A dirt bike can be expensive. In this article, we will talk about dirt bike insurance and why you might need it.
When it comes to protecting you and your dirt bike you want to make sure that you are covered in case of a broken-down bike or even worse theft.
Dirt Bikes are fun but can be an expensive toy to have around. You have to ask yourself what risks you are willing to take when protecting your investment.
Is it smart to get insurance for your dirt bike?
Yes.
You have insurance for your body and your cars why not your dirt bike. Dirt bikes are not cheap and the cost of insurance for your dirt bike might be worth the price in case of loss or damage.
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Do you really NEED Dirt Bike Insurance?
The answer to needing dirt bike insurance or not really is it depends.
Financing Your Dirt Bike
If you decide to finance your dirt bike you are REQUIRED TO GET INSURANCE for your dirt bike.
If the credit company or bank provides you with the money to purchase a $9-10K dirt bike they want to protect their investment. You really do not own the dirt bike they do.
It makes sense that they would require you to get insurance for the dirt bike they own.
This is the reason why I think it’s smart for you to also get insurance on your dirt bike regardless if you own the dirt bike outright or not.
Are you required to get Insurance for your Dirt Bike if you own it?
The answer is…
NO.
Here in the USA if you own the dirt bike outright you are NOT required to purchase insurance for your dirt bike.
Is it smart to purchase insurance for your dirt bike even if you own it outright?
I think so.
Just like the bank wants to protect their investment I think you should as well. There is WAY less value in a dirt bike that has been wrecked vs one that is still intact.
On average most used dirt bikes are worth anywhere from $3k – $8k.
Do you need Insurance for Street Legal Dirt Bikes
You will need Dirt Bike Insurance in case you make your dirt bike street legal, or buy a street legal dirt bike. This is due to the fact that you will need a registered motorcycle when you ride on the highway. A registered motorcycle must have mandatory liability insurance coverage.
So, YES, it is a requirement for street legal dirt bikes.
Just like your car or truck if you plan on driving on the road the law requires that you have insurance.
Each state might have different requirements so make sure you check with your local state laws.
How much does it cost to get insurance for your dirt bike?
You probably already have insurance for your car or house or something. The first step would to contact your insurance company that you already have an insurance plan with as you can get discounts for “lumping” all you of your insurance needs in one place.
However, not all insurance companies will provide dirt bike insurance.
Its also smart to call around to different insurance companies to get pricing as you might be surprised by how much savings you can get.
Dirt Bike Insurance Coverages
Dirt bike insurance coverage is meticulously designed to cater to the distinctive demands and hazards that come with dirt biking, providing an essential safety net for riders. This specialized insurance form is crucial for protecting riders from the financial strains that can arise following incidents such as accidents, theft, damage, or legal liabilities tied to their dirt biking activities. Including a range of affordable coverages ensures that riders can personalize their policies to their specific riding style, risks, and budgetary considerations.
Key components of dirt bike insurance typically encompass:
- Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage is pivotal, as it covers the costs associated with injuries to others if you’re at fault in an accident. It’s essential for safeguarding against the high expenses of medical bills and potential legal fees.
- Collision: Pays for repair or replacement of your dirt bike if it’s damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, ensuring you’re not out-of-pocket for the mainstay of your passion.
- Comprehensive: Offers financial protection against risks other than collisions, like theft, fire, or vandalism, safeguarding your investment in your bike.
- Guest Passenger Liability: Extends your liability coverage to include any passengers that might be riding with you, offering them protection under your policy.
- Medical Expense: Covers medical costs for you and possibly your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident, ensuring that medical bills are manageable.
- Optional/Special Equipment: If you’ve customized your bike or added special equipment, this coverage ensures you’re compensated for these investments if they’re damaged or lost.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Often known as “no-fault” coverage, it pays for medical expenses, and sometimes lost wages and other damages, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
Cost of Dirt Bike Insurance
As I mentioned that really depends on you and the insurance company. While I cannot tell you what the exact number is but an average is around the following:
Around $100 a year to get insurance for your dirt bike
** Disclaimer
Like I said, this depends on your driving record, how old you are, and many other factors. Don’t be mad if it’s more than what I said is the average. Be glad if you get yearly insurance below $100.
