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Imagine the feeling of revving up your motorcycle for a nice, leisurely ride on a sunny day. The wind in your hair, the smell of gasoline and rubber burning away as you speed down the open road. It’s pure freedom. But what happens if that freedom is taken away from you? What do you do when your beloved two-wheeled steed has been stolen?
It’s an unfortunate situation to be in, but luckily there are some steps that can help you get back on track.
We will discuss all the necessary measures to take if your motorcycle is stolen. From filing police reports to taking preventative action against theft, we got it all covered.
So don’t worry. Just because someone stole your bike doesn’t mean they’ve thrown a wrench into your plans for fun and adventure. We’ll make sure you have everything needed so that soon enough, you’re out there again living life at full throttle.
What to do if your motorcycle is stolen?
Unfortunately, motorcycle theft can be common.
If your bike is stolen, here are some of the steps you should take:
- Immediately file a police report.
- Contact friends and family.
- Take preventative action against future thefts.
- Check local pawn shops and online listings.
- Stay positive and keep searching.
1. Immediately File a Police Report
This is the most important step to take if your motorcycle has been stolen.
Filing a report with law enforcement will help you get the ball rolling on recovering your bike and can potentially aid in apprehending the thief. In addition, it will be important for insurance claims should you have any coverage on your vehicle.
2. Contact Friends and Family
It’s possible that someone may have seen something related to the theft or even know who took it.
Get in touch with anyone you can think of that may have heard or seen anything suspicious and let them know what happened as soon as possible.
3. Take Preventative Action Against Future Thefts
If there’s anything you learned from this experience, it’s to be prepared for the worst. Invest in anti-theft devices such as a GPS tracker or lock system and make sure you always park your machine in a secure area.
4. Check Local Pawn Shops and Online Listings
Start looking around to see if any of the parts from your bike have been sold or traded somewhere. Many motorbike thieves will try to sell off individual pieces from stolen vehicles, so keep an eye out for anything that may have been yours.
5. Stay Positive and Keep Searching
Unfortunately, recovering a stolen motorcycle can take time and effort. Don’t give up hope. Continue checking various websites, forums and businesses until you find something related to your missing ride. You never know what could turn up.
Will Motorcycle Insurance Cover Theft?
In most cases, yes.
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance typically covers theft and will provide the necessary funds to replace or repair your bike.
Be sure to review your policy before filing a claim as many insurers require that you meet specific requirements (such as having an alarm installed).
Additionally, some companies may also offer a “replacement cost” option which provides additional coverage for stolen vehicles.
It’s important to note that if you don’t have insurance or declined it at the time of purchase, then you’ll likely be responsible for paying out of pocket to fix or replace your motorcycle.
This can be especially costly and is why it’s highly recommended to invest in comprehensive coverage prior to any incidents happening.
If you don’t have comprehensive coverage for your bike, it may be a good idea to compare quotes to make sure you’re covered.
Bikes That are Commonly Targeted
There are certain motorcycles that are more prone to theft than others due to their popularity, parts availability, or other factors.
Generally, thieves tend to target certain makes rather than specific models. The brands that are often targeted include:
- Honda
- Yamaha
- Suzuki
- Kawasaki
- Harley-Davidson
It’s important for owners of these motorcycles (or any bike for that matter) to take extra precautions against potential thefts. This includes investing in anti-theft devices, parking securely in designated areas, and having comprehensive insurance coverage.
How to Protect Your Motorcycle from Theft
No one wants to experience the heartache and frustration of having their motorcycle stolen, but unfortunately, it can happen.
The best way to protect your ride is by being proactive and taking the necessary steps beforehand. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Invest in anti-theft devices such as a GPS tracker or lock system.
- Park your bike in a secure area with good lighting.
- Be aware of any suspicious activity around your bike.
- Engrave the motorcycle VIN number onto parts so they’re harder to sell off.
- Don’t forget about comprehensive insurance coverage.
No matter what precautions you take, theft can still occur. By following these steps, however, you’ll be better prepared in case your bike is ever stolen. Remember to stay positive and keep searching until you find something related to your missing ride. With the right preventative measures, you can help protect your motorcycle from theft.