Custom Motorcycle Insurance

A chopper is a motorcycle that has been “chopped” or modified from its original shape and design. Choppers usually have elongated front forks and a lowered back end caused by a lack of rear suspension. If you own a chopper, you may wonder how you insure it and whether you need a regular motorcycle insurance policy or specialized chopper insurance. The truth is that policies for custom motorcycles can be more difficult to find because they need to be made specifically for your unique bike. 

Luckily, an independent insurance agent can easily help you get set up with the right custom motorcycle insurance. They'll help find a policy for you that best covers your chopper or other custom motorcycle. But first, here's an overview of custom motorcycle insurance and how to get it.

Is Chopper Insurance the Same as Motorcycle Insurance?

Chopper insurance is not the same as standard motorcycle insurance. Chopper owners have different needs because their bikes have been modified considerably from factory standards. In fact, it's sometimes difficult to place value on choppers as they're custom-made, one-of-a-kind vehicles. Sometimes, they're not factory-built but are assembled from specialty kits.

Owners and insurance companies cannot simply consult a blue book to determine how much the bike is worth. This can make it difficult for some owners to register their bikes with the state, which makes them potentially difficult to insure. So, it's always wise to have your chopper independently appraised for its real value.

Because of the modifications done to the bike, your state may require that you have your chopper inspected by the Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicles Bureau. These inspections might require owners to pass a safety test every year or two, which can potentially affect your ability to insure the bike.

Why Is Chopper Insurance Harder to Find?

Because of the difficulty of determining each chopper's value, some insurance companies refuse to offer custom chopper insurance. This may mean you have to shop around and consult a variety of insurance carriers before you find one that will write you a policy. It's also likely that you won't be able to find any online quotes for chopper or custom motorcycle insurance. Instead, you may have to call the insurance company directly or work with an independent insurance agent.

Moreover, choppers are difficult to insure because they often have extremely high replacement costs due to their added custom features, high-quality materials, and added labor costs. A custom chopper can easily cost twice the amount of a brand-new, top-of-the-line Harley-Davidson. Depending on the level of customization, that difference can be even higher. Therefore, insurance companies view such an investment as a high-risk policy and may refuse to cover such a vehicle.

Who Needs Custom Motorcycle Insurance?

Regardless of what kind of motorcycle you own, it needs to be insured. If you own a bike that's been modified in such a way that affects its value, structure, or how it operates, you'll need a custom motorcycle insurance policy. Custom motorcycle policies aren't required if your bike has only undergone simple or small modifications, such as adding chrome.

Having the right kind of chopper insurance can help provide you with a reimbursement if your bike is involved in an accident, gets stolen or vandalized, or is involved in a lawsuit with a third party. Also, every state requires motorcycle owners to have insurance to avoid penalties like fines. Make sure to ask your independent insurance agent about which kind of policy you need if you're unsure.

What Kind of Chopper Insurance or Custom Motorcycle Insurance Do You Need?

If you plan to finance your chopper, the bank will most likely require you to carry full coverage on the vehicle. Most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage for all motorcycle riders. Some carriers offer riders coverage for liability only. This type of policy covers you in the event of an accident that causes damage or injury to pedestrians, other vehicles and drivers, or their passengers. However, it doesn't cover damage to your customized bike.

What Does Custom Motorcycle Insurance Cover?

Your custom motorcycle insurance policy or chopper insurance will be tailored to your unique needs depending on the specifics of your bike and how you use it. But in general, you can expect to find the following coverages in chopper insurance:

• Liability: Covers property damage or bodily injury to others caused by your bike.
• Collision: Pays for damage to your bike from a collision with another object, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive: Pays for damage to your bike due to a non-collision event such as a flood or theft. However, some custom bikes are not eligible for comprehensive insurance. These include kit or non-factory-built bikes, rebuilt or re-titled bikes, bikes whose manufacturer is not listed in the NADA guide, bikes with a state-assigned VIN, or bikes on which the original frame has been replaced.
• Personal injury protection: Pays for medical expenses related to your own injuries or your passengers' injuries after an accident. Note that this coverage is not available in every state.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Pays for expenses after an accident with an at-fault driver who doesn't have any or enough of their own car insurance to cover their share of the costs.

An independent insurance agent can help you build the right custom motorcycle insurance policy for you.

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How Much Does Custom Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

The cost of your chopper insurance policy will depend on a number of factors. These include:

• The type of bike you own
• The value of the bike
• The modifications you've made to it
• How often you use it
• Your age and location
• Your driving history

Because custom motorcycles vary so widely, it's difficult to offer even a ballpark figure for the cost of their coverage. However, an independent insurance agent can work for you to find the most affordable coverage that fits.

How to Get Discounts on Chopper Insurance

The available custom motorcycle insurance discounts will vary by the insurance company you choose. But there are a number of ways to save on chopper insurance, including the following common discounts:

Although chopper insurance is often more expensive than traditional motorcycle insurance, these discounts can help you save money on your coverage. An independent insurance agent can also help locate the most affordable coverage in your area.

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find Chopper Insurance Fast

Independent insurance agents have access to multiple insurance companies, so they can shop and compare chopper insurance and custom motorcycle insurance policies for you. They'll gather details about you and your bike to find the right policy at the best available rate. And down the road, they'll be there to help file claims for you or update your coverage as necessary.