The iconic American motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson Insurance has been around since 1903 when William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson made their first motorcycle in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the past century, Harley-Davidson has become one of the most recognizable motorcycle brands in the world.
Riding a Harley comes with great freedom on the open road, but also carries certain risks. That’s why having a motorcycle insurance policy tailored to Harley bikes is so important. There are a few main types of Harley Davidson motorcycle insurance coverage to consider:
- Liability insurance – This covers injuries or damage that you may cause to others while riding your Harley. It’s required in most states.
- Full coverage – This includes collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your bike itself if it’s damaged or stolen. This is optional but recommended.
- Accessory coverage – Policies that cover any aftermarket parts, custom accessories, or modifications you’ve made to your Harley.
- Uninsured/Underinsured coverage – Protects you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver without sufficient insurance coverage.
- Roadside assistance – Provides help with breakdowns, flat tires, being stranded, etc. Good for peace of mind.
Getting the right insurance for your Harley-Davidson lets you hit the open road with confidence knowing you and your bike are protected. We’ll explore the key factors in choosing a Harley insurance policy next.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is the most basic and commonly required type of motorcycle insurance. It covers bodily injury and property damage to others that may result from an accident when riding your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Liability insurance helps pay for expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs for the other driver/passengers if you are found legally responsible for the accident. It protects against lawsuits up to the coverage limits.
Liability insurance is mandatory in nearly every state, with minimum required coverage amounts varying by state. Typical liability limits are:
- $20,000 per injured person
- $40,000 total per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 for property damage
Higher liability limits like 100/300/50 or 250/500/100 provide even more protection in case of a major accident. With Harley’s, it’s recommended to carry more than the state minimum liability insurance.
Many insurance companies like Progressive and Geico offer liability-only motorcycle policies. But most riders opt for more complete coverage. Liability insurance alone does not cover you, your passengers, or your motorcycle.
Full Coverage
Full coverage motorcycle insurance provides comprehensive protection for your Harley-Davidson bike. This type of policy includes both collision and comprehensive coverage to cover damage to your motorcycle from accidents, theft, vandalism, fire, flood, animals, and other hazards.
Full coverage policies will repair or replace your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident or other covered event, regardless of who is at fault. They also provide coverage if your bike is stolen.
With full coverage, you select a deductible amount – usually $500, $1,000 or $2,500. The deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket for a claim before the insurance coverage kicks in. So if you have a $1,000 deductible and file a claim for $3,000 in damage, you would pay $1,000 and your insurer would cover the remaining $2,000.
Full coverage provides the most complete protection for your motorcycle investment. It gives you peace of mind knowing your Harley is covered for virtually any mishap, so you can ride with confidence. Just be prepared to pay higher premiums for the comprehensive protection full coverage provides.
Accessory Coverage
Accessory Coverage provides insurance protection for any extra parts you’ve added to your motorcycle, such as saddlebags, windshields, chrome, and custom paintwork. Unlike standard motorcycle insurance policies, accessory coverage isn’t automatically included and must be purchased separately.
Most motorcycle insurance companies offer accessory coverage as an add-on or rider to the main policy. This provides payment toward repair or replacement costs if your accessories are damaged, stolen, or destroyed in an accident that’s covered under the policy’s comprehensive or collision coverage.
Accessory coverage is important for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which owners often customize with aftermarket parts. Saddlebags alone can cost $500 or more to replace. With accessory coverage, you’ll be reimbursed for the depreciated value of damaged accessories without having to pay the costs out-of-pocket.
The accessories covered and coverage limits vary by insurance provider. Most set a maximum limit per accessory item or a total maximum limit for all accessories combined. It’s important to ensure your coverage limits adequately reflect the value of the accessories you’ve added to your bike. Otherwise, you risk being underinsured.
When purchasing accessory coverage, provide your insurance company with an itemized list of all aftermarket parts or customizations, including estimated values. This will help set appropriate coverage limits and document what’s covered under your policy. Keep your list updated as you make any new additions.
