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If you’re involved in an accident or your motorcycle gets damaged or stolen, you’ll need to know how to file a claim through your motorcycle insurance provider.
We’ll go over the claims process, plus provide you with some tips on when you should file, and if you can expect your rates to go up after you do.
How to File a Motorcycle Insurance Claim
Filing a motorcycle insurance claim is a fairly straightforward process, but if you’ve never had to do it before, it’s a good idea to learn about the basics.
Filing your claim is how your motorcycle insurance works when you need to use it.
Step 1. Assess the Situation
First, if you’ve involved in an accident, safety should be your first priority.
Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if necessary.
If you’re able to, get your motorcycle out of the road and to a safe location.
Step 2. Gather Information
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident with another vehicle or rider, you’ll need to exchange details.
Information you’ll need from the other driver includes:
- Their contact information.
- Their name, driver’s license number, and address.
- Their insurance policy details.
Additionally, you should gather contact information of any witnesses to the crash.
Finally, be sure to take pictures of the crash scene and damages.
Step 3. Submit your Claim
Next, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider to file your claim as soon as possible.
Call your provider, go online, or submit a claim through their mobile app.
You’ll need to include:
- Details and circumstances regarding the accident.
- Any evidence and information you have to support your claim.
- Provide any details for other motorists involved in the accident and any witness information.
After submitting your claim, you’ll be assigned a claim number and claim representative to handle your case.
Step 4. Schedule an Inspection with the Claims Adjuster
Next, your insurance claims team will typically review your claim and schedule an insurance adjuster to evaluate the damages caused.
Depending on the circumstances, they may need to do this in person or they may be able to do this via pictures you provide.
They may recommend a shop or request that you get repair estimates beforehand.
After reviewing the estimates, they’ll determine if the repairs are acceptable or if the bike will need to be deemed a total loss.
Depending on the type of motorcycle insurance coverage you have, the repairs may be covered, you may receive a payment, or you may be able to replace the bike.
If you have full coverage motorcycle insurance, you’ll typically be covered for most situations.
Step 5. Get Paid/Get Repaired
If your claim is approved, the insurance company will either pay your or pay the repair shop/dealership directly after subtracting your deductible.
When to File a Motorcycle Claim
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the damage caused, you’ll need to decide whether or not it makes sense to file a claim.
Times when you should definitely file an insurance claim include:
- If you are at fault for the accident.
- If the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle is much higher than your deductibles.
- If the other driver or rider is underinsured or uninsured.
- If there are any injuries as a result of the accident.
If there are no injuries or the damage to your bike is minor, you may need to weigh whether filing a claim will be worth it.
Will your motorcycle insurance rates increase after filing a claim?
After filing a claim, your insurance rates may go up.
If and how much your rates increase will depend on:
- The nature of the claim.
- Whether you are at fault for the accident.
- Your history of claims.
- The value of your bike or the damages caused.
Some providers offer accident forgiveness for your first claim.
If your rates have increased, it’s a good idea to check if you qualify for any motorcycle insurance discounts.
After your claim is settled it may also be a smart idea to compare quotes.
Check out some other resources regarding motorcycle insurance: