Motorcycle insurance often includes coverage for your gear and accessories, but the specifics vary significantly between policies and carriers. Generally, this coverage helps repair or replace items like helmets, riding apparel, and custom bike parts damaged in a covered incident.
It’s crucial to understand what’s standard, what’s optional, and any limitations or deductibles involved. Not all gear is treated equally, and basic policies might offer very little for expensive custom additions.
Many standard motorcycle insurance policies offer some level of Personal Effects Coverage or Accessory Coverage. This is often included as a small, automatic benefit, or it can be purchased as an add-on.
This coverage is designed to protect items that are either worn by the rider or permanently attached to the motorcycle. It typically extends to damage from collisions, theft, vandalism, or other perils outlined in your policy.
What is Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)?
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), sometimes called Safety Apparel Coverage, specifically covers the gear you wear. This includes:
- Helmets: DOT-approved helmets, including full-face, open-face, and modular designs.
- Riding Jackets: Leather, textile, armored, and mesh jackets.
- Riding Pants/Chaps: Specialized pants or chaps designed for motorcycle protection.
- Riding Boots: High-ankle or full-calf boots built for protection.
- Gloves: Armored or reinforced riding gloves.
- Goggles/Eyewear: If specifically designed for riding.
PEC typically has a relatively low limit, often between $1,000 and $3,500. This amount is usually pooled for all covered items, so a $2,000 limit means you can claim up to $2,000 for all your damaged gear, not $2,000 per item.
What is Accessory and Custom Parts Coverage?
Accessory and Custom Parts Coverage is for items permanently installed on your motorcycle. This can range from factory-installed upgrades to aftermarket additions.
This coverage protects against damage or loss to items that enhance your bike’s function, appearance, or performance. Think of the extra chrome, the custom seat, or the upgraded exhaust.
When considering motorcycle insurance, it’s essential to understand the various types of gear and accessories coverage included in your policy. For a deeper insight into how insurance rates can fluctuate, even without an accident, you might find it helpful to read this related article on car insurance rates. It explains the factors that can lead to increased premiums, which can also be relevant when evaluating your motorcycle insurance options. You can check it out here: Why Did My Car Insurance Rate Go Up If I Didn’t Have an Accident?.
What Kinds of Accessories and Custom Parts Are Covered?
The scope of “accessories and custom parts” can be quite broad, but insurers typically have specific definitions. It’s not just about what you bolt on, but what kind of things you bolt on.
Most policies distinguish between factory-installed accessories and aftermarket customizations. Understanding this difference can impact your coverage limits and options.
Factory-Installed vs. Aftermarket Accessories
Factory-installed accessories are items that come directly from the manufacturer as part of your motorcycle’s original build or as an upgrade package. These are often included in the declared value of your motorcycle and may be covered under your comprehensive and collision policies up to that value.
Aftermarket accessories and custom parts are anything added after the bike leaves the factory. This is where dedicated accessory coverage becomes vital.
- Chrome and Trim: Custom handlebars, engine guards, luggage racks, sissy bars, footpegs, and decorative covers.
- Performance Upgrades: Aftermarket exhaust systems, air filters, fuel tuners, or engine performance kits.
- Electronics: GPS units (permanently mounted), sound systems, heated grips, or communication systems.
- Custom Paint and Bodywork: Specialized paint jobs, custom fairings, fenders, or saddlebags.
- Custom Seating: Aftermarket seats designed for comfort or style.
- Lighting: Auxiliary lights, LED kits, or custom turn signals.
- Security Systems: Aftermarket alarms or GPS trackers.
Many policies will include a default amount of accessory coverage, often around $1,000 to $3,000. If you have significant customizations, this amount is often insufficient.
How Do I Ensure My Expensive Gear and Customizations Are Covered?
Standard limits for gear and accessories often don’t reflect the true cost of quality riding apparel or extensive custom work. Just like a winter lay-up plan for your bike, planning your insurance requires foresight.
You’ll typically need to purchase additional, optional coverage to adequately protect higher-value items. This involves declaring the value of your custom parts or gear.
Increasing Personal Effects Coverage
If your helmet cost $800, your jacket $600, and your boots $400, you’re already at $1,800. If your base policy only offers $1,000 in PEC, you’d be significantly underinsured.
You can usually increase your Personal Effects Coverage limit by purchasing an endorsement. These increased limits can go up to $5,000 or even $10,000 with some carriers.
- Itemized Listing: Some insurers might ask for an itemized list of your expensive gear, especially for higher limits. Keep receipts.
- Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: Understand if the coverage pays out based on the item’s depreciated value (Actual Cash Value) or the cost to buy a new one (Replacement Cost). Replacement Cost is almost always preferred for gear.
Enhancing Accessory and Custom Parts Coverage
For motorcycles with extensive custom work, the standard $1,000-$3,000 accessory limit will barely scratch the surface. A custom paint job alone could exceed that.
Most carriers offer increased accessory coverage endorsements. These can raise your limit to $20,000, $30,000, or even higher, depending on the insurer and the total value of your bike and its customizations.
- Appraisal: For very high-value custom bikes, an official appraisal might be required by the insurance company to verify the value of the modifications.
- Photos and Receipts: Always keep detailed photos of your customizations and all receipts for parts and labor. This is your proof of value if a claim arises.
