Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Theft?

Motorcycles can be a large investment for many individuals. After spending so much money on your new vehicle, you want to ensure it's protected against the most common disasters, including theft and vandalism. Without the right coverage, you could end up having to pay to repair or replace your motorcycle out of your own pocket. That's why having a comprehensive motorcycle insurance policy is critical.

An independent insurance agent in your area can help you get set up with all the motorcycle insurance you need. They'll make sure you get equipped with a policy that covers theft and vandalism. But first, here's a closer look at motorcycle insurance and how it can cover theft.

Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Theft?

You can buy a motorcycle insurance policy that includes coverage for theft, among other disasters. You'll need to make sure you add comprehensive insurance, specifically, to your policy in order to have this coverage. 

Comprehensive insurance can reimburse you for disasters other than collision, including the theft of your bike. If your motorcycle gets stolen and you have comprehensive coverage under your motorcycle insurance policy, you can get reimbursed for a replacement minus the cost of your deductible.

Comprehensive insurance can also cover vandalism

Incidents of vandalism to your motorcycle can also be covered by comprehensive insurance. Your policy can reimburse you for necessary repairs, minus the cost of your deductible, if your motorcycle gets vandalized. 

Since theft and vandalism are two of the most common threats motorcycle owners face, getting this coverage can be essential. Work with an independent insurance agent to build a complete motorcycle insurance policy with comprehensive coverage.

Is Motorcycle Theft Covered by Home Insurance or Renters Insurance?

Unfortunately, many individuals mistakenly believe their motorcycle is fully covered by their homeowners insurance or renters insurance. If your motorcycle gets stolen, your home or renters policy won't cover it. These policies are designed to cover personal property like your clothing, furniture, and even items stored in your vehicles, but they won't cover the theft of your motorcycle.

The Most Commonly Stolen Motorcycle Brands

Knowing your specific bike's risk of theft can help you better prepare for disaster. Several brands of motorcycles are statistically more likely to be stolen than others, including:

• Honda
• Yamaha
• Harley Davidson
• Suzuki
• Kawasaki

These valuable motorcycle brands tend to be the highest theft targets in the country due to the high demand for individual parts. If you own one of these brands of bike, make sure to protect it with comprehensive motorcycle insurance properly.

Tips for Motorcycle Theft Prevention

Your motorcycle is at risk of theft or vandalism whenever it's left unattended. While there's not a single method to prevent theft of your bike, there are various innovative and cost-friendly ways to reduce the likelihood that your motorcycle will become a statistic. Follow these tips for preventing motorcycle theft:

1. Park your motorcycle in a locked and secure garage: Parking on the street gives thieves the biggest advantage. If you don't have a garage or have access to one, move the motorcycle to a driveway where it's more secure or to a highly visible area to deter thieves.
2. Make your bike more inconspicuous: Consider buying a plain cover with no markings, logos, or bright-colored patterns on it. If a thief can't easily determine the bike's brand or model, they may be less likely to spend the time and effort to remove the cover, much less steal the motorcycle.
3. Use a steering lock: The steering lock is another defense that can make it difficult for your motorcycle to be stolen or lifted easily, by locking your bike to a stationary object such as a building or pole. Many individuals use more than one type of lock, like serpentine link locks and u-locks that cannot be cut with a standard bolt cutter.
4. Install an alarm or an immobilizer: Burglar alarms and immobilizers (often called "kill switches") are among the best physical deterrents available for motorcycle theft prevention. The more difficult you make your motorcycle to steal, the less likely thieves are to target it in the first place or to succeed in their attempted crime.

You might also consider using a GPS tracking mechanism that makes it possible for authorities to track the location of your motorcycle if it's been stolen or chains to mitigate the risk of theft further. Ultimately, there are many different options available to help you secure your motorcycle and greatly reduce its chances of getting stolen or vandalized. 

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What to Do If Your Motorcycle Gets Stolen or Vandalized

If your motorcycle got stolen or vandalized, don't panic. There are a few action steps you can take right away to get your bike recovered, repaired, or replaced. Follow these tips:

1. Contact the police right away: Your first step should be to contact the police ASAP. You'll need to tell them all the relevant details about your motorcycle, including its make and model, where it was parked, and your estimated time frame in which it was stolen. 
2. Contact your independent insurance agent: Your agent can file motorcycle insurance claims through your carrier for you directly. They'll need to know the same information you gave the police, as well as your motorcycle insurance policy number. 
3. Stay in touch: Your independent insurance agent should keep you updated throughout every step of the claims process, but you can also contact them to ask for ETAs along the way. You can also reach out to the authorities and ask for updates on your motorcycle's case.

If you've submitted a motorcycle insurance claim for theft or vandalism to your bike, and your claim is accepted, you'll eventually receive the amount of reimbursement the insurer approves. You'll be required to pay your policy's deductible for each claim, which will be deducted from your reimbursement. Your independent insurance agent can help you understand your carrier's claims process and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to if something happens to your motorcycle.

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

If your bike gets stolen or vandalized, your motorcycle insurance is your next line of defense. An independent insurance agent can help you find a comprehensive motorcycle insurance policy that includes coverage for theft and vandalism. These agents can shop and compare policies and quotes from several carriers for you. Ultimately, they'll get you matched to a policy that offers the best blend of coverage and cost.