Motorcycle Insurance

Protection Built for California Riders

Riding a motorcycle through the Inland Empire means dealing with heavy traffic on I-10 and I-215, unpredictable drivers, and road conditions that change from San Bernardino's city streets to the mountain passes near Big Bear. Your bike needs more than just the state minimum liability coverage. California requires bodily injury and property damage liability, but that only protects others when you cause an accident.

The state minimum doesn't cover:

• Your bike if someone hits you or you're in a single-vehicle accident
• Theft (which happens frequently in high-traffic areas like Highland Avenue or apartment complexes)
• Your medical bills if you're injured, even when the accident isn't your fault
• Custom parts and accessories you've added to your motorcycle

What Actually Gets Covered

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your motorcycle after an accident, whether you hit another vehicle, a pothole, or slide out on gravel. Comprehensive coverage handles everything else: theft, vandalism, fire, and weather damage. Living in San Bernardino County, you face specific risks like catalytic converter theft (yes, they steal parts off bikes too), parking lot damage, and the occasional hailstorm that rolls through the valley.

Medical payments coverage handles your hospital bills and rehabilitation costs regardless of who caused the accident. This matters because even minor motorcycle accidents often result in injuries that health insurance doesn't fully cover. Hospital transport, emergency room visits, physical therapy, and lost wages add up quickly when you're recovering from road rash or broken bones.

Beyond the Basics

Accessory coverage protects your investment in custom parts and gear. If you've upgraded your exhaust, added saddlebags, or installed a high-end sound system, standard policies won't cover these modifications unless you specifically add them to your policy.

Additional coverages to consider:

• Roadside assistance for breakdowns on remote highways or in extreme heat
• Uninsured motorist protection since many California drivers carry only minimum liability limits
• Guest passenger liability if you regularly ride with someone on the back
• OEM parts replacement to ensure repairs use original equipment manufacturer parts

Real Situations Riders Face in the Area

A rider heading home on Waterman Avenue gets sideswiped by a driver changing lanes without looking. The bike goes down, resulting in frame damage, scratched fairings, and a broken wrist for the rider. Without collision and medical payments coverage, the rider pays thousands out of pocket even though the accident wasn't their fault, because the other driver only had minimum liability that barely covered anything.

Another common scenario: a bike parked outside an apartment in Highland gets stolen overnight. Without comprehensive coverage, the owner loses the entire value of the motorcycle and still owes money if there's a loan on it. In San Bernardino County, motorcycle theft rates are higher than many riders realize, especially for popular models that can be quickly stripped for parts.