- Professional Installation: Insurers often prefer or require that custom parts be installed by qualified professionals, especially for performance-related modifications.
Are There Any Exclusions or Limitations to Gear and Accessory Coverage?
While coverage for gear and accessories is beneficial, it’s not limitless. Like checking for water in your basement after heavy rain, you need to understand potential weak points in your policy.
Several common exclusions and limitations can impact what’s covered and how much you receive. Reading the fine print of your policy is essential.
Common Exclusions
- Ordinary Wear and Tear: Damage due to normal use, aging, or deterioration is typically not covered. This coverage is for sudden, accidental loss.
- Theft of Unattached Items: If you leave your expensive helmet on a picnic table and it’s stolen, it might not be covered by PEC if it wasn’t on your person or secured to the bike. Accessory coverage is for permanently attached items.
- Mechanical Breakdown: Performance parts are covered if damaged in a collision, but not if they simply fail due to a manufacturing defect or wear.
- Contraband or Illegally Modified Parts: Any modifications that make your motorcycle illegal for road use will generally void coverage for those parts.
- Temporary or Loaned Items: Gear borrowed from a friend or temporary rental items are usually not covered under your policy.
- Business Use: If you use your motorcycle commercially (e.g., for deliveries), standard personal policies may exclude coverage for gear and accessories related to that use.
Deductibles and Depreciation
- Deductibles: Most accessory and gear coverage is subject to a deductible, similar to your comprehensive or collision deductible. If you have a $500 deductible, you’d pay the first $500 of the repair or replacement cost.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Many policies will default to Actual Cash Value for gear and accessories. This means they will pay out the cost of the item minus depreciation. An older helmet, even if expensive when new, will be worth less at the time of loss.
- Replacement Cost (RC): Some policies offer Replacement Cost coverage for an additional premium. This is highly recommended for expensive gear and accessories, as it pays to replace the item with a new one of similar kind and quality, without deduction for depreciation.
When considering motorcycle insurance, it’s essential to understand the various types of gear and accessories coverage included in your policy. This can help you protect not only your bike but also your riding gear, which can be quite expensive. For those looking to expand their understanding of insurance needs, a related article discusses the importance of umbrella insurance and why it may be necessary even if you have high liability limits on your home and auto policies. You can read more about it here.
What Steps Should I Take to Protect My Motorcycle Gear and Accessories?
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessory Coverage | Provides coverage for motorcycle accessories such as custom seats, saddlebags, backrests, and chrome pieces. |
| Safety Apparel Coverage | Offers coverage for safety apparel such as helmets, gloves, jackets, and boots in case they are damaged in an accident. |
| Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage | Provides coverage for custom parts and equipment that are not included in the original manufacturer’s selling price. |
| Transport Trailer Coverage | Offers coverage for motorcycle trailers used to transport the motorcycle. |
Proactive steps can make a significant difference in the event of a claim. It’s similar to routine maintenance for your bike before a long ride – preparation is key.
Documentation, proper valuation, and regular policy reviews are critical to ensuring you have adequate coverage. Don’t wait until after an incident to discover you’re underinsured.
Document Everything
- Take Photos: Photograph your motorcycle and all custom parts and accessories from various angles. Do this when they are new and after any significant changes.
- Keep Receipts: Store all purchase receipts for your helmet, riding apparel, and any custom parts or installation services. This is your proof of value.
- Maintain an Inventory: Create a detailed list of all your gear and accessories, including descriptions, serial numbers (if applicable), and estimated values.
Review Your Policy Annually
- Update Your Broker: Inform your insurance agent or broker about any significant changes to your motorcycle, such as new custom parts, performance upgrades, or expensive new riding gear.
- Re-evaluate Values: As your gear ages or if you add new items, reassess whether your current coverage limits are still adequate. The bike you winterized might look the same, but the accessories on it might have changed.
- Understand Your Coverage: Don’t hesitate to ask your agent to walk you through the specifics of your Personal Effects Coverage and Accessory Coverage, including limits, deductibles, and any exclusions.
Work with an Experienced Agent
An independent insurance agent, like those at Kaufman Insurance Group, can be invaluable. We shop multiple carriers to find policies that best fit your specific needs, especially for unique assets like custom motorcycles. We understand the nuances of different policy wordings and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Whether you are in Northeast Ohio or anywhere across the country, Kaufman Insurance Group is licensed. Contact us to shop 100+ Top Carriers.
FAQs
What kind of gear and accessories coverage is included in motorcycle insurance?
Most motorcycle insurance policies include coverage for riding gear and accessories such as helmets, gloves, jackets, and other protective equipment.
What does gear and accessories coverage typically include?
Gear and accessories coverage typically includes protection for damage, theft, or loss of riding gear and accessories while riding or transporting your motorcycle.
Is there a limit to the coverage for gear and accessories?
Yes, most insurance policies have a limit on the amount of coverage for gear and accessories. It’s important to review your policy to understand the specific limits and any additional coverage options.
Are there any requirements for gear and accessories coverage?
Some insurance companies may require you to provide proof of ownership or receipts for your riding gear and accessories in order to file a claim for coverage.
Can I add additional coverage for gear and accessories to my motorcycle insurance policy?
Yes, many insurance companies offer the option to add additional coverage for gear and accessories to your motorcycle insurance policy for an extra premium.
