Motorcycles help to rev up the sights and sounds of summer road travel.
In northern states, bike owners who ride mostly during the warm-weather months may be able to get what's called a "lay-up" policy, according to the III. The policy suspends all coverage except comprehensive during the winter, and this makes it cheaper for the rider.
But a part-year rider may want to consider full-year coverage anyway, even though comprehensive covers nonaccident damage, such as from fire, vandalism and theft.
"A 12-month policy is priced to reflect the length of the riding season and risks during the nonriding season for each state," says Allstate's Smith. Consult with your insurer about options and state requirements.
All motorcyclists are required to have liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury that you may cause to other people in an accident, Smith says. Check with your agent if that coverage also extends to passengers on your bike.
Whether you've had an accident, where you ride and how you store the bike all affect your motorcycle insurance premiums. Discounts are available if you've taken a safe-riding course, are a member of a motorcycle organization or club, or if you own more than one bike.