No accident is fun whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, an accident doesn’t just stick to the vehicle involved in the accident, nor does it stick to the type of vehicle.
Instead, accidents follow your driving record and will affect you no matter where you drive. If you cause an accident in your own vehicle, for example, your driving record will be affected for around three to five years for a first at fault accident. This means your insurance rates can go up by around 30% for the three to five years it is on your record—including your car and motorcycle insurance.
Other violations can remain on your record for even longer. In some states, a DUI may remain on your record for around 10 years, meaning your insurance rates will also be affected for 10 years. You may only see a related drop in your insurance rates at the end of this time period.
This can also apply to tickets. If you fail to pay a ticket on your vehicle, it could reflect on your driving record.
What is the Difference Between a Motorcycle License and a Driver’s License?
There is a common misconception that a motorcycle license is completely separate from a driver’s license. On the contrary, a motorcycle “license” is simply an endorsement placed on the driver’s license you already have that allows you to operate motorcycles, which is generally obtained through passing a state sanctioned driving course. This is why affects on one side of your driver’s license can affect the other.
Motorcycle insurance, however, is typically a separate policy from our car insurance policy.
Is Motorcycle Insurance Expensive?
Compared to car insurance, motorcycle insurance is relatively inexpensive. This is because the average motorcycle tends to cost less than the average car. Your insurance rates are partially calculated based on the value of the vehicle you are insuring, as you want enough insurance to completely replace the vehicle after an accident if necessary.
Other factors that affect your motorcycle insurance rates can include:
- Age
- Gender
- Driving record
- Credit score
- Coverage limits
- Deductible
When looking for motorcycle insurance, compare quotes through multiple insurers and ask about ways you can save money—especially if you have accidents or violations already on your record. Bundling your car insurance and motorcycle insurance with the same insurer can earn you a multi-policy discount.
Also Read: What to Do if Your Motorcycle is Vandalized
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