Many insurance providers offer dirt bikes a level of coverage under a motorcycle insurance policy. However, since a dirt bike is very different than a motorcycle, you may need a policy that is specially designed for your riding situation. What you need will vary state to state. Check with the motor vehicle department of your state to find what local laws are in place.

 

When Insurance is Needed

 

In many states, a dirt bike must be registered. In other states, like North Carolina, a dirt bike is considered a utility vehicle and therefore not able to be registered. Although, if you do have a dirt bike that is designed to be used for both off-road and highway riding, then that vehicle would be treated as a motorcycle and therefore need to be registered and have the mandatory liability insurance coverage.

 

Any off-road utility vehicle can be dangerous. They carry a more significant opportunity for damage to be done to the bike and injury to its rider than a motorcycle. While insurance on an unregistered vehicle is not mandatory, it would be wise to have some coverage to mitigate damages should you be involved in a crash.

 

Insurance could also cover you in the event of a theft. Many assume their homeowners or renter’s insurance will cover their bike should it be stolen from their garage or lost due to a fire. Unfortunately, these policies do not cover theft of or damage to a dirt bike; a separate policy is needed.

 

 

Types of Coverage

 

Dirt bike insurance is the same as auto insurance. The same coverage is available but at lower limits. So, it is quite affordable to obtain a Liability policy which consists of Bodily Injury and Property Damage. Keep in mind that Liability coverage is there to help the other party if you should get into an accident. It does not cover injuries or damages done to you or your bike. There are optional benefits that offer coverage for these concerns.

 

Bodily Injury. -This coverage will pay the medical bills of the other rider involved in the accident up to the limits specified in the policy. Bodily injury is part of Liability coverage, just like an auto policy.

 

Property Damage. -This coverage, also part of Liability coverage, will pay for any damage to the other rider’s property in the event of an accident, also up to the policy’s limits. While riding off the road there may not be any property damage, but you could be liable for someone’s land, private road, or crop if you were to disturb it.

 

Medical Payments. -Medical payments is an optional coverage that pays your medical bills or any passenger. Keep in mind that your Health Insurance policy may not pay medical bills for dangerous activities. So, this benefit is highly recommended.

 

Collision and OTC (other-than-collision) -Collision will cover you if you hit an object or rough terrain and cause damage to your bike. OTC covers perils such as fire and theft. Remember, your homeowner’s policy will not cover your bike should it be damaged in a fire or stolen from your garage.

 

Uninsured Motorist. -With so many riders going without insurance, this type of coverage is crucial. It is optional, but if an inexperienced rider caused an accident with you, you would be hurting financially should that rider carry no insurance.

 

Customization. -If you have added any aftermarket accessories to your bike, a standard policy could leave you lacking if you were to damage your bike. This coverage will take into consideration any additions you have made to your bike.

 

Motocross. -This is a specialty insurance for those who use their dirt bike for racing purposes. It is not mandatory, and there are no minimum liability limits like there would be on a standard motorcycle policy. If you were to file a claim on a standard policy after a racing incident, your policy would most likely deny the claim.

 

When shopping for the least expensive insurance, look at the insurance company you use for your homeowners, renters, or auto policies. Most insurers now offer discounts for bundling policies together. Many companies also provide discounts if a rider completes a safety course or has an anti-theft device such as a GPS locator professionally installed. These discounts will vary by insurer, so it’s smart to shop around to find good coverage at at a low cost.

 

To learn more about motorcycle and dirt bike insurance, contact our team at ProtectiveAgency.com at (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.