There's no doubting the fact that motorcycles are cool. But even cooler is a motorcycle that's been customized to perfectly suit its rider. Whether adding aftermarket parts or doing complete custom work, modifying a motorcycle can greatly improve the riding experience.
But one question that usually comes up is whether or not motorcycle insurance will cover these customizations. So, does motorcycle insurance cover custom work and aftermarket parts?
The simple answer is maybe. It all relies on the insurer and the specific details of the policy. For example, some insurers may cover aftermarket parts or custom work, while others may not. And in some cases, coverage might be limited to certain modifications.
To better understand what motorcycle insurance covers, let's look at some of the most common questions about this type of coverage.
Standard Coverage for Modifications Is Not Always Included in Motorcycle Insurance Policies
In general, motorcycle insurance does not include coverage for aftermarket parts or custom work. However, most policies come with coverages for the equipment that manufacturers install. For example, a policy will typically cover stock handlebars but not sissy bars, and it would likely cover a stock exhaust but not one that has been customized.
Typically, a policy's paperwork describes what is regarded as aftermarket or bespoke work. More often than not, the definition is quite clear. Standard coverage protections normally do not apply to anything added to a bike that modifies the bike's appearance or performance, including paint jobs, custom alarms, and other modifications.
Some insurers offer an endorsement, or rider, to a policy that provides coverage for aftermarket parts and custom work. But this coverage is not standard and typically comes at an additional cost. And in some cases, the insurer may only cover certain modifications.
It is necessary to check with your insurer to see if they offer this type of coverage and, if so, what modifications are covered.
Standard Insurance Policies that Cover Modifications Typically Have Low Protection
Exceptional motorcycle insurance policies may cover aftermarket items and custom work in addition to the regular coverages. But frequently, not even these regulations are enough to protect against alterations. They frequently only provide a small amount of protection, and sometimes that small quantity is less than the price of just one modification.
For example, most policies only offer $1,000 worth of coverage for aftermarket and custom work. So if you get into a severe accident, there will not be enough money to cover the damages, no matter how much your repairs cost.
Take the time to read your policy and ensure you understand the coverages. Don't hesitate to ask your motorcycle insurance agent in Brownsville if you have any questions.
Without Coverage, Bike Owners Are Exposed to Risks
If you own a motorcycle and have made modifications, you may expose yourself to potential risks if you don't have insurance coverage for aftermarket or custom work.
To begin with, if a biker's bike was stolen or destroyed in an accident, it's possible that they wouldn't have coverage for modifications. They might be reimbursed for the bike's purchase price, but they'd presumably have to pay for the modifications themselves.
Additionally, and maybe more critically, biker owners may not have enough liability insurance for their motorcycles. Motorcycle liability insurance coverage under a policy may only partially apply if a rider causes an accident and an aftermarket part or custom work is determined to have contributed to the accident. In some circumstances, modifying the motorbike hazard may nullify the motorcycle's liability insurance coverage.
Optional Coverage for Aftermarket Parts and Custom Work is Available
Most insurers don't offer much protection for aftermarket parts and custom work in their policy's standard coverage, though almost all provide optional coverage for modifications. In general, as long as a bike modification doesn't jeopardize safety, insurers will cover it with additional coverage.
Optional coverage for modifications commonly raises motorbike insurance premiums. Although premiums may slightly increase, replacing all aftermarket parts and redoing custom work is significantly more expensive.
Bikers must check with their motorcycle insurance agent in Corpus Christi to ensure they understand what is and isn't covered under their policy. Reviewing the policy annually or whenever modifications are made can help prevent surprises down the road.
Read here to know how to choose your motorcycle insurance policy.
In Conclusion
It's vital to check with your insurer to see if they offer coverage for aftermarket parts and custom work and, if so, what modifications are covered. Without this coverage, you may be exposing yourself to potential risks. Most insurers offer optional coverage for aftermarket parts and custom work, which may slightly increase your premiums but are still less expensive than replacing all aftermarket parts and redoing custom work. Review your motorcycle insurance policy regularly to ensure you understand what is and isn't covered under your policy.
