Allstate Motorcycle Insurance Review

Allstate has conceded that most motorcycle insurance policies cost the same, but notes, “Dollar for dollar, nobody protects you better.”

What exactly does that mean? Does Allstate offer a particular motorcycle insurance coverage that no other company can or will? Are they referring to claims, the type of medical bills covered, or is there something else Allstate does better than other motorcycle insurance companies?

The Allstate name inspires confidence in many drivers. They’re a large and financially stable corporation with a long history in the insurance industry. However, their average motorcycle insurance policy is virtually identical to those you’d get from competitors.

How Can Drivers Better Understand Motorcycle Policies with Allstate?

Any time you buy an insurance policy, you should know what you’re getting into. One of the best ways to get started is by understanding a few key terms:

Motorcycle Liability: Not any different than auto liability coverage. You can expect bodily injury (BI) and property damage liability. These are meant to cover the other party if you’re at fault in an accident. The bulk of coverage for the insured and their injuries is personal injury protection.

Guest Passenger Liability: This one is different than auto insurance liability. This is coverage for anyone who gets on the motorcycle with you. Guest Passenger Liability IS NOT UNIQUE TO ALLSTATE.

If they are injured in an accident of any kind on your motorcycle, their injuries would be covered up to the policy limits. Some states offer this coverage separately from the regular BI liability, while other states allow you to simply pay additional insurance premium to have the BI liability extend to passengers on your bike.

Physical Damage Coverage: This is the coverage for your bike. You will be able to choose comprehensive and collision coverage (find out the difference between the two). This part of motorcycle coverage is generally one of the most affordable parts.

Uninsured Motorist / Underinsured Motorist: This covers you against bodily injury and property damage that results from someone else’s negligence. A staggering 16% admit to driving with no insurance.

The “Extras” Allstate Motorcycle Insurance Offers

Premium Protection: Essentially, this is accident forgiveness. You can pay additional premium upfront to save yourself from paying additional premium if you get into an accident. We aren’t a huge fan of this coverage as it’s simply “insurance” for your insurance.

Customization Coverage (Up to $30,000): If you own a bike already, this coverage needs no explanation. Basic motorcycle physical damage coverage excludes reimbursement for customized additions to your ride.

Towing & Labor: If your bike breaks down, they’ll send you a tow truck. Read more about regular roadside assistance insurance coverage, which may exclude coverage for bikes (but may be offered for additional premium.

Balance Due Protection: This is gap coverage for your bike. They’ll pay the difference between your bike’s actual cash value and what you owe on your loan or lease.

Replacement Ride Coverage: This coverage would reimburse you for the cost of renting a motorcycle while yours is being repaired. This coverage usually only kicks in if your bike is being repaired as a result of a covered collision or comprehensive claim.

Allstate Motorcycle Insurance Discounts

Multiple Motorcycle (35%) – not much to explain here. Two might be better than one.

Multiple Policy (30%) – Any other Allstate policy counts.

Good Rider Discount (10%) – 60 months with no at-fault accidents and nothing more than a “minor” violation.

Transfer Discount (10%) – if you change to Allstate, they hook you up (basically, this is a “prior” motorcycle insurance coverage discount).

Motorcycle Organization (10%) – American Motorcycle Association, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Gold Wing Touring or Road Riders Association, Harley Owners Group, Honda Riders Club of America, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or Motorcycle Touring Association.

Motorcycle Safety Course (5%) – must be a voluntary course…no court mandated courses!

(Discounts and amounts may vary by state.)

The Final Word

You want to be protected and you likely don’t want to pay through the nose.

Allstate motorcycle insurance coverage can help you get the protection you need, but may not necessarily be the most cost effective policy available to you.

Be sure to consult a local independent insurance agent who can shop your premium with several insurers to ensure you get the most for your money.

Whatever you do, don’t believe a paid television actor who tells you that certain coverage is only available from a certain insurer.

Tip: How much is motorcycle insurance?

(photo: ljphillips34)