Motorcycles are notorious for being “unsafe.” However, if you practice good riding habits, you can be just as safe as the car drivers that you share the road with. Once you have your motorcycle insurance squared away, remember these basic tips for staying safe on your motorcycle:

• Always wear a helmet. California law requires you to wear a helmet. Avoid tickets (which may affect your insurance) and always wear your helmet. Make sure your passenger has a helmet too.

• Dress the part. If you do get into a motorcycle accident, your risk for injury is high. You need to dress in quality safety equipment including a helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves to minimize injury in case of an accident.

• Maximize your visibility. Many motorcycle accidents occur because the driver of a car did not see an oncoming motorcycle (often due to the small and fast build of the bike). Always obey the speed limit, and double-check that a driver can see you before approaching or passing them.

• Ride like a car. It can be tempting to weave in and out of traffic to reach your destination faster, but it’s also dangerous and even illegal in some states. A traffic officer can also pull you over for unsafe passing or reckless driving. However, if you drive the same way as you would a car, you should be safe from both citations and danger.

Above, ride your motorcycle defensively and follow the laws to be as safe as possible. Keep these tips in mind, and enjoy the open air exhilaration of a motorcycle ride.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Comprehensive coverage (sometimes called “Other Than Collision Coverage”) is one of two coverages offered that pays for damage to your vehicle.  The other is Collision Coverage.  Collision coverage is very specific about what it covers.  I hit something or something hit me or I rolled the vehicle over are examples of collision.  Comprehensive however is an example of what we, in the insurance industry, call an “all risk” coverage.  The language is very broad saying “we will cover direct and accidental damage to the vehicle.” This means that pretty much everything is covered unless specifically excluded by the policy.  Some policies may contain a list of perils that are specifically defined as not collision (and so therefore comprehensive) such as flood, earthquake, fire, hitting an animal, theft, vandalism, etc.  While these perils are covered by comprehensive, so are a lot of others.  In the event you have a (not collision) loss and it is declined as not covered by your insurer, I would suggest you ask your claims representative to show you where in the policy it says that your loss is not covered.  If such language isn’t there then your loss is probably covered.  Typical exclusions are for things like mechanical breakdown, intentional acts, lack of lubricant and more.  This coverage is subject to a deductible which is an amount of money you must pay prior to the insurer paying.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

You just got hit and injured by an Uninsured Motorist.  Your car is damaged and you are on your way to the hospital.  What coverage is available to you?  The potential answer: a great deal.

Auto Medical Payments coverage.  This can be used to pay the ambulance bill, emergency room bill and other bills associated with your injury (doctors, x-ray department, etc.) While the amount of coverage is usually limited to a small amount per person (i.e. $5,000) it pays without regard to liability and without a lot of claim forms, so payment is usually prompt.

Group or individual health insurance.  This one is often overlooked.  You should notify your health insurer so that any medical bills not paid by other insurers can be submitted to them.  Even with an HMO there is usually payment available for an emergency.

Auto Uninsured Motorist Coverage.  This is broad coverage which may have fairly substantial limits. ($15,000 to $100,000 per person).  It not only covers your medical expenses but also will cover your loss of wages, replacement services (child care, housekeeping, etc.) and even more.

Auto collision coverage.  This will cover the repair of your automobile but is subject to your deductible

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage will cover the above deductible.  If you don’t carry collision coverage it will provide for the repair of your car but is limited to $3,500.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage. This will pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop.  The coverage has a per-day limit ($20, $30, $50) and will usually pay for no more than 30 days.

As you can see, with the proper coverage in place your insurance policy “has your back”…or your leg or whatever else is injured.  If you should ever have any questions or concerns, please contact PoliSeek at your convenience.