your motorcycle, you should add optional bodily injury to others. This coverage will protect you in such situations. You could be liable for more than the required ($20,000/$40,000) limits for bodily injury to others. Buying higher limits under the optional bodily injury to others coverage may protect you financially from significant costs.

Personal injury protection (PIP): pays up to $8,000 for medical expenses, replacement services, and 75% of any lost wages. PIP will pay these expenses to you or anyone you let drive your motorcycle, anyone living in your household, passengers, and pedestrians, no matter who causes the accident. Your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses in excess of $2,000 that are not reimbursed by your health insurance. This disbursement happens only after expenses have been submitted to your health insurer to determine what it will and will not pay.

Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto: protects you, anyone you let drive your motorcycle, household members and passengers (unless covered by another Massachusetts policy with similar coverage) against losses caused by an uninsured or unidentified (“hit and run”) driver. A minimum limit of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident is required. This coverage does not pay for property damage or damage to your bike.

Damage to someone else’s property: This coverage pays for damage to another person’s property when you, a household member, or another authorized driver cause an accident. A minimum limit of $5,000 is required. Compulsory insurance is the minimum amount of coverage required by state law. Accidents can often result in damage that exceeds these limits. You may wish to purchase increased limits on these coverages or additional types of coverages, such as those listed in the optional coverage section. You should consult with an agent or other insurance professional for help in determining what types and how much coverage you need.

Optional coverage – Chosen by you

Optional bodily injury to others: extends your liability protection under above the mandatory limits required by the Commonwealth. This option provides coverage for accidents beyond Massachusetts to anywhere in the United States, its territories or possessions, or Canada. It also provides coverage for bodily injuries suffered by passengers on your motorcycle.

Medical payments: Optional medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses for you, your household members and passengers, over and above amounts covered by personal injury protection (PIP) no matter who caused the accident.

Collision coverage: pays for damage to your motorcycle, less any deductible, no matter who causes the accident. Personal property is not covered unless it is permanently installed on your bike. If your motorcycle is financed, your lender may require collision coverage. Waiver of deductible: for an additional premium, you may purchase a “waiver of deductible.” With this waiver, your collision deductible will not apply when an accident is caused by an identifiable driver.

Limited collision coverage: pays for collision damage to your motorcycle if you are no more than 50% at-fault for the accident, and the owner of the other vehicle is identifiable.

Comprehensive coverage: pays for damage to or loss of your motorcycle, less any deductible, resulting from events such as fire, theft, vandalism, and striking an animal, but not collision. Personal property such as a stereo is not covered unless it is permanently installed on your motorcycle. If your bike is financed, your lender may require this coverage. If your automobile is stolen, you must report it to the police and your insurance company. You will be reimbursed for transportation costs after the first 48 hours following the report. Selecting your deductible: your deductible will be set at $500 unless you choose a different amount. You can always save on your premium by choosing a larger deductible where one is offered. In determining the right deductible for you, decide how much you can afford to pay out of your own pocket in the event of an accident or loss in which you are at fault or the other driver is unidentified.

Substitute transportation coverage: reimburses up to the limit purchased for car rental or transportation costs, including taxi, bus, and train fare while your motorcycle is undergoing collision or covered repairs.

Optional medical payments coverage: pays for medical expenses for you, your household members and passengers, over and above amounts covered by personal injury protection (PIP) no matter who caused the accident.

Towing and labor coverage: pays up to the limit purchased for towing and labor charges each time your motorcycle breaks down whether or not there is an accident involved. You are covered only for the on-site labor costs at the breakdown site needed to get your bike running again. Parts are not covered.

Bodily injury caused by an underinsured auto: This optional coverage pays if a motorist injures you with liability limits less than the amount of the damages you are entitled to recover. The other motorist’s policy pays its limits first, and then yours pays any remaining losses up to the amount purchased. This coverage will not pay for damage to property.

Other coverages: All insurers offer the options listed above. In addition to these common coverages, some insurers offer other coverages or policy features to compete for customers. Some of the additional features you may find include: roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, auto loan\lease coverage, multiple deductible options for collision and comprehensive, and even pet coverage.