Page 8 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – May/June 2022

INSURANCE SERVICES
Got a Motorcycle? Get Covered
Increase in motorcycling sparks need for specialty insurance
The number of U.S. households with motorcycles is growing, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. That means if you own one of the roughly 13 million
motorcycles parked in garages or outside homes across the county, you’ll need to take one more important thing with you on the road to keep you and your prized machine protected: specialty insurance.
“If you prefer to travel on two-wheels, it’s important your insurance coverage is along for the ride,” said John Kubeika, Vice President Insurance at AAA Central Penn. “Specialty insurance through AAA offers peace of mind and protects your property.”
Motorcycles, as well as collector cars and boats, are generally not covered under standard auto or homeowners policies. Specialty policies offer broader coverage and options, specialized claims handling and customer service, and, sometimes, additional discounts for mature riders, completing training courses and memberships in rider associations or clubs.
Here is a quick primer on insurance products for motorcycles and other specialty vehicles:
Motorcycle insurance offers replacement cost coverage and travel loss reimbursement, and might also include coverage for permanently attached accessories, safety apparel and helmets.
Collector vehicle insurance covers antiques, street rods, classics, collector motorcycles, muscle cars, vintage race cars, kit cars, military vehicles, new exotics, tractors, custom cars and fire engines. Restorations in process, harder-to-place autos (such as Cobras), and collector trucks also may be eligible.
Watercraft insurance policies cover various types of boats: powerboat, sport-fisher, sailboat, mid-performance boat, high-performance boat, bass boat, pontoon boat, ski boat, hovercraft, trawler, houseboat, airboat and personal watercraft. Discounts on watercraft insurance policies might be available based on watercraft-ownership experience.
To find out more about motorcycle insurance and other specialty auto and homeowners products, call 1-888-787-7633 to speak with an agent or to make an appointment at your local branch.
Maximize Motorcycle Safety
Motorcyclists are six times more likely to be injured and 27 times more likely to be killed than car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All drivers can share the road safely with the following tips:
For Motorcyclists:
• Before you ride, check tire pressure and tread depth. Make sure brakes, headlights and signal indicators are in working order.
• Always ride with a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• Wear other protective gear, such as motorcycle gloves, jacket and pants.
• Keep your lights on, wear bright colors and use reflective tape, even during the daytime. Position yourself in the lane where drivers can see you.
• Follow traffic laws, always use turn signals, and combine hand signals with turn signals when you can to make your intentions even more clear.
• Never ride impaired – 29 percent of fatally injured riders in 2019 were driving under the influence of alcohol, according to IIHS.
For Drivers:
• Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcyclists before entering or leaving lanes of traffic and at intersections.
• Signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Even when signaling, allow enough time to determine a motorcyclist’s intention before you proceed.
• Increase following distance behind motorcycles and provide enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Call 1-888-787-7633 to speak with an agent or to make an appointment at your local branch.
8 I MAY/JUNE 2022