{"id":4093,"date":"2021-04-07T20:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-08T03:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/?p=4093"},"modified":"2021-04-09T13:07:59","modified_gmt":"2021-04-09T20:07:59","slug":"motorcycle-safety-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/motorcycle-insurance\/motorcycle-safety-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy the Open Road: Ride Your Motorcycle Safely This Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thinking of hopping on your motorcycle and heading out across the Pacific Northwest or maybe cross country? Did you know great insurance coverage is the best way to ensure you ride your bike safely this spring?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few things to consider before you ride off on your spring adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crashes: Know the Risks So You Can Ride Your Bike Safely This Spring<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Crashing is the biggest road risk all drivers face. On the road, every driver is exposed to risks and hazards that can lead to a minor or severe crash with little to no warning. Motorcycle riders are doubly exposed because bikes don\u2019t shield the physical body from injury the same way a car, truck, or SUV does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at some of the types of crashes motorcyclists face<\/a> when they\u2019re on the road. Knowing what you may be up against will help you ride your bike safely this spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cGet Off\u201d Crash<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The name says it all: A motorcyclist crashes and is physically able to \u201cget off\u201d of his or her bike, walking away with little to no injuries. No motorcycle rider wants to wreck their motorcycle. But if you find yourself in a crash, this is the kind you want for your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLow Side\u201d Crashes<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLow side\u201d crashes aren\u2019t too dangerous. They typically happen when you turn and the front wheel loses traction, causing the bike to fall and slide on its \u201clow side.\u201d If you\u2019re lucky, this type of crash will wind up being a \u201cget off\u201d crash where you walk away with a \u201croad rash\u201d (minor skin injuries or abrasions) at most if you\u2019re not wearing protective safety gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHigh Side\u201d Crashes<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the previous two crash types, \u201chigh side\u201d crashes are very dangerous. They usually happen when a motorcycle\u2019s rear tire loses traction while traveling at a high rate of speed. This causes the motorcycle to skid before suddenly regaining traction, flipping the rider off of the bike and over the handlebars \u2014 or the bike\u2019s \u201chigh side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLay It Down to Save It\u201d: The Best Way to Avoid Crashing<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A surefire way to ride your bike safely this spring is always making sure you have enough time to brake and avoid a crash, or what\u2019s called \u201clay it down to save it.\u201d Driving with a high degree of caution can be difficult to do when you\u2019re taking in the views along Washington\u2019s Palouse Scenic Byway or Snoqualmie Pass, riding along Idaho\u2019s Teton Scenic Byway, or cruising down Oregon\u2019s Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. Avoiding a crash, though, is always your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Few Things You Should Do Before You Venture Off<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gas for your bike, all-weather clothes, and your gear \u2014 it seems like that should do it. Before venturing off, there are a few other things you should take into consideration, like making sure you\u2019ve got the best insurance coverage for your motorcycle<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the Insurance Coverage You Need<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A motorcycle insurance policy can give you peace of mind while you\u2019re on the road, offering coverage that suits your bike, your lifestyle, and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most states require a minimum amount of liability insurance for motorcycles, while other types are optional. Check with your agent to determine the coverage needed in your state and what\u2019s optional. You might also want to ask if you\u2019ll need additional coverage ahead of your spring road trip. This will ensure you can ride your bike safely this spring, as well as legally, across state lines with the essential coverage you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collision coverage, for example, insures any damages to your motorcycle if you\u2019re involved in an accident. After paying your deductible, your insurance company will pay for the remaining repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liability insurance doesn\u2019t cover you or your bike. Instead, this type of insurance covers what you\u2019re responsible for during a motorcycle accident, like bodily injuries sustained by anyone you crash into and any property damage you cause. While liability insurance isn\u2019t commonly required for motorcycle riders<\/a>, having it\u2019s a good idea, especially if you have other assets or a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A comprehensive motorcycle policy typically covers damages caused by anything other than a collision, like vandalism, theft, or fire. You\u2019ll have to pay your deductible, though, before the insurance company steps in and pays what\u2019s left of the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Bring Down Your Insurance Premium<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Extra cash in your pocket\u2019s a great asset to have when you\u2019re off on an adventure. If it\u2019s been a while since you last checked your motorcycle insurance policy<\/a>, you might want to make sure it\u2019s current. If anything\u2019s changed since the last time you checked \u2014 say, your driving record\u2019s improved significantly, you\u2019ve moved to a neighborhood where insurance rates are lower, or you\u2019re parking your bike inside a garage instead of outside \u2014 you could see your premium drop. You might also be eligible for policy discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a couple of ways you can bring your policy premium down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n