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What is the most important part of any motorcycle (or auto) insurance policy?

The most important part of your motorcycle/auto insurance policy is your Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage. You’ll find it listed as UM/UIM on your policy’s declaration page.

What is UM/UIM and why is it important?

Connecticut law requires every motorcycle (and auto) insurance policy to carry these two forms of coverage. UM/UIM Insurance covers you if you are injured by a negligent driver who has no, or too little, insurance to pay for your injuries and damages. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) means that the other party carried no insurance at the time of the accident. In that case, your UM provides money payments to you or your family from your insurance company for medical expenses, wage loss, permanent injuries and other losses you would have received if the other driver had been insured. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) provides the same benefits as UM and means the other party carried insurance but it wasn’t enough to cover all your losses. Your UIM then covers any gap between the other person’s insurance and the amount of UIM limits you purchased.

• 80% of all car vs. bike accidents are the fault of the car’s driver.
• Motorcyclists are far more likely to be seriously injured in an accident and
• When serious injury occurs, the other driver’s insurance coverage is often non-existent or insufficient

Therefore, if an insurance company or its agent suggests low limits of UM/UIM insurance or that you reduce your UM/UIM coverage, they are doing so to protect themselves -not you. It’s in your best interest to get the highest UM/UIM coverage you can.

How can I increase my UM/UIM Coverage?

In Connecticut, when you buy liability insurance, you automatically get an equal amount of UM/UIM coverage. However, under Connecticut law, you can then increase your UM/UIM limits up to twice the amount of your liability limits. Remember, under Connecticut law, the Insurance Company CANNOT REFUSE THIS REQUEST. Since UM/UIM is the least expensive part of your motorcycle policy, you can double your protection at very little cost. In short, when purchasing motorcycle insurance or for that matter, auto insurance, it is best to first focus on protecting yourself from the uninsured/underinsured driver. UM/UIM insurance is simply the best and cheapest form of life and health insurance you can buy to protect yourself and your family.
How can I reduce the overall cost of my motorcycle insurance in order to purchase higher UM/UIM limits?

The following is a lost of possible discounts that may reduce your overall cost *

Policy Discounts:

• Alarm: Audible anti-theft alarms – A dated invoice/receipt required. Up to a 10% discount.
• Rider Group: Applicant must be a member of one of the following organizations for up to 10% discount: ABATE, AMA, BMWMOA, BRAG, CMRA, CMA, GWRRA, GWTA, HOG, MSF, MGNOC, RSTAR, USCA VTS, WOW.
• Rider Course: Insured must have successfully completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riders course or other State certified rider course within the past 5 years – Proof required – 10% discount.
• Multi-Cycle: Applies to all coverage on all cycles, up to 30%.
• Rider Experience: Insured must have two years riding experience prior to the effective date of coverage – 10%.
• Paid in Full: Up to 10% discount will apply when the policy is paid in full.
• Transfer: Up to 20% discount will apply if the applicant has been continuously insured for 6 months.
• Homeowner: Up to 10% discount will apply when the applicant can provide proof of home ownership.
• Motorcycle License: A 10% discount will apply when the applicant has a drivers license with a valid motorcycle endorsement.
• 3 Month Lay-A-Way: No riding December, January & February – 10% discount.
• 5 Month Lay-A-Way: No riding November 01 thru April 01 – 15% discount.

** Percentage of discounts vary between insurance companies. Maximum discounts may apply.

Note: Trantolo & Trantolo does not sell insurance nor do we represent insurance companies. We sue insurance companies to obtain money damages for our injured clients. This information is offered for the benefit of anyone purchasing motorcycle or auto insurance and does not constitute legal advice. If you wish further information, please feel free to contact us.