Overall, accessory coverage is affordable protection that can save you thousands in repair or replacement costs in the event your Harley’s extras are damaged. For riders who have customized and personalized their bike, it’s coverage is well worth adding on.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage can provide vital protection for Harley Davidson riders. This type of coverage helps pay for injuries or damages if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance.
The specifics of uninsured motorist coverage vary depending on the state where the policy is issued. In some states, this coverage is optional. But in other states, it’s mandatory for all motorcycle insurance policies.
Uninsured motorist protection helps fill the gap when an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for medical bills, lost wages, motorcycle repairs, and other losses. This type of coverage is important for motorcycle riders because:
- Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury, so medical bills may be higher. Uninsured motorists can help pay those expenses.
- Many states only require minimum liability coverage for automobile drivers. That coverage may not be enough if a driver causes substantial harm to a motorcyclist.
- Uninsured drivers may attempt to flee the scene after an accident with a motorcyclist. This coverage can still help the injured rider recover damages even if the at-fault driver can’t be identified.
- Uninsured drivers are legally responsible for damages they cause, but may not have the means to pay large claims. Uninsured motorist coverage helps ensure the injured insured rider can collect compensation.
When shopping for Harley Davidson motorcycle insurance, discuss uninsured motorist coverage options with your agent or insurer. Understand the laws in your state and choose appropriate limits. This coverage can provide vital financial protection if you’re struck by a driver with no insurance.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is an optional add-on coverage for Harley Davidson motorcycle insurance policies. This coverage provides emergency roadside services if you experience a breakdown while out riding.
Roadside assistance can cover services like:
- Towing – If your motorcycle breaks down and can’t be quickly repaired, roadside assistance will arrange for a tow truck to transport you and your motorcycle to the nearest repair shop or other destination. This keeps you from being stranded on the side of the road.
- Flat Tire Change – If you get a flat tire while out on a ride, roadside assistance can send a technician to put on your spare or make other tire repairs.
- Gas Delivery – If you run out of gas away from a gas station, roadside assistance will bring you a small amount of gas to get you to the nearest filling station.
- Locksmith Services – If you lock your keys inside your motorcycle or lose your keys, roadside assistance can arrange for a locksmith to come help you get back inside your bike.
- Battery Jump Starts – If your motorcycle battery dies, roadside assistance can provide a jump start to get you up and running again.
- The coverage and limitations of roadside assistance can vary by insurance provider. There are often mileage limits per service call. You may need to pay out of pocket if the cost goes over a set maximum.
Overall, roadside assistance provides peace of mind that you’ll have help with minor mechanical issues when riding your Harley. It’s an optional extra cost, but can be worth it for many riders. Knowing you have backup emergency assistance makes those long bike trips more enjoyable.
Discounts on Harley Davidson Insurance
There are several ways to get discounts on a Harley Davidson motorcycle insurance policy that can help reduce your premiums.
Safety Course Discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts for completing a motorcycle safety course. These courses teach critical skills for operating your motorcycle safely. Completing an approved safety course can get you a discount of 10% or more in most states. Check with insurance providers to see which safety courses they accept.
Multi-Bike Discounts
If you own and insure more than one Harley Davidson motorcycle on the same policy, you can often qualify for multi-bike discounts. Most insurers offer around 5-15% off for insuring multiple bikes. This helps reduce the overall cost of coverage.
Bundling Home and Auto
Bundling your Harley insurance with other policies from the same provider, like home or auto insurance, can also lower your rates. Most companies offer bundling discounts of 10-20% for including multiple policies. Shop around to find an insurer that offers bundling options to maximize your savings.
Getting discounts can significantly reduce what you pay for Harley Davidson insurance. Be sure to ask providers about all possible ways to lower your rates. Taking advantage of discounts allows you to get the protection you need at a more affordable price.
Cost of Harley-Davidson Insurance
Insuring a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be more expensive than insuring other types of motorcycles. Some factors that affect the cost of Harley insurance include:
- Age and driving record of the rider – Riders under 25 or over 60, and those with accidents or violations on their record will pay higher premiums.
