As a motorcycle owner in Louisiana, having the right insurance is essential for protecting your bike and yourself.
But when it comes to deciding on your policy, you may be overwhelmed by how expensive premiums can get.
Knowing what affects the total cost of your motorcycle insurance can help you make wise decisions about how much coverage you need without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the factors that can have an effect on motorcycle insurance premiums so that you can make informed decisions regarding your coverage needs.
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Louisiana?
The answer is yes. You need to have at least minimum liability insurance if you own and drive a motorcycle.
The state minimum requirements are as follows:
$15,000 per person in bodily injury and death
$25,000 per incident for property damage
$30,000 per accident for bodily injury and death
5 Factors That Can Affect Motorcycle Insurance Rates in Louisiana
Coverage Types
When it comes to getting insurance for your motorcycle, the types of coverage you choose play a significant role in determining your insurance rates.
Liability coverage only covers damages you cause to other people or their property and not you or your motorcycle, but it could be a more affordable option.
On the other hand, additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements after an accident or other events, but they also raise your premiums.
Other additional options include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which pays for damage caused by another driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage, and coverage for customized parts if you have any accessories added to your vehicle.
The level of coverage you select contributes to how much you will pay for motorcycle insurance.
So, it’s important to carefully consider your options and consult with an insurance agent to find the best policy for your needs and budget.
Location
There are many reasons why your location can affect your insurance premiums. For starters, densely populated areas often result in more traffic congestion and, consequently, more accidents.
Similarly, areas with high theft rates have higher insurance premiums. Weather conditions can also drive rates up.
Typically, states with warmer weather have higher premiums since they have longer riding seasons compared to colder states.
Age and Experience
Younger riders and those with less experience on the road generally will face higher premiums.
This is because statistically, these groups are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents. Insurance providers take this into consideration when setting rates.
However, even though you’re older, you may still get higher premiums if you don’t have much experience riding a motorcycle.
Read also: What NOT to do while Riding A Motorcycle
Driving History
Insurance companies always check your driving history to determine the risk they are taking by insuring you, so having a clean driving record is essential if you want to enjoy lower motorcycle insurance rates.
If you have a history of accidents or traffic violations, you are more likely to file a claim, which means the insurance company is more likely to pay out money.
As a result, they compensate for this potential risk by charging higher premiums. On the other hand, if you have a spotless record, insurance companies consider you a low-risk driver and usually offer more competitive rates.
Type of Motorcycle
There are several types of motorcycle categories based on the position of the rider, seat height, engine size, storage available, suspension, fairing, and the bike’s weight. These types of motorcycles are as follows:
- Cruises/standards
- Sport bikes
- Off-road bikes
- Touring bikes
- Hybrid
- Scooters
Typically, high-performance motorcycles are more expensive to insure than cruisers. This is because they are designed for speed and can be more dangerous to operate, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
While it may be tempting to opt for a high-performance engine, keep in mind that it could increase your insurance costs considerably.
What’s the Average Cost of Motorcycle Insurance in Louisiana?
Louisiana ranks among the top states in the United States for the highest motorcycle insurance costs, with an average yearly premium of $1,138, according to Value Penguin.
This figure is $421 more than the average cost of motorcycle insurance in other states.
4 Ways to Save on Motorcycle Insurance
Motorcycle insurance can be quite costly. Fortunately, there are several ways to save on your policy without skimping on coverage.
- Take a motorcycle safety course. Many insurers offer discounts on your policy if you complete a safety course. Click here for the motorcycle safety course schedule in Louisiana.
- Increase your deductible. Opting for higher deductibles will decrease your policy premiums, but make sure you can afford the deductibles you select if you have to file a claim.
- Bundle your coverage with other policies. Some insurance companies offer savings if you bundle your motorcycle insurance with other policies, so be sure to check with your insurers.
- Shop around. Since each insurance company will price your policy differently, try to get and compare quotes from different companies. It can be time-consuming, but with the help of TSL Insurance Group, it doesn’t need to be. Our agents will work with you to find the best coverage in the market.
Read also: Things to Know Before Riding a Motorcycle in Louisiana
As you now know, there are a variety of factors that can ultimately determine an individual’s motorcycle insurance premium in Louisiana.
We have highlighted those key points, which hopefully took some guesswork out of the mix when dealing with your own policy.
Also, consider speaking to an insurance expert like us at TSL Insurance Group to find the best plan for your needs.
Our insurance agents in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Lutcher, Franklin, and Abbeville, LA, are committed to providing the best service and will help you tailor a policy specific to your individual situation.
So don’t wait, contact us today to get the coverage you need and save on motorcycle insurance premiums!
Sources:
https://www.iii.org/article/motorcycle-insurance
https://www.progressive.com/answers/motorcycle-insurance-cost/
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