Motorcycle Theft – Protect Your Bike with Motorcycle Insurance

If you own a motorcycle or are planning to buy one, it is crucial that you protect yourself against motorcycle theft by knowing the facts and taking preventive measures to prevent loss. In 2008, a total of 60,763 motorcycles were stolen according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Motorcycle Theft: What Thieves Go After

If you live in California, Florida, Texas, North Carolina or Indiana, you have an above average chance of being a victim of motorcycle theft. The most stolen motorcycles by make are Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson.

Supersport motorcycles have the highest theft frequency of any model at 31.8 claims per insured year, according to the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They are 7 times more likely to be stolen compared to other types of bikes, like cruisers or touring bikes. With national stolen motorcycle recovery rates hovering below 30%, it's likely that a stolen motorcycle will never be seen again, so make sure you keep your bike well-protected at all times.

How to Stop Motorcycle Theft

There are some simple steps you can take to help keep you from becoming a victim of motorcycle theft.

  • Secure the motorcycle to a heavy, fixed object when parked
  • Park in well-lit areas of public parking lots
  • Leave your bike in a concealed area at home
  • Install an anti-theft alarm
  • Invest in kill switches and theft recovery systems to recover stolen bikes
  • Never leave keys in the ignition, even for a quick run into a convenience store

Motorcycle Insurance – Cover Your Bike Against Motorcycle Theft

Motorcycles are not covered by a standard auto insurance policy. If you own a motorcycle, it must be insured with a separate motorcycle insurance policy. Like auto insurance policies, motorcycle insurance can cover liability, no-fault personal injury protection, and comprehensive and collision coverage. These options vary with each policy, so choose your options wisely to ensure you have an adequate amount of coverage.

How Much Will Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

The cost to insure your motorcycle will likely be far less than that of most passenger vehicles, sometimes less than half. The rate you pay for insurance will depend on many factors. Your motorcycle's engine size, its model year, and the frequency you ride will determine your insurance rate. Some companies offer a discount to riders who have completed a motorcycle safety course, so be sure to check with your insurance agent when purchasing a policy.

Motorcycles have been an American tradition for decades. After all, what's cooler than black leather jackets, rumbling engines, and riding free across the open countryside? But motorcycles have become a hot item for thieves, making them especially vulnerable to theft.

The most effective way to protect your bike from motorcycle theft is to purchase a motorcycle insurance policy. Insweb.com has an online quote form that can help you compare motorcycle insurance quotes in minutes!

Looking for more motorcycle insurance information?