- Displacement of the engine – Harleys with larger engines like 1200+ cc will cost more to insure than smaller 883 cc engines.
- Model of the bike – Harley touring bikes and trikes are more expensive to insure than Sportster models.
- Coverage limits and deductibles – Lower deductibles and higher liability and medical coverage limits raise premiums.
- Location – Insurance rates are higher in urban areas and states that have high claim rates like Florida and New Jersey.
On average, Harley riders pay around $500-$800 annually for basic liability coverage. Full coverage with comprehensive and collision can cost $1200-$1500 per year on average.
Some ways Harley riders can save on insurance include:
- Taking an approved safety course for discounts.
- Opting for higher deductibles like $500 or $1000 to lower rates.
- Asking about discounts for low mileage, anti-theft devices, multi-bike policies, and good credit.
- Comparing rates from several insurers to find the best premium.
- Reducing coverage on older bikes not worth as much.
Finding the right balance between adequate protection and affordable premiums takes some shopping around. But there are opportunities to save for Harley riders who put in the effort.
Claims
Filing a claim with Harley Davidson insurance is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about the claims process:
Filing a Claim
To start a claim, call your Harley Davidson insurance agent or the claims hotline number on your insurance card. Provide details about what happened and follow the instructions to begin the claims process.
You may need to fill out a claim form and provide documentation like photos of damage, police reports, and repair estimates. Your claims adjuster can explain exactly what’s needed based on your specific claim.
Requirements
Harley Davidson insurance has a few requirements when filing a claim:
- Report the claim as soon as possible. There are deadlines for filing claims that vary by state.
- Provide complete, accurate information. The claims process will go smoother if you give all required documentation upfront.
- Cooperate fully with the claims investigation. You may need to provide recorded statements and allow inspections of the damage.
- Begin repairs only once approved. Wait for the insurer to greenlight repairs before proceeding. Unauthorized work may not be covered.
Settlement Times
How long it takes to settle a Harley Davidson insurance claim depends on factors like claim complexity and processing times. However, you can expect:
- Simple claims to settle in 1-2 weeks after submission
- Moderate claims to settle within 2-6 weeks
- Complex claims to take 6 weeks or longer if additional investigation is needed
Notify your claims adjuster if you have any delays in settlement or questions about the status. They can provide updates and explain next steps.
With Harley Davidson insurance, the claims process aims to efficiently investigate, validate, and resolve your claim to your satisfaction. Understanding their procedures makes it smoother to file and settle claims.
Finding the Right Policy
Finding the right motorcycle insurance policy is crucial for Harley-Davidson riders. While Harley-Davidson Insurance offers policies specifically designed for their bikes, you may want to consider other options as well. Here are some tips for finding the best coverage:
- Use an Independent Agent – Working with an independent insurance agent allows you to get quotes from multiple providers all in one place. The agent can compare coverage and pricing to find the right fit based on your specific needs. They have expertise across many providers and can objectively guide you to the best deal.
- Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies – Rates can vary widely between insurers, so it pays to compare quotes from at least 3-5 companies. Look at factors like premiums, coverage options, customer service ratings, financial strength ratings, discounts offered, and policy exclusions.
- Look for Discounts – Most insurers offer discounts that can lower your premiums. Common ones include multi-bike, multi-policy, safety course completion, anti-theft devices, loyalty programs, and more. Ask each provider what discounts you may qualify for.
- Prioritize High-Quality Coverage – Don’t sacrifice important coverages just to save money. Make sure you have ample liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, accessories coverage, roadside assistance, etc. Skimping on coverage could cost you down the road.
- Read Policy Documents Closely – Pay attention to exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and all policy details. Don’t just look at the premium price. Understand exactly what you are getting for your money.
- Consider a Provider’s Financial Strength – Insurers should have strong financial ratings so they can pay out claims. Look for companies with an “A” rating or higher from firms like A.M. Best.
Taking the time to shop around and compare insurers is the best way to secure the optimal Harley-Davidson motorcycle insurance for your needs and budget. Partnering with an independent agent can make the process easier.