You will have to decide if its worth paying whatever yearly amount to protect your dirt bike with insurance.
Personally, do I feel like its worth $100 bucks a year to protect my dirt bike from theft and total loss?
YES.
Dirt bikes are not cheap and I do not want to see my hard-earned cash get burnt.
Make the right decision for your situation and always make sure you can afford it.
Best Companies for Insurance
- Geico is renowned for its comprehensive coverage options that cater specifically to motorcyclists, including dirt bike riders. They provide a range of policies that encompass protection against theft, damage, and the particular risks encountered on off-road trails. Geico’s policies are customizable, allowing riders to adjust their coverage levels and deductibles to fit their individual needs and budget, ensuring that riders don’t pay for more coverage than they require.
- Progressive is another major player, celebrated for its tailored policies that resonate well with the off-road biking community. They offer extensive coverage options that go beyond the standard, including total loss coverage, accessory coverage, and even coverage for medical payments, catering to the unique aspects of dirt biking. Progressive is also known for its discounts, including those for responsible riders and those with multiple policies, making their comprehensive coverage more accessible.
- Allstate stands out with its robust policies designed for motorcycle enthusiasts, providing essential coverage as well as options for additional protection such as rental reimbursement and towing services. Their policies are designed with the rider in mind, offering flexible coverage that can be scaled to match the level of risk and the value of the bike. Allstate’s reputation for customer service and claims satisfaction adds to their appeal, offering riders peace of mind along with solid financial protection.
The best insurance providers, including Geico, Progressive, and Allstate, understand the intricacies of dirt biking and offer flexible, comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to this thrilling yet risk-prone activity.
Conclusion
In the realm of dirt biking, where each ride is an adventure and every trail brings its own set of challenges, the importance of comprehensive dirt bike insurance cannot be overstressed. This tailored insurance not only offers a financial safety net but also peace of mind, enabling riders to focus on the thrill of the ride rather than the potential financial repercussions of unforeseen events.
With a wide array of affordable coverages available, from bodily injury liability to transport trailer coverage, riders have the flexibility to customize their policies to match their specific needs, risks, and lifestyle. This ensures that whether you’re navigating rugged terrains, enjoying a leisurely ride on familiar paths, or transporting your bike to a new location for exploration, you are well-protected against a spectrum of potential risks.
The benefits of selecting a comprehensive dirt bike insurance policy extend beyond mere compliance with legal requirements; they embody an investment in your passion, safeguarding your freedom to explore and enjoy the sport you love with confidence.
By thoughtfully choosing from coverages like collision, comprehensive, guest passenger liability, and enhanced permissive use, among others, riders ensure that both they and their valued equipment are covered, no matter what the journey throws their way.
This level of preparation and protection is invaluable, transforming potential financial burdens into manageable situations and allowing for a quicker return to the sport following an incident.
FAQ About Dirt Bike Insurance
Is dirt bike insurance mandatory?
The requirement for dirt bike insurance varies by location and how you use your bike. While not always legally required, especially for bikes used exclusively off-road, having insurance is highly recommended for financial protection.
Why is dirt bike insurance important?
This insurance is crucial because it covers unexpected costs that can arise from accidents, injuries, theft, or damages associated with riding a dirt bike. It ensures that you're not personally footing the bill for high repair costs, medical expenses, or legal fees.
Can I get insurance for just off-road riding?
Yes, many insurers offer policies specifically designed for off-road riding. These policies are tailored to the unique risks of off-road dirt biking and can provide a suitable level of protection for riders who do not use their bikes on public roads.
Are there any exclusions I should be aware of in a dirt bike insurance policy?
Yes, policies may have exclusions that can affect your coverage, such as racing, intentional damage, or using the bike for commercial purposes. It’s crucial to read your policy thoroughly and understand what is and isn’t covered to avoid surprises in the event of a